I am firmly convinced that one day in the not-too-distant future, "everyone" will benefit from solar power and its diverse, more cost-effective applications in the areas of electricity, heat and mobility. Then the current skirmishes in politics and legislation, which have actually been superfluous for years, will hopefully be a thing of the past.
Three reasons for the success of photovoltaics
Why? Firstly, solar power is becoming more cost-effective, and is already well below five cents per kilowatt hour for large-scale ground-mounted projects in Germany today - this will convince the economy, and more and more companies will supply themselves directly with solar power.
Secondly, solar power offers municipalities and farmers a new, reliable source of income through the leasing of industrial and farmland. Dual-use strategies, such as simultaneous use as arable land (agriphotovoltaics) or even the creation of new habitats relevant for species protection in the solar park itself, will help overcome any resistance that still exists.
Thirdly: With a view to the formulated hydrogen strategy, the demand for clean electricity will continue to grow - and of course photovoltaics will make a major contribution to this. It can do that here in Germany, and it doesn't have to do it only in faraway countries in Asia or Africa as a source of imported energy.
Fascinating possibilities
What fascinates me? The numerous possibilities of application - from balcony modules to rooftop systems with storage units in private homes, from integrated solar systems in facades and walkways to power plant-scale systems on open spaces on land and water. No other energy technology can be so optimally adapted to local conditions as photovoltaics. Even mobile applications with flexible modules are already commonplace. In addition, there are no mechanical movements when using photovoltaics, and as a result there is only little wear and tear, long module life and no noise emissions.
See also: Start of construction for Europe's largest bifacial solar park
This makes it predestined for installation even close to people. And last but not least, photovoltaics of course always produce at times when we can also do a lot with the electricity - without costly storage: During the day, when commercial and industrial production is going on, or when air-conditioning systems are running at full blast in high summer.
Space requirements are manageable
And what convinces me is that the amount of land needed is and will remain manageable. One per cent of Germany's agricultural land alone would be enough to cover about 25 per cent of the country's current electricity demand - and we also have roofs and residential areas as well as other renewable energies. Photovoltaics will be a key pillar of a purely renewable energy supply - something we at Juwi have been committed to for almost 25 years now. That is my conviction and my vision. (mfo)
Michael Class is Chairman of the Board of Juwi AG.
This concludes our My Vision series. Click here to have a look at the ones you may have missed.
