Solar Power International: German Solar Demand Grows by 300 Percent in 2010

BERLIN, October 11, 2010 - Photovoltaic system installations in the first eight months of
2010 surpassed 4.8 GWp. With demand over 300 percent higher than the same
period last year, Germany accounts for approximately half of all photovoltaic
(PV) systems installed worldwide in 2010. Several of the world's largest
photovoltaic companies have further invested in Germany this year to meet
high demand. Recent estimates predict that installations in Germany will
approach an unforeseen 9.5 GWp in 2011, according to iSuppli. Germany Trade &
Invest will have representatives at this year's Solar Power International 10
from October 12-14 in Los Angeles, California, to share investment
opportunities in the world's largest PV market.

With 4.8 GWp installed capacity through August, Germany has
surpassed the 3.8 GWp installed in all of 2009. As global demand is projected
to continue growing, Germany further consolidates its position as the largest
PV market and a highly attractive location for businesses to meet local and
European demand.

Increased demand in the rooftop segment corresponds with
installations by private users who overwhelmingly prefer high-quality
systems. At the same time, there is growing demand for energy storage systems
and smart grid applications that fully utilize the own consumption bonus of
Germany's Renewable Energies Act (EEG). By 2013 energy from PV sources is
expected to be competitive with conventional energy sources in the private
consumer electricity market.

Companies that manufacture PV systems and components in
Germany not only have easy access to a large and growing market, they also
benefit from a competitive advantage through a local brand presence and
reputation for high quality products. Germany boasts a well established
industrial infrastructure, large equipment supplier base, and qualified and
experienced workforce. The country's PV industry also features the highest
density of R&D institutes in the industry.

Feed-in Tariffs Support High Quality Systems

Amendments to the photovoltaic feed-in tariffs of the EEG were
passed this summer with the final adjustments taking effect on October 1. The
changes mark a further shift towards the rooftop segment by abandoning field
installations on cropland and increasing the attractiveness of the own
consumption bonus for small and medium-scale rooftop installations. This
bonus is paid to rooftop installation owners of systems smaller than 500 kWp
who intend to use the energy they generate.

Germany's EEG, established ten years ago, requires power
companies to buy renewable energy from system owners at the corresponding
feed-in tariff rate for 20 years, guaranteeing an inviting payback time and
high returns. Current feed-in tariffs in Germany are attractive, with rates
ranging from 24.26 - 33.03 EURc/kWh for installations connected during the
remainder of 2010.

Germany Trade & Invest representatives will be on hand at the
German Pavilion, South Hall, booth 3019 at this year's Solar Power
International 10 in Los Angeles.

Germany Trade & Invest is the foreign trade and inward
investment promotion agency of the Federal Republic of Germany. The
organization advises foreign companies looking to expand their business
activities in the German market. It provides information on foreign trade to
German companies that seek to enter foreign markets.

    Germany Trade & Invest

    Robert Scheid
    Email: robert.scheid@gtai.com
    T: +49(0)30-200099-170
    F: +49(0)30-200099-111

Germany Trade & Invest: Robert Scheid, Email: robert.scheid at gtai.com , T: +49(0)30-200099-170, F: +49(0)30-200099-111.