Effects on the construction industry and construction managers
The expansion of photovoltaics in Germany in recent years has led to a significant increase in installed capacity and the amount of electricity produced. This development has not only helped to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions, but has also had a significant impact on the construction industry and therefore on the activities and requirements of construction managers.
The German economy is benefiting from this upturn, particularly through the creation of new jobs. According to a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, around 240,000 jobs were created in the photovoltaic sector between 2000 and 2016. For the construction industry, this means an increasing demand for qualified specialists, especially construction managers with expertise in the integration of PV systems.
New technologies – new challenges
Site managers face the challenge of expanding their expertise to understand the technical aspects of solar modules, inverters and mounting systems. They need to effectively coordinate the integration of these systems in new build and refurbishment projects. This includes:
- Adaptation of building design: consideration of PV systems in early design stages, including structural calculations and planning of cable runs.
- Extended project management: Coordination of additional trades and specific requirements of PV installations.
- Quality assurance and acceptance: Checking the correct installation and functionality of PV systems.
Continuous training is essential to meet these new requirements. Many construction companies, including 3XPERTS, are planning to integrate specialized training on topics such as the basics of photovoltaic technology, legal frameworks and safety aspects of installation.
Growing consumer interest in efficient photovoltaics in construction projects
The falling cost of solar power, due to technological advances and economies of scale, is making PV systems affordable for a greater number of consumers. This leads to an increasing demand for the integration of photovoltaics in construction projects, which in turn opens up new business opportunities for the construction industry:
- Specialization in energy-efficient and sustainable construction
- Development of innovative solutions for the integration of PV in building envelopes
- Opening up new market segments such as solar façades or agri-PV systems
Despite the reduction in state subsidies for photovoltaics, this technology is expected to continue to play an important role in Germany’s energy supply. The government has already announced measures to promote expansion, such as the introduction of tenders for solar projects and the promotion of PV systems on buildings.
Looking to the future and Germany’s goal of achieving a CO2-neutral economy by 2050, the expansion of photovoltaics will play a key role. For construction managers and the construction industry as a whole, this means that the integration of PV systems in both commercial and private construction projects will continue to gain in importance. Adapting to this development and the professional use of new technologies as well as their professional implementation in construction projects will be decisive for success in the changing construction industry.