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Berlin Shifts Solar Strategy to Large Rooftops as Small-System Boom Drains Local Funds

Officials now prioritize high-capacity rooftop projects to close a large gap to the city's 2035 solar goal.

Overview

  • Berlin reports about 53,000 photovoltaic installations totaling roughly 459 MWp, supplying an estimated 5.6% of locally generated electricity.
  • Economics Senator Franziska Giffey says the city must reach about 4,400 MWp by 2035 and will focus on large commercial roofs to add capacity.
  • Berlin’s SolarPlus program approved around 27,000 grants worth €26.5 million since 2022, including about 19,000 for balcony systems with comparatively low output per unit.
  • Gelsenkirchen says its 2025 municipal PV subsidy fund is fully exhausted, with only applications received by October 6 being processed after more than 440 submissions.
  • According to figures cited by the city, funded systems in Gelsenkirchen exceed 2,000 kWp, total installed capacity stands near 60,000 kWp across over 5,100 systems, and a 2026 program decision remains pending.