Berlin’s requirement for photovoltaic (PV) systems on new buildings and major roof renovations has sharply accelerated solar deployment across the city. The number of installed systems has more than tripled since 2023, yet further progress is needed to achieve the target of 25% solar-powered electricity by 2035.

According to the latest Solar Energy Act implementation report, presented by Economic Affairs Senator Franziska Giffey, Berlin now hosts around 53,000 PV systems with a combined capacity of 459 MW. These installations currently supply an estimated 5.6% of the city’s electricity demand.

The Solar City Master Plan sets a long-term goal of 4,400 MW of installed capacity by 2035, equivalent to a 25% solar share in Berlin’s electricity mix. The city’s installation mandate—introduced in early 2023—has proven to be a key driver of this growth. Under the rule, all new and renovated roofs must include photovoltaic systems.

When the regulation took effect, Berlin had roughly 15,000 PV systems totaling 194 MW. By the end of 2023, this figure rose to 26,000 systems (284 MW), and by the end of last year, it reached 42,000 systems (381 MW). So far this year, an additional 11,800 systems totaling 78 MW have been installed.

The report also detailed requests for exemptions from the solar obligation. Since 2023, the Senate Department has received 315 applications, approving 92, rejecting or withdrawing 152, and leaving 71 under review.

“The sharp increase in numbers shows that Berliners are catching on, and more and more companies are recognizing the benefits of solar power,” said Franziska Giffey. “By 2035, in just over 10 years, we want to generate 25% of Berlin’s electricity from sunlight. To achieve this, we must install large, high-performance systems on roofs.”

Giffey noted that businesses represent the city’s greatest untapped potential for solar deployment. The Senate’s upcoming information campaign will increasingly target companies, supported by the SolarPlus subsidy program, which will receive €10 million ($11.6 million) annually under the 2026–27 budget.

The SolarPlus program currently consists of five funding modules, covering expert assessments, power storage, monitoring systems, special projects, and balcony PV systems. Since its launch in September 2022, the program has approved around 27,000 applications worth €26.5 million, with another 5,000 applications (€10 million) still under review by Investitionsbank Berlin.

Giffey added that the program will be further expanded to ensure Berlin maintains its leading role in urban solar development.