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Less bureaucracy, more speed

Photovoltaics is considered one of the most efficient energy sources for the energy transition. By 2030, some 215 gigawatts are to have been installed in Germany in total. To realise this objective, the pace of expansion must now triple. The solar package shows how this is to be achieved.

Germany’s solar package is full of energy-rich ideas that are to enable it to achieve its photovoltaics (PV) expansion targets by 2030. This legislative package, approved by the cabinet on 16 August 2023, contains a large number of measures to promote the expansion of solar installations mounted on rooftops and in open spaces. The ambitious expansion targets are split roughly equally between these two types of installation space. The goal is to raise capacity from 7.5 gigawatts in 2022 to 22 gigawatts from 2026.

The most important points at a glance

In the future, balcony PV systems are to be as made as simple as possible to put into operation. They will no longer need to be registered with the network operator before use – only minimal registration in the core energy market data register will be required. Balcony-based systems will also be easier to connect.

When it comes to power in buildings, PV electricity will be able to be supplied with less bureaucracy. The passing on of PV electricity, for example to residential and commercial tenants or flat owners, is also to be largely exempt from supplier obligations. In particular, the operators of the PV systems will not be required to supply residual electricity.

Based on the solar package, tenant electricity will now also be subsidised on commercial buildings and ancillary facilities such as garages, as long as the electricity is consumed without being fed through the grid. The existing simplified grid connection procedure will be extended to installations up to 30 kilowatts (formerly up to 10.8 kilowatts).

In addition, the solar package contains comprehensive regulations to bring open space development even better in line with nature conservation and agricultural considerations. Photovoltaics installations on carparks will be promoted under the category of ‘special solar installations’. Based on privileged treatment rules for tenders under the Renewable Energy Sources Act, bids for PV systems on carparks must always be accepted before bids for other special solar installations (agrivoltaic, wetland and floating systems), provided that they fulfil the tender requirements. The promotion of other special solar installations has also been significantly improved.

For a further summary of the solar package, please click here. A detailed article on the solar package including an overview of all measures can be accessed here.