According to the latest research conducted by Germany Trade & Invest (GT&I), Germany’s solar photovoltaic industry now employs more than 100,000 ‘green’ workers, which is more than steel production in the US. GT&I estimate that the industry is set to continue to grow, as industry prices begin to fall and demand increases.

The main requirement for ‘Made in Germany’ components is driven by the country’s domestic solar market, which installed a total of 7.4GWp in 2010. Yet Germany is also a manufacturing platform for other European PV markets, including Italy, where the feed-in tariff adjustments stipulate that installed technology must be ‘Made in Europe’. At present, approximately 75% of European solar cells, modules and other BOS are currently made in Germany.

"Germany continues to confirm its leadership role in renewable energies as the solar photovoltaic market will soon enter the grid parity era. Political support for solar power is unwavering and industry players are already preparing for innovative new business models. Now is an excellent time to invest in Germany," said Thomas Grigoleit, renewable energies expert at Germany Trade & Invest in Berlin.

Germany Trade & Invest will have representatives at Intersolar Europe this week.