over here, the Libertarians are generally cozy with the conservatives and not the liberals.

Yes, here too. The German word “Liberale” would mislead an American. I think you call them “classical liberals”.

Indeed solar energy is advancing here, mainly because it was heavily subsidized. People who produced more energy with their solar panels on the roofs of their houses could resell it at fixed prices.

Unfortunately the current coalition wants to phase this out. We also have strong coal lobby.

Re wine: Well the Romans did already grow wine in the Mosel valley so we have a bit of experience :-)