Solar and wind energy is a fantastic way for countries to produce energy, but there are still some issues that need to be ironed out before they're perfect.
Germany curtailed 1,463 gigawatt-hours of solar power during the first six months of 2026, a volume equivalent to the annual energy needs of more than 136,000 homes. Grid operators halted output to avoid paying buyers during periods of oversupply across Europe, when surplus generation regularly drove wholesale market prices into negative territory.
In contrast, solar plants in other European nations continued operating through negative price episodes, leading to a overall drop in commercial curtailment across the continent despite frequent price slumps in countries such as Spain. Government subsidies and support systems allowed those non-German producers to absorb the financial losses of paying off-takers to accept excess electricity.
Under Germany's recently enacted Solar Peak Act, installations commissioned after Feb. 25, 2025, no longer receive state support during hours with negative market prices. The legislative shift will directly affect upcoming installations, including the 2,000-megawatt Verbund Visiolar development slated to open near Berlin by 2028.
Although solar and wind generation provided 30% of total electricity in the European Union in 2025, recurring operational halts complicate the region's broader transition away from conventional energy. While total European curtailment levels decreased in early 2026, shutdowns remain prevalent in nations with strict policy rules like Germany.
Cross-border energy sharing presents one strategy to mitigate curtailment, as seen in a Vatican City initiative aimed at supplying local needs while delivering excess power to Italy. Nevertheless, energy analysts emphasize that scaling up battery storage systems is the main path to absorb surplus electricity, eliminate negative pricing, and stabilize supplies during variable weather conditions.
Originally reported by yahoo.com on Sep 15, 2026.
