Amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) aim to make photovoltaic systems more attractive again for private households. The Verbraucherzentrale NRW (consumer advice centre) draws attention to this.
What is the Renewable Energy Sources Act?
In essence, the Renewable Energy Sources Act governs the feed-in of renewable electricity into the public power grid. Any photovoltaic system with a grid connection can benefit from the feed-in tariff. It should be noted, however, that the feed-in tariff has decreased significantly in recent years, making the installation of a new PV system increasingly unattractive (feed-in tariff in 07/2022 for PV systems up to 10 kWp: 6.23 cents/kWh). To counter this trend and revitalise the installation of PV systems on the roofs of private households, the tariff rates have been raised.
Relief for existing PV systems
The elimination of the EEG levy means that generation meters can be removed from 2023 onwards. Generation meters rented from grid operators can also be dismantled. The reason is that the annual settlement will be considerably simplified by the abolition of the EEG levy.
In addition, PV systems commissioned before 30 July 2022 will continue to be subject to the previous tariff rates. The amended tariff rates apply only to new systems installed from 30 July 2022 onwards.
New tariff rates only after EU approval
Application of the new tariff rates still requires approval by the EU Commission. Unfortunately, no precise date for approval is known yet. Once it has been granted, operators of new PV systems are to receive a retroactive payment dating back to 30 July 2022.
The new tariff rates
Tariff rates for systems with self-consumption
- Systems up to 10 kWp: 8.2 cents/kWh
- Systems above 10 kWp: 7.1 cents/kWh
Self-consumption example: A 13 kWp system with self-consumption receives 8.2 cents per kWh for the first 10 kWp and 7.1 cents per kWh for the remaining 3 kWp, resulting in an average of 7.9 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Tariff rates for systems with full feed-in
- Systems up to 10 kWp: 13 cents/kWh
- Systems above 10 kWp: 10.9 cents/kWh
Full feed-in example: A 13 kWp system with full feed-in receives 13.0 cents for the first 10 kWp and 10.9 cents for the remaining 3 kWp, resulting in an average of 12.5 cents per kilowatt-hour.
No disadvantages for delayed PV system installation
A delay in the installation of a system will not, as in the past, be penalised with a lower tariff. Instead, the monthly degression of the feed-in tariff will be suspended until the beginning of 2024. Consequently, the new tariff rates will remain in place until the end of 2023. This is intended to address global supply bottlenecks, so that delivery delays do not adversely affect the expansion of renewable energy.
Whether the higher feed-in tariffs will actually lead to a stronger expansion of PV systems and resolve the fundamental issue of low feed-in remuneration remains to be seen. The increase over the previous rates is only marginal, so the economic viability of a new PV system remains a matter of debate.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Which new EEG feed-in tariffs apply to PV systems with self-consumption?
For PV systems with self-consumption commissioned on or after 30 July 2022, new tariff rates apply: 8.2 cents/kWh for systems up to 10 kWp and 7.1 cents/kWh for the capacity portion above this threshold. For a 13 kWp system, this results in a blended rate of approximately 7.9 cents/kWh. However, application of these rates remains subject to EU approval.
What is the feed-in tariff for new PV systems with full feed-in?
Under full feed-in, new systems receive 13.0 cents/kWh for the first 10 kWp and 10.9 cents/kWh for any capacity exceeding that. A 13-kWp system thus achieves an average of 12.5 cents/kWh. This requires commissioning on or after 30 July 2022 and is still subject to approval by the EU Commission.
Do the new feed-in tariffs also apply to PV systems commissioned before 30 July 2022?
No. Systems commissioned before 30 July 2022 remain subject to the previous, significantly lower tariffs (e.g., 6.23 cents/kWh for systems up to 10 kWp in July 2022). The increased rates apply exclusively to new systems commissioned on or after this cut-off date.
What are the consequences of the elimination of the EEG levy for operators of existing PV systems?
With the elimination of the EEG levy, generation meters will no longer be required from 2023 onwards and can be removed, even if they are leased from the grid operator. This significantly simplifies the annual billing, as the measurement of self-consumed electricity for the levy is no longer necessary.
Does a delayed commissioning of a PV system affect the feed-in tariff?
No, the otherwise customary monthly degression of the feed-in tariff is suspended until early 2024. As a result, the new tariff rates remain stable until the end of 2023, ensuring that global supply shortages and related delays in system construction do not lead to a reduced tariff.