December 23, 2022, 12:09 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
The use of photovoltaic systems has grown significantly in recent years. With the turn of the year, operators are set to benefit even more, as several changes based on the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) will take effect.
Private individuals with a photovoltaic system on their roof are likely familiar with the calculation: Electricity fed into the public grid was previously compensated at only about six cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Therefore, it was worthwhile to use as much solar power as possible for personal consumption. However, it may now become more attractive to sell self-produced electricity. Most regulations in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) affecting photovoltaic systems will not come into force until January 1, 2023. The anticipated legislative change promises significantly better compensation rates for full feed-in and other benefits.
New Compensation Rates for Photovoltaic Systems Starting 2023
Due to the EEG, new compensation rates for photovoltaic systems have been in place since July 30, 2022, but they will not take effect until January 1, 2023, as informed by the Consumer Advice Center. These rates apply to systems already in operation since 2022 and those that will start operating in 2023. A distinction must be made between full feed-in and self-consumption:
- Self-consumption: Households that also produce their own electricity using photovoltaic systems can now benefit from higher compensation rates. Operators of a system with a capacity of 10 kilowatt-peak (kWp) are expected to receive about 8.2 cents per kWh–approximately a quarter more.
- Full feed-in: In this case, photovoltaic systems will be even more worthwhile starting in 2023, as significantly higher compensation rates will apply. Systems up to 10 kWp are expected to receive about 13 cents per kWh for full feed-in–which would be a doubling.
Especially for operators of systems with more than ten kilowatts of capacity, full feed-in could become profitable again. The decision between full and partial feed-in is not binding; operators can reassess annually. The yield calculator from Stiftung Warentest can help with this decision.
Important: To continue benefiting from the compensation for full feed-in in subsequent years, operators must report this to the grid operator–by December 1 of the previous year.
Also interesting: Is a solar system on the balcony worthwhile for generating your own electricity?
Fewer Taxes for Photovoltaic Systems Starting 2023
The Annual Tax Act 2022 also provides for a large-scale tax exemption for photovoltaic operators starting in 2023–at least for small and medium-sized systems. Accordingly, no sales tax will be charged for delivery and installation with a maximum capacity of 30 kilowatts. That’s not all: Systems with the same nominal capacity will no longer be considered for income tax–retroactively to January 1, 2022, as informed by the Consumer Advice Center.
When a Rooftop Solar Panel System Is Worthwhile
What Changes in Photovoltaics Starting August 1
Maximum Feed-in for New Systems
For photovoltaic systems that go into operation from January 1, 2023, another change applies. Previously, only 70 percent of the nominal capacity could be fed into the grid. This is now changing. Operators of existing systems with a capacity of up to 7 kWp no longer have to adhere to this rule. However, for systems between 7 and 25 kWp, the existing 70 percent rule still applies.
Related: Bureaucratic hurdles for solar systems are to be reduced
Connection to Be Simplified
Another advantage for photovoltaic systems: Starting in 2025, it will be easier for new customers to submit a request to the grid operator. Fixed deadlines will ensure that these requests are processed promptly. Additionally, it is planned that grid requests will be standardized and digitized nationwide.