SOLAR 2013 to Focus on German Policy Innovations Responsible for World Leadership in Solar
What can the US learn from Germany on Solar Energy?
Two veterans of the German renewable energy industry will be answer that question at the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) National Solar Conference in Baltimore, MD, April 16-20. Germany is also moving rapidly towards a renewable energy economy. I mean for years Germany has been the world’s top installer of photovoltaic systems.
Therefore, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) welcomes Jochen Flasbarth. For Jochen is the President of the German Federal Environment Agency. As well, David Wedepohl is the Markets & Communications Director of German Solar Industry Association. They will both be at the annual National Solar Conference, SOLAR 2013. It’s located in Baltimore, April 16-20.
German Solar Energy Policies
ASES will explore the German policies and financial incentives that have led to rapid growth in the country’s renewable energy installations, exceeding the expectations of policy analysts and investors around the world.
Next Day Includes Bill McKibben to Start
On Thursday, April 18, Jochen Flasbarth will join Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org, in a plenary session on Climate & Resiliency. Other speakers include Alice LeBlanc, former head of the Office of Environment and Climate Change at American International Group (AIG). As well, Patricia Hoffman of the Department of Energy. Patricia is part of their Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.
Behind Germany’s rapid development of renewable energy is a goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2020. That goal is also linked to producing 35% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 and 80% by 2050. German goals also include reduction in fossil fuel imports and sustainable economic growth.
Final Day
David Wedepohl will speak on “Building the Solar Industry” on Friday, April 19. He will join a powerhouse panel that includes Rhone Resch, president of the Solar Energy Industries Association; Tony Clifford, CEO of Standard Solar; and Laura Jones, a partner at Hunton & Williams and a leading expert on renewable energy tax incentives.
In addition to his talk, Wedepohl will join a panel discussion focused on adapting successful German energy policies to the U.S. market.
Germany’s solar success stems largely from its Feed-In Tariff (FIT). This long-term contract guarantees solar producers a set income for 20 years—at a rate higher than the retail cost of electricity. Because of this policy, hundreds of thousands of German homeowners and farmers now earn income by producing solar energy.
Moreover, Germany has simplified the process. By cutting red tape and streamlining permits, the country has slashed solar installation costs. In fact, the price of a PV system in Germany is now half what it is in the United States.
The results speak for themselves. Today, Germany’s solar industry employs over 300,000 people, surpassing even its auto sector.
About the American Solar Energy Society
Founded in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) stands as the nation’s leading nonprofit for solar professionals and advocates. The organization works to accelerate the shift to a sustainable energy economy. It also aims to spark energy innovation. All the while they are also expanding the use of clean, renewable technologies.
In addition, ASES also leads major national initiatives. These include the award-winning SOLAR TODAY magazine, the ASES National Solar Tour—the world’s largest grassroots solar event—and the annual ASES National Solar Conference. Each program helps educate the public, support professionals, and build momentum for clean energy.
For more details about ASES or the upcoming SOLAR 2013 conference, visit http://www.ases.org.
