24 February, Gelsenkirchen – A new report by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems has calculated that solar energy will be cheaper than coal or gas in southern and central EU members by 2025.
At present, large solar plants in Germany produce power for around 9 cents (EUR) per kilowatt hour, compared to between 5 and 10 cents for new coal and gas powered plants, and 11 cents for Nuclear. By 2025, solar energy is expected to have dropped to between 4 and 6 cents, with a further reduction of 2 cents per kilowatt hour by 2050.
The report warns, however, that such a reduction will only be possible with stable regulation and political support. So far, energy plans have not given solar energy only a marginal role, as it has been regarded as expensive. The report suggests that policy-makers should reconsider its role in future energy plans.
Click to see the Press Release or to download the full report, ‘Current and Future Cost of Photovoltaics.’