Solar photovoltaics have contributed significantly to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in Germany, with figures increasing almost annually in the last twenty years. This is a crucial part of reaching emission reduction targets to combat global warming. As of 2022, around 41.7 thousand tons of CO₂ emissions were avoided due to using solar PV for electricity generation. Germany recorded an increasing number of solar photovoltaic plants in the last decade, with around 2.65 million operating in 2022.
Investments in solar PV plants have fluctuated in Germany, though an increase has once again been recorded in recent years. In 2022, around 7.72 billion euros were invested in solar energy systems. The rapid growth occurring in the German solar photovoltaic industry and future demand for solar energy, both on an industrial and household level, also increases the necessity of manufacturing. Currently, Germany relies heavily on solar PV imports, with the absolute majority of these coming from China. The Netherlands was Germany's leading European import partner, second after China.
