Solar power

The sun is our most important supplier of power and the basis of all life on earth. It theoretically provides more power than we could ever consume, calculated in human dimensions. However, the availability of this energy depends largely on the hours of sunshine and fluctuates greatly depending on the geographical location. Solar power, like wind power, is therefore difficult to calculate and in our latitudes hence only suitable for a continuous supply of power (base load) in combination with other power stations or local storage technologies.

Produce electricity with the sun

Solar energy is converted directly into electric current (direct current) by means of solar cells in photovoltaics. EnBW built the first photovoltaic installation back in 1984. Since 2003 we have been realising rooftop systems and solar parks for municipalities and private investors together with regional partners. With our program "Solar BürgerAktiv" we encourage the financing and construction of photovoltaic installations together with municipalities. In future, EnBW will invest more in profitable systems in southern Germany.

16,000 photovoltaic installations on the EnBW network

The number of photovoltaic installations has increased in leaps and bounds over the past few years. A total of more than 16,000 photovoltaic installations are connected to the EnBW network in Baden-Württemberg. With more being added each day.

Bright prospects thanks to RES

EnBW welcomes the Renewable Energy Sources Act (RES). Firstly, it helps us break away from conventional energy sources such as coal, gas and oil. And secondly: it encourages private individuals to invest in this field. After all, a photovoltaic installation is interesting not only in terms of self-sufficiency but also as a financial investment. An operator of a solar installation receives a fixed compensation for electricity fed into the grid according to the RES – for 20 years by law. The costs of the grid amplification are borne by the local network operator, usually EnBW. Thus, depending on the system an ROI of over 6% is possible.