By Sept 27, solar output had already reached 90.2 terawatt-hours, surpassing the 90 terawatt-hours generated during the whole of 2025, according to the German Solar Association (BSW-Solar), based in Berlin.
An unusually high number of sunshine hours and the continued expansion of photovoltaic capacity contributed to the figures, the association said, citing a generation update released by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE on Saturday.
By contrast, 20 years ago, solar power generated just 2.2 terawatt-hours over an entire year.
The approaching record marks a milestone in Germany’s energy transition, said Carsten Kornig, managing director of BSW-Solar.
“Photovoltaics has developed from a niche technology into a cornerstone of our electricity supply,” Kornig said.
“Society as a whole benefits from this: through cheaper electricity, fewer energy imports and significantly lower climate-related damage.”
An electricity output of 100 terawatt-hours represents an enormous amount of energy. One terawatt-hour is equivalent to one billion kilowatt-hours.
For comparison, Hamburg consumed 10.7 terawatt-hours of electricity last year.
Households in Germany typically consume between 2,000 and 4,000 kilowatt-hours a year.
According to Germany’s Federal Statistical Office, 59.1% of all electricity generated domestically in the first half of 2026 came from renewable sources
Photovoltaics accounted for 17.8% of total domestic electricity generation, making it the country’s third-largest electricity source, behind wind power, the leading source, and coal.
Stay current – Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram
Subscribe to our newsletter and get news delivered to your mailbox.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy.
Copyright © 2009 – 2026 FMT Media Sdn Bhd (1235453-U) All Rights Reserved.

source