In the lead-up to The Smarter E Europe , a convention which will take place in mid-June, 2019, in Munich, the industry association BSW Solar has declared a record-breaking high for business . At the end of every quarter, companies in the photovoltaic industry provide information on their current state of business and expectations for the next six months for the GKI PV index. During the first quarter of 2019, GKI PV achieved its highest figures since its creation in 2005. According to BSW Solar, one impetus for these optimistic figures is the trend toward private solar facilities: A representative survey by the association indicates that every other homeowner would like to generate their own solar power from roof panels, and that every fourth homeowner wants their own electronic charging station.

According to VDMA, the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, solar-equipment manufacturers have also noticed positive development. The field of photovoltaic mechanical engineering in Germany recorded an increase in sales of 8% in the fourth quarter of 2018. The largest share of the sales by far came from East Asia (81%), especially China (57%). Germany was the second runner-up, with 8%, and the United States followed with 7%. For photovoltaic mechanical engineering in Germany, the strongest sales segment was cell construction – more than half of all sales – in the fourth quarter of 2018. The area of production equipment for thin-film photovoltaics followed, with 30%. The export ratio of German photovoltaic equipment suppliers reached a record level of 91% between October and December.