Photovoltaik: Wo viel Licht ist, ist auch viel Schatten
This article demonstrates that the feed-in tariffs currently guaranteed for photovoltaics constitute a subsidization regime that, if prolonged until 2020, threatens to reach a level comparable to that of German hard coal production. Yet, as a consequence of the coexistence of the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), the increased use of renewable energy technologies such as photovoltaics triggers no additional emissions reductions beyond those already achieved by ETS alone. Similarly disappointing is the net employment balance, which is likely to be negative if one takes account of the opportunity cost of the photovoltaics support. In line with the International Energy Agency, we therefore recommend the immediate and drastic reduction of the magnitude of the feed-in tariffs granted for photovoltaics. Ultimately, producing electricity on this basis is among the most expensive greenhouse gas abatement options.
Frondel, M., N. Ritter and C. Schmidt (2008), Photovoltaik: Wo viel Licht ist, ist auch viel Schatten. List Forum für Wirtschafts- und Finanzpolitik, 34, 1, 28-44
DOI: 10.1007/BF03373283