Mastering Solar Power: A New Era for Photovoltaic System Owners
Solar Power Entity Owners Take Control of Their Energy Production Systems
Germany's private photovoltaic (PV) system owners need to be prepared for some shifts in feed-in rules with the upcoming Solar Peak Law. This article sheds light on the changes and offers some strategies for PV owners to navigate these adjustments.
When Solar Power Meets Grid Overload
The sunny afternoon in Germany often results in a surge of electricity production, sometimes exceeding the power grid's capacity, causing temporary overloads. To address this issue, the previous administrative office introduced the Solar Peak Law, starting in late 2025. The aim is to distribute solar power more evenly throughout the day, eliminating midday "peak loads."
New Feed-In Rules for Large-Scale Systems
Newly installed PV systems with a capacity of 7 kilowatt-peak (kWp) or more can only feed unlimited electricity without restrictions if equipped with an intelligent metering system (iMSys) and a technical control device. Until these systems are installed, the feed-in capacity is initially limited to 60 percent of the rated power. Smaller systems under 7 kWp face permanent limitations, regardless of installing an iMSys.
Reducing Network Pressure: The Impact on System Owners
Even with an iMSys, new systems of 2 kWp or more will not receive feed-in compensation when the wholesale electricity price is negative. This happens when there's an excess of solar power production and no buyer is found at the electricity exchange. This phenomenon occurred for approximately 500 hours out of 1,600 sunny hours the year before. The lost compensation will be compensated with a 20-year delay.
This regulation aims to decrease feed-in during periods of high network load and promote self-consumption or storage of electricity for later use.
Criticism from the Solar Industry
The German Solar Energy Association (SFV) has voiced concerns over the new regulations. Professor Dr. Frank Hergert, a member of SFV's board, argues that the 60 percent feed-in limitation without control technology can lead to substantial energy losses. Furthermore, Hergert contends that the limitation applies even when there's no local network overload, as the regulation primarily responds to market signals like wholesale electricity prices, not the actual network situation.
Opportunities in the Regulated Remuneration
While the SFV criticizes the new regulations, some industry companies see potential opportunities for consumers in the altered remuneration. Oliver Koch, CEO of Sonnen, believes that the new law rewards intelligent energy management and storage systems. In fact, Koch states that the abolition of remuneration through negative prices can lead to a 25% reduction in revenue. Through intelligent "direct marketing" of surplus PV electricity and forecast-based charging of storage systems, Koch proposes that households can mitigate these losses.
Practical Tips for PV System Owners
- Install an iMSys and control device as soon as possible to bypass the feed-in capacity limitation. Although this results in additional costs, a smart meter protects against permanent yield losses and creates flexibility for future direct marketing or smart consumption control.
- A battery storage system raises self-consumption and reduces yield losses due to feed-in limitations. When the system is intelligent and forecast-based, it can largely offset the 60% rule. Households are advised by an installer on whether a storage system is economically feasible for them.
The Future is Smart: Digitalization and Simplification
The Solar Peak Law paves the way for digitalization, with plans to simplify grid connections and reduce bureaucratic obstacles for private system owners. These changes focus on making administrative processes more efficient, ultimately benefiting PV owners during system registration and integration.
In conclusion, while the Solar Peak Law may initially present some challenges to system owners, it also offers new opportunities through smart meters, storage systems, and digitalization to offset restrictions. With the correct strategies and investments, solar power investors can thrive in this dynamic landscape.
- Consumers
- Solar energy
- Solar systems
- Renewable energies
- Consumer centers
- Tax office
- Tax return
- Taxpayers' Association
- The community policy should emphasize the importance of solar energy consumption and the benefits it brings for health-and-wellness and environmental-science.
- Employment policy in the field of solar power and renewable energies must focus on creating job opportunities in science, technology, and business to meet the growing demand.
- The new solar policy requires solar system owners to consider the employment policy, hiring professionals skilled in data-and-cloud-computing, technology, and finance for intelligent energy management and storage systems.
- In addition, home-and-garden policies should encourage homeowners to invest in solar systems and battery storage, contributing to personal-finance stability through savings on energy bills and potential revenues from excess production.
- To further promote solar energy, the employment policy should encourage the development of a lifestyle sector focused on food-and-drink, fitness-and-exercise, and sports associated with eco-friendly practices.
- Lifestyle influencers and leaders can play a significant role in advocating for solar power and renewable energies within the community, thus creating a positive trend in lifestyle choices.
- The tax office should revise tax policies to offer incentives for the installation of solar systems and energy storage, making it more affordable for taxpayers and increasing their financial benefits.
- The Taxpayers' Association can collaborate with solar energy firms to develop strategies for simpler and more transparent tax return processes for solar system owners, ensuring a smooth transition in the new era of solar power.
