Germany hit a new world record in solar power last weekend reaching 50% of electricity supply, according to a Reuters reports.
On Friday and Saturday, the country achieved 22 GW of solar energy per hour, which is equivalent to 20 nuclear plants.
Germany now has a total of 26 GW of solar capacity after installing 7.5 GW last year and a further 1.8 GW in the first quarter of this year.
The country now receives some 4% of electricity from solar power, contributing to the 20% or so that comes from all renewable sources combined.
But to become the nation with the most solar capacity, Germany has is spending around $260 billion – or 8% of its GDP – to transforms its energy infrastructure, installing new transmission lines and modernising power stations to incorporate more renewable energy.
Related stories:
Solar power closer to competitiveness than realised, says report (23-May)
European solar power installations soar in 2011 (14-May)
Greece makes start on becoming Europe’s solar ‘powerhouse’ (20-Apr)
Article source: http://www.energyefficiencynews.com/i/5149/
