Solar thermal outscores PV in German morale index for Q1 2014

May 20, 2014 - Solar thermal systems were more popular among Germans in the first quarter of 2014 than private rooftop photovoltaic (PV) arrays, according to the SolarContact morale index, published on Thursday.

The index, prepared by the German Order Agency (DAA), measures the interest among consumers in private PV systems and gives wholesalers an idea of the possible order situation in the following months.

Demand for both PV and solar thermal energy declined in April. For thermal installations interest fell to 109 index points, while demand for PV systems fell to 90 points, the SolarContact index showed. For comparison, they both scored 130 points in January.

Solar thermal installations in the first three months of the year increased by 9% year-on-year, according to figures by German solar industry association BSW-Solar. The DAA expects this trend to continue and sees a further expansion for solar thermal installations in the following months.

As part of the reform in Germany's Renewable Energy Act (EEG), solar power produced for own consumption will be charged under the EEG-levy as of August 2014.

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