The lower house of the German parliament has passed a legislative package aimed at promoting solar energy through a wide range of measures.
The package was passed by the Bundestag on Friday and now goes to the state-based upper house, the Bundesrat.
Julia Verlinden, parliamentary leader for the Greens, one of three parties in the ruling coalition, described the measures as a "booster" for renewables. They include easing restrictions on solar panels designed for installation on balconies.
A measure to promote German-produced solar technology was blocked by the liberal FDP, the third party in the coalition. The aim was to undercut considerably cheaper solar modules imported from China.
Nina Scheer, a member of the Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats (SPD), the largest coalition partner, said she regretted that this measure had not been included. Germany should not be dependent on China, she said.
The German government is aiming for 80% of electricity to be generated by renewables by 2030, by contrast with the current figure of more than 50%. The country has shut down its nuclear power station fleet and coal is rapidly being phased out.
