Solar Energy in Germany

For example, there is a small university city called Freiberg in southwest Germany, about 40 miles away from the French and Swiss borders.

As you pull into the train station, you are greeted by an enormous solar panel.

The city is also home to the first European hotel to run completely on alternative energy sources. Even the soccer stadium is solar powered.

It is known locally as 'Solar Valley'.

Yet, this is not something that is confined to Freiberg. The country's solar industry has exploded.

But it's not the threat of power shortages or climbing fuel bills, but economic incentives that kick-started the solar revolution in Germany.

Due to the Renewable Energy Act, Germans can enjoy a staggering 43 cents for each kWh (kilowatt per hour) of solar power generated.

Another program, initiated by the German government is also rapidly growing. The '100,000 roofs' initiative helps consumers get low-interest credits to finance solar panels for their properties. As the program grew, the government hoped by 2003, to have more than 100,000 private homes with solar photovoltaic systems.

The initiative started slowly, but not due to any lack of interest.

"More than 10,000 customers already registered before the start of the initiative. The government was completely overwhelmed by this response and had to stop the initiative for about three months," said explained Uwe Hartmann, vice president of the German section of the International Solar Energy Society.

"Solar is hip in Germany. People are not just in it to save money, they really believe in alternative energies with their hearts and are willing to jump in head first", says Rian van Staden, executive director of the International Solar Energy Society.

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