In January 2025, the German Weather Service provided climate data including the Global radiation 2024 before. The average annual total in Germany in 2024 was around 1,113 kWh/m². This puts the year among the most radiant in recent years, but falls short of the record year 2022 with 1,227 kWh/m². Despite the lower values compared to the peak years, there is still a long-term upward trend in global radiation.
Increase in ⌀ global radiation by 3.5 kWh/m² per year
Since the start of systematic measurements in 1983, global radiation in Germany has increased by an average of 3.5 kWh/m² per year has risen. While values of around 1,005 kWh/m² were common in the 1980s, the figures today are constantly above 1,100 kWh/m² and fluctuate more strongly. Overall, the growth correlates with rising temperatures and changing atmospheric conditions, which are associated with climate change.
Spatial and seasonal distribution of global radiation
As in previous years, the values varied greatly from region to region. The lowest global radiation was recorded in 2024 with 1,007 kWh/m² measured in the low mountain ranges and in Schleswig-Holstein, while in southern Bavaria with 1,246 kWh/m² recorded the highest value. This distribution corresponds to the typical pattern with increasing radiation intensity from northwest to southeast. On a monthly basis, 2024 also showed a typical seasonality with maximum values in the summer months and lower values in winter. Particularly noteworthy is the August 2024in which with 159.3 kWh/m² the long-term average of 140.8 kWh/m² was exceeded by 13 percent. In contrast, the values in February and December were below average, which can be attributed to high cloud cover and low sunshine duration.
Comparison of annual totals
With an annual total of 1,113 kWh/m², 2024 is in first place. eighth place among the years with the highest radiation levels since measurements began. The highest values were recorded in 2022 (1,227 kWh/m²), 2018 (1,207 kWh/m²) and 2003 (1,197 kWh/m²). In contrast, the lowest values were recorded in 1987 (950 kWh/m²) and 1984 (970 kWh/m²).
Conclusion: Global radiation in 2024 remains at a high level
The radiation year 2024 confirms the long-term trend of increasing global radiation in Germany. Despite moderate values compared to the peak years, the average radiation intensity remains well above the long-term average. The development of global radiation is a key parameter for climate research and has a direct impact on the yield of photovoltaic systems. In view of the continuing trend towards higher radiation values, further increases in global radiation values can also be expected in the coming years.