A leading German energy politician has cautioned that ending feed-in tariffs for new solar installations could significantly hinder the expansion of solar power capacity. Michael Kellner, energy policy spokesperson for the Green parliamentary group, stated that removing the financial incentive would stifle growth in the sector, particularly as private investment has been crucial to Germany’s energy transition in recent years.
Kellner, a former Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, highlighted the benefits of rooftop solar installations, pointing out that they present fewer land-use conflicts compared to larger ground-mounted photovoltaic farms. He argued that utilizing existing infrastructure, such as rooftops, is a more sustainable approach than dedicating agricultural land or sealing further areas for energy production.
The warning comes as Germany currently lags behind its renewable energy expansion targets. As of this year, 8.9 gigawatts of new wind and solar capacity have been added, falling short of the government’s annual goal of 18 gigawatts. Targets increase to 22 gigawatts annually from 2026. The wind power sector is also significantly behind schedule, having achieved only 30 percent of its 2.4 gigawatt target for 2025.
The debate over the future of feed-in tariffs is taking place against the backdrop of a broader discussion about the ongoing energy transition and how best to achieve Germany’s ambitious climate goals. Federal Economics Minister Katharina Reiche has indicated that the continuation of current subsidy models is under review.