Commissioning Time

The commissioning date of a photovoltaic system (PV system) is the precisely determined moment at which the system is considered fully operational and begins its electricity production. This date is of great importance, as it has various legal and economic consequences, particularly regarding the feed-in tariff under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).

Importance of the Commissioning Date

  • Feed-in Tariff: The commissioning date marks the beginning of the 20-year funding period for the amount of solar power generated. The amount of the tariff is based on the respective legal regulations at the time of commissioning.
  • Market Registration: After commissioning, the PV system must be registered in the Market Registration Database of the Federal Network Agency.
  • Maintenance and Warranty Terms: The commissioning date serves as a reference point for the start of warranty and guarantee periods.
  • Tax Aspects: The commissioning date is relevant for certain tax depreciation purposes.

Criteria for the Commissioning Date

For a PV system to be considered commissioned, the following criteria must be met:

  • Technical Readiness: The entire system must be fully installed and operational.
  • Electricity Generation: The system must have generated solar power for the first time.
  • Electricity Consumption or Feed-in: The generated electricity must have been used outside the system or fed into the public grid.

Proof of the Commissioning Date

The exact date of commissioning should be proven by suitable documents. These include:

  • Commissioning Protocol: A detailed protocol created by a qualified contractor.
  • Witness Statements: Statements from installers or other involved persons.
  • Measurement Data: Records of the first electricity generation.

Particularities and Challenges

  • Partial Commissioning: It may occur that parts of a system are commissioned before others. In this case, the date of full commissioning is decisive.
  • Changes After Commissioning: Subsequent changes to the system usually do not affect the original commissioning date.
  • Disputes: Disputes over the exact commissioning date can lead to legal conflicts.

Conclusion

The commissioning date of a photovoltaic system is a central term that has far-reaching consequences for operators. Therefore, precise documentation and adherence to legal regulations are essential.

Keywords: Photovoltaics, PV System, EEG, Feed-in Tariff, Market Registration