German Solar Panel Installations Decline

New solar energy projects in Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa are expected to reduce electricity production costs in Tunisia by approximately 3 million dinars per year. The state energy company reports these projects will also increase electricity production by 7 percent annually. The initiative aims to lower overall energy costs through renewable sources. A solar energy project in Germany has a capacity of 1.1 gigawatts and is projected to produce 3 terawatt-hours of electricity annually. Over 5000 people, 90% from local communities, were employed during its construction. The Federal Association of the Solar Industry reports a decline in the private sector for solar panels on roofs and balcony power plants. The former high jumper Ulrike Nasse-Maifath criticized the treatment of successful East German athletes, stating that they still receive little respect and that the culture of remembrance in sports is focused on West Germany. New installations on residential building roofs dropped by 21 percent, and on commercial buildings by 33 percent. The performance of new balcony power plants was 6 percent lower than the previous year. Only large solar systems on open land experienced a 20 percent increase. This decline is attributed to various factors, including the sale of fuel with old tax rates in many areas.