japan's nuclear power restarts / trade deficit, page-8

Germany is also having to fight to keep coal plants open so the lights don't go out. Coal plants are wanting to close down in Germany because of the unfavourable government policy against them to benefit renewables and they are losing money. The German government doesn't want this because there is no way it can keep the lights on without coal.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/08/20/german_gov_desperate_to_keep_coal_and_gas_powerplants_running/

When Germany first begun installing wind turbines they of course installed them in the most windy areas first and got around 35% average output (Load Factor - Nuclear has an average output of 90%). However, as the windy area's decline they have been forced to install them in less windy locations and the average output has dropped to 17% in Germany. Then you have to consider that it is predicted energy demand will increase by 74% by 2030 and the limit has already been reached for this renewable source. Hydro power is the only base load renewable energy source and that can't just be built anywhere.

As for solar power in Germany, I have attached a link below that tells you in real time how much electricity is being generated by solar power in Germany. It doesn't impress me and only seems to peak for 2-3 hours a day then drastically drops.

http://www.sma.de/en/company/pv-electricity-produced-in-germany.html

Renewables are a great source of energy but it's limited and if exaggerated becomes very inefficient and wasteful.