Photovoltaik & Wind: Wer profitiert wirklich? - Solarstammtisch mit Steven Salecki & Bernd Hirschl

Renewable energies aren't just good for the climate – they can also create real economic opportunities for regions, municipalities, businesses, and citizens. In this episode of the Solar Roundtable, Peter Knuth speaks with Dr. Steven Salecki and Bernd Hirschl from the Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW). Both contributed to the study "Strengthening Regional Value Creation through Renewable Energies." The central question: 👉 How can photovoltaics and wind energy help keep money, jobs, and economic opportunities within the region? The study shows that all regions in Germany have the potential to strengthen their regional economic cycles through the expansion of renewable energies. Rural and structurally weak regions, in particular, can benefit – for example, through business taxes, lease income, municipal participation, community energy projects, new business models, and additional contracts for local tradespeople. ... The discussion will cover topics including: ✅ Why renewable energies can create regional added value ✅ How municipalities benefit from solar and wind projects ✅ The role of business tax, leases, and equity investments ✅ Why small-scale rooftop PV systems remain important ✅ How citizens can be directly involved in energy projects ✅ Why acceptance increases when added value remains local ✅ The opportunities that photovoltaics and wind energy offer for rural areas ✅ Why the regional energy transition is more than just climate protection Particularly interesting: The guests will explain why the energy transition should not only be considered from the perspective of electricity supply, but also as an opportunity for regional development. When local municipalities, citizens, and businesses are involved, the energy transition can generate new revenue streams, greater acceptance, and long-term economic prospects. ✅ Why the regional energy transition is more than just climate protection. 📥 Download the study: https://www.ioew.de/publikation/staer... 🗺️ Interactive maps with the study results: https://www.ioew.de/publikationen/kar... 🧮 Online value creation calculator from AEE and IÖW: https://www.unendlich-viel-energie.de... 🌞 More information on the energy transition in your own home can be found here: https://www.enerix.de/blog/ 📖 Free guide: Step by step to a smart energy home: https://www.enerix.de/photovoltaik-le... 🎯 Chapter overview: 00:00 – Intro: What regions benefit from Renewables Can Win 00:24 – Welcome to the Solar Roundtable 01:08 – Presentation of the Study 01:46 – Objective of the Study 03:08 – The Study's Central Message 04:12 – How Municipalities Can Specifically Benefit 06:31 – Why Small PV Systems Remain Important 08:26 – Discussion on Subsidies for Small Systems 09:55 – Roof Space, Storage, and Emergency Power 11:25 – Citizen Participation and Acceptance 12:12 – Why Municipal Participation Is the Best Approach 13:57 – How Citizens Can Directly Benefit 15:20 – Publication and Public Awareness 16:38 – Recommendations for Mayors, Businesses, and Homeowners 18:00 – Where Can I Find the Study, Maps, and Data? 18:27 – Conclusion 💬 What do you think: Should municipalities and citizens be more involved in solar and wind projects? Share your opinion in the comments! 🔎 Hashtags: #EnergyTransition #Photovoltaics #SolarEnergy #WindEnergy #RenewableEnergies #RegionalValueCreation #IÖW #SolarMeetup #Municipalities #CitizenEnergy #PVSystem #RuralAreas #ClimateProtection #SmartEnergyHome #enerix