For the first time, photovoltaic energy in Germany has surpassed lignite and natural gas in electricity generation, though it is not yet the leading source.
According to the Federal Association of the Solar Industry (BSW) in Berlin, solar power’s share of total electricity consumption rose from 14% in 2024 to about 18% in 2025, overtaking lignite (14%) and natural gas (16%).
More than 5.5 million installed photovoltaic systems generated around 87 terawatt-hours of electricity last year, 15 terawatt-hours more than in 2024, setting a new record. The figures are based on data from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems.
Wind power remains the most important source of electricity, accounting for 27% of total production. Fraunhofer reported that renewable energy’s share of net public electricity generation stood at 55.9% in 2025, the same as the previous year.
Sources – Agencies
