Hamm Leads Ruhr Region's PV Expansion with Record 100,982 kWp in 2024
Hamm, a city in Germany's Ruhr region, has emerged as a leader in the country's photovoltaic (PV) expansion. In 2024, it boasted the largest installed PV capacity in the Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR) region, reaching 100,982 kilowatt-peak (kWp). This success was driven by a record-breaking year for the Ruhr region, which saw an additional 428 megawatts (MW) of PV capacity installed, a 13% increase from the previous year.
Hamm's achievement is particularly notable given its ranking as the second city in the Ruhr region for PV growth. The city installed 1,017 new balcony PV systems in 2024, contributing to the overall increase of rooftop solar systems in the RVR region by 22,000 to 118,000. This surge in installations has led to a total capacity of over 1,800 MW across the region.
Hamm's success can be attributed to its collaborative approach with citizens and Hamm Stadtwerke, the local utility company. This partnership has facilitated the installation of 28,950 kWp of new PV capacity in the city, placing it second in the Ruhr region for newly installed capacity. The number of plug-and-play solar systems in the RVR region also skyrocketed, increasing by 127% to 40,000 in 2024.
Hamm's leadership in the Ruhr region's PV expansion demonstrates the city's commitment to the energy transition. By fostering collaboration and embracing innovative technologies like balcony PV systems and plug-and-play solar, Hamm has not only increased its PV capacity but also contributed significantly to the region's renewable energy goals.
