European solar energy sector's future has been debated with the Commission.

In a significant development, 15 companies operating in the solar industry in the regions of Paderborn and Höxter have voiced their concerns over the proposed abolition of the feed-in remuneration for new private solar installations. This proposal, put forth by the Federal Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche (CDU), has raised alarm bells among these companies, who fear it could be detrimental to the energy transition, climate protection, and the solar industry in the region.

The companies, including Westfalenwind and the insolvent Pader Solartechnik based in Lichtenau, argue that the subsidy has played a crucial role in the expansion of solar power in their regions. They contend that its abolition would be counterproductive in terms of climate policy and the economy, as it could make Germany's electricity mix more expensive.

The current feed-in remuneration of 7.82 cents per kilowatt hour is below the generation costs of modern gas power plants and gas turbines. This means that every kilowatt hour of cheaper and cleaner PV power that does not go into the grid increases overall generation costs.

The companies are particularly concerned about a proposal by an unnamed individual, which they describe as a disastrous signal for the energy transition and climate protection. They argue that the subsidy had made the expansion of solar power possible and its removal could lead to more companies filing for insolvency, as some previously successful ones have already done.

Despite favourable prices, these companies are experiencing a strongly waning demand in the market. The successful expansion of solar power in the circles of Paderborn and Höxter has been significant, with solar power providing around 12% and over 27% of electricity production respectively.

In a letter published on the Westfaleunsere website, these companies urge CDU Bundestag members Carsten Linnemann (Paderborn) and Christian Haase (Höxter) to advocate for a faster switch from analog to digital electricity meters (smart meters). They believe this move could help stabilise the solar industry and continue the positive trajectory of the energy transition in their regions.

The exact names of the ten additional companies that joined the open letter to CDU Bundestag members Linnemann and Haase are not specified in the search results. However, the companies are united in their call for the preservation of the feed-in remuneration for new private solar installations, emphasising its importance for long-term secure framework conditions in the solar industry.