Anyone who wants to have a solar system installed on the roof currently has to have a lot of patience. Nevertheless, the demand for a solar obligation for older buildings has recently made the rounds. An industry representative is skeptical.
Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) – The solar obligation demanded by the Green Party for older buildings is currently met with skepticism in the industry. “Basically it’s correct. But we don’t have to have the discussion at the moment and in the next five years if there isn’t a serious change in the order situation,” said the managing director of the Solar Cluster Baden-Württemberg, Franz Pöter, to the German press Agency. He estimates that by 2035 80 percent of the roofs will have to be renovated anyway and therefore have to be equipped with solar systems. In addition, the current energy prices are the best advertising.
Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann recently insisted at the Green Party Congress that solar power should also be mandatory for older buildings by 2035. It already applies to new buildings, but from 2023 new photovoltaic systems (PV systems) must also be installed on completely renovated roofs. The CDU reacted negatively to the proposal. On Wednesday, the solar industry in the southwest is coming together for an industry day in Stuttgart and wants to discuss how the expansion can be accelerated. The Environment Ministry is also involved in the event.
Pöter said that anyone who used to order a PV system for the roof of their house had to expect a delivery time of four weeks. Today it is more like six to nine months. Demand has increased significantly – on the one hand due to the new government policy on traffic lights, on the other hand driven by the high energy prices. Companies in particular have often been in touch at the moment and inquired about quick alternatives.
At the same time, however, there are still delivery problems with some parts, such as inverters. The biggest bottleneck, however, is finding enough craftsmen for the assembly. “Sometimes solar was wanted, sometimes not – that led to a great deal of uncertainty.” Some electricians burned their fingers and then withdrew from the area. However, many companies are currently building up staff again. Demand is high and forecasts say it will continue. In addition, almost all parties are polarized for expansion.
In order to be able to advance this more quickly, a training offensive is needed, among other things. In addition, approval processes for solar systems would have to be prioritized and simplified. And with the support of the state, own photovoltaic production in Baden-Württemberg is also conceivable, said Pöter. There is currently still a large dependence on the Asian market.
