The lower house of the German parliament has passed a legislative package aimed at promoting solar energy through a wide range of measures. The package was passed by the Bundestag on Friday and now goes to the state-based upper house, the Bundesrat. Julia Verlinden, parliamentary leader for the Greens, one of three parties in the ruling coalition, described the measures as a “booster” for renewables. They include easing restrictions on solar panels designed for installation on balconies. A measure to promote German-produced solar technology was blocked by the liberal FDP, the third party in th…