Why Is Germany 1 In Solar Energy

Global solar electricity production represents only 0.5% of world generation, but look at this impressive growth:

GLOBAL SOLAR PRODUCTION IN TWH (2003-2012)

All figures are in terrawatthours (TWh). The grey on top is the rest of the world.

GERITASPAJAPCHNUSAFRAAUSCZEBELROW

201220ROW4060802003200420052006200720082009201020112012Created with DatawrapperSource: BP Get the

Without question, Germany has been the top country:

A world solar insolation map:

As the data above reinforces, I can only wonder why those sub-optimal countries are so progressive, for I've traveled throughout Germany a dozen times, and there is not that much sunlight, mediocre wind regimes and a biomass supply that is mostly protected. Embarrasing, but in terms of total solar power capacity in MW per million people, the USA is way down there in position #20. Our solar incentives are undependable:

Japan, because of desperation is, perhaps, too haphazardly jumping into solar. Like Germany, the country is not well-endowed with the renewables, and I've always felt that the ocean was their only hope. Keep an eye on Bulgaria.

Why is Germany #1? According to Jennifer Runyon of RENEWABLE ENERGY WORLD, Germany:

* thinks huge
* takes advantage of knowledge transfer
* has made peace with industry allies
* keeps eyes on the horizon
* has gone over the top
* but takes the road less traveled
* and has well considered unintended consequences.

The key question is how has Germany maintained a solid economic course while incorporating solar:

* driven by citizens and communities
* creates new jobs
* keeps industrial base fit for a greener future
* regulation and open markets provide investment certainty and allow small business to compete with large corporations
* fighting climate change and phasing out nuclear power can be two sides of the same coin
* the solar shift also applies to transport and housing sectors
* transition is here to stay
* energy transition is affordable

I might further add that Germany will abandon all nuclear by 2022. Everyone expects the country to adjust this decision, but, so far, still on course.

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Super Typhoon Vongfong went up to 180 MPH, but is now at 165, with gusts to 200 MPH:

Interesting that the predicted eye makes landfall over Miyazaki ("where I will next month stay at the Sheraton Ocean Resort"), then slide over Shikoku, currently projected to fly right over Osaka ("where I will stay at the St. Regis"), then Nagoya ("yes, I'll be at the Westin"), then Tokyo ("again, another Westin"). I guess the good news is that I'm still in Honolulu.

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