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Business models of energy cooperatives active in the PV sector—A statistical analysis for Germany

Author

Listed:
  • August Wierling

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Jan Pedro Zeiss

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Constantin von Beck

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

  • Valeria Jana Schwanitz

    (Western Norway University of Applied Sciences)

Abstract

Energy markets have opened up to new actors and business models. We perform an empirical investigation of energy cooperatives (EC) investing in the photo-voltaic (PV) market. Deploying a unique database for Germany with 584 EC covering two decades of activities, we provide statistical evidence on their businesses, members and customer segments, production units, and financial status. The analysis yields that German EC active in the PV sector have invested about one billion EUR, managing more than 4400 PV installations with an aggregate capacity of roughly 700 MWp. Nine different business models currently prevail. The latest developments show that EC are adapting to changing market conditions, expanding their activities, and searching for new investment and business opportunities.

Suggested Citation

  • August Wierling & Jan Pedro Zeiss & Constantin von Beck & Valeria Jana Schwanitz, 2022. "Business models of energy cooperatives active in the PV sector—A statistical analysis for Germany," Post-Print hal-05125314, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05125314
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pstr.0000029
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://uca.hal.science/hal-05125314v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. August Wierling & Jan Pedro Zeiss & Veronica Lupi & Chiara Candelise & Alessandro Sciullo & Valeria Jana Schwanitz, 2021. "The Contribution of Energy Communities to the Upscaling of Photovoltaics in Germany and Italy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-16, April.
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    1. Lukas Mueller & Timothy Peter Marcroft & Constantin von Beck & Jan Pedro Zeiss & Valeria Jana Schwanitz & August Wierling & Lars Holstenkamp, 2024. "“First come, first served" or “the more, the merrier"? Organizational dynamics of citizen-led solar initiatives and the presence of photovoltaic installations in Germany," Post-Print hal-05123966, HAL.

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