Chapter 23, Problem 1CR

To determine

The way Germany’s feed-in tariff has triggered a shift to using renewable energy in that country and also summarize this shift’s story.

Answer to Problem 1CR

Germany’s feed-in tariff system allowed the various communities that produce electricity from renewable energy systems to sell the electricity to major power companies. The German government has promoted the construction of wind farms. Moreover, rooftop solar collectors played an important role in the increase in solar energy production since 1990.

Explanation of Solution

Germany’s feed-in tariff has triggered a shift to use renewable energy. This shift occurred because the government has allowed the various communities that produce electricity from renewable energy systems to sell the produced electricity to major power companies. This feed-in tariff system ensures that the homeowners, communities, and businesses will make a profit and not lose any money.

Germany generated approximately 28 per cent of the electricity using renewable energy resources, such as solar energy. Since 2000, the shift to renewable resources has benefited the environment as well as German industries that are involved in renewable energy production.

Germany’s feed-in tariff system played an important role in this shift. Moreover, the government has promoted the construction of wind farms. Rooftop solar collectors also played an important role in the increase in solar energy production since 1990. Even in dropped economic conditions, the production of wind and solar energy was growing in Germany. Germany’s example indicates that the improvements in the economy and environmental quality improvements are closely associated.