This trend is likely to continue with global markets for solar thermal energy, photovoltaic and wind power projected to grow by 20% per year until 2020 (BMU, 2009). Being among the largest producers of environmental goods and services, w'ith the second largest market share in global trade of climate protection related products after China amounting to more than 12%, Germany benefits substantially from this development (BMU, 2012). With an export share of RES equipment of around 80%, Germany is highly exposed to this competition and firms have difficulty preserving their markets.