International lobbying support
- Ground-mounted PV-system in Paunovo/Bulgaria. Source: IBC
Political consulting is particularly important on an international level, especially for EU Member States. The ambitious EU target of increasing renewable energy usage to 20 Percent of total EU energy consumption by 2020 holds great promise for solar energy. However, the setting of targets is not sufficient - swift action to achieve the targets is now urgently required. The member states must adopt appropriate policy frameworks as soon as possible in order to achieve the target and to pave the way for a truly sustainable energy future.
Therefore, BSW-Solar co-operates closely with other associations and bodies on a European level. BSW-Solar is a member of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), which represents the PV industry in EU institutions. BSW-Solar is a founding member of the PV Cycle association, which is developing a voluntary take back and recycling programme for end-of-life (PV) modules. In addition, BSW-Solar co-operates closely with many other national PV industry associations in different countries. There are many new PV markets emerging and associations benefit from exchanging best practice approaches and experiences, especially with regard to lobbying activities.
In order to represent the interests of the German Solar Thermal Industry in Europe, BSW-Solar is a proud member of ESTIF, the European Solar Thermal Industry Federation and holds a seat on the advisory council of ESTIF.
The international activities guarantee that BSW-Solar is perfectly linked with influential stakeholders on an international level and has become a sought-after partner. BSW-Solar is actively involved in multinational networks and technology platforms such as the European Solar Thermal Technology Platform (ESTTP) and the European Photovoltaic Technology Platform (EU PVTP).
Developing new solar markets
BSW-Solar offers to share its expertise and experience in developing and expanding solar markets. We talk to decision-makers and mediators from all over the world in order to support the creation of supportive policy frameworks. To increase the global use of solar energy and to enhance its application, BSW-Solar is directly involved in the development of research policies for innovative solar technologies as well as the development of policy measures that offer a true alternative to fossil and nuclear fuels.
Solar energy has become a global business - in a global market, the challenges we face in Germany are most likely to be present in other countries as well. BSW-Solar therefore aims to strengthen international co-operation. Communication and political consultation is the most important approach here and we put a lot of effort into connecting with the relevant stakeholders. Since Germany has a large share in both the global photovoltaic market and the solar thermal market, the experience of the German industry is highly respected all over the world. German companies are among the most innovative enterprises in the field and numerous lessons learned in Germany prove to provide valuable insights for the definition of solar policies in many other countries. The German solar industry is happy to share this expertise and BSW-Solar is actively committed to making this knowledge transfer happen.
Creating a network of national associations
To achieve the objective of creating new markets, the BSW-Solar is fostering the cooperation among and creation of different national solar industry associations - in Europe and worldwide. Especially new associations can benefit from such a network as it allows for the exchange of best-practices approaches. Germany invested a lot in developing solar technology and building up an industry, we are happy to share our expertise with other interested parties worldwide.
