“The reform works. The build-up of PV now is on a sustainable path,” he declared with a resolution government members like to display ahead of important elections. “You can assume that the build-up of new PV roofs won’t put any noteworthy strain on your wallet any more.”

But Altmaier’s dramatic declaration in July was somewhat ironic. A day earlier, PV group Conergy and EPC specialist Gehrlicher Solar had both filed for insolvency.  

While