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BLIND PEER-REVIEWED ARTICLE
This article has been evaluated and accepted through a formal blind peer-review process.
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Author
Dietmar Pfaff
Graduate School IIC, University of Technology, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Email: dp@dietmar-pfaff.de

Author
Sascha Pohl
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics & Management, Frankfurt/M., Head of Production at KARL MAYER
Email: saschapohl@outlook.com

Author
Dr. Patrick Hedfeld
Goethe-University, Frankfurt/M., and FOM University of Applied Sciences
Email: patrick.hedfeld@gmx.de

 

Journal / Publisher Details
Journal: International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication
Volume: 02, Issue 01 (2026)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61030/FMKU5576

Abstract
Rising energy costs, volatile electricity markets, and geopolitical uncertainties are reshaping the economic conditions of the manufacturing industry. Energy is therefore no longer perceived merely as an operational input, but increasingly as a strategic factor affecting competitiveness, resilience, and location quality. This article examines how energy self-sufficiency through solar energy is perceived and implemented in the manufacturing sector and identifies differences between Germany and China. The study is based on a qualitative, exploratory research design comprising six written expert surveys and a supplementary PESTEL analysis. The findings indicate that, in industrial practice, energy self-sufficiency is rarely understood as complete independence from the public grid; rather, it is perceived as a gradual and measurable reduction in external electricity demand. Photovoltaics seldom unfolds its strategic potential in isolation, but primarily as part of an integrated system consisting of storage, energy management, and load control. The main drivers include cost reduction, cost stability, security of supply, and resilience, while major barriers arise from grid connection procedures, approval processes, regulatory complexity, and investment constraints. The article thus demonstrates that PV-based self-sufficiency is far more than a sustainability technology for industrial firms; it is increasingly becoming an instrument of industrial risk and competitiveness management.

Keywords
Photovoltaics, energy self-sufficiency, manufacturing industry, self-sufficiency, energy management, Germany, China, qualitative research

How to Cite This Article
Pfaff, D., Pohl, S., & Hedfeld, P. (2026). Between the Cost Crisis and the Energy Transition: Why PV Self-Sufficiency Is Becoming a Strategic Competitive Factor for Industry. Results of a Qualitative Study Comparing Germany and China. International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication, 2(1).
https://doi.org/10.61030/FMKU5576

Full Article (PDF)
https://ijpsc.org/journal/v02_i01/FMKU5576.pdf

Metadata and Info

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.61030/FMKU5576
• Publication Year: 2026
• License: CC BY 4.0 (if applicable) – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Published by: International Journal of Psychology and Strategic Communication