Subsidies

The subsidies of photovoltaic systems (PV systems) are a bundle of government measures aimed at advancing the expansion of renewable energies, particularly solar energy. These incentives are designed to reduce investment costs for private households and businesses, thereby increasing the attractiveness of PV systems.

Goals of the subsidies

  • Climate Protection: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the replacement of fossil energy sources.
  • Energy Security: Reduction of dependence on imported energy sources.
  • Economic Impulses: Creation of jobs in the solar industry and strengthening the domestic economy.

Forms of subsidies

Subsidy measures for PV systems can vary depending on the country and time period. Common forms include:

  • Feed-in Tariff: A fixed payment per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity that the system operator receives for the fed-in solar power.
  • Grants: Direct financial support that is usually paid out as a one-time payment to reduce the acquisition costs of the system.
  • Low-Interest Loans: Loans with lower interest rates to facilitate financing for the system.
  • Tax Benefits: Tax reductions or exemptions for investments in PV systems.

Requirements for subsidies

The requirements for subsidies vary depending on the funding program. Common criteria include:

  • Type of System: There are often different funding conditions for rooftop systems, ground-mounted systems, or specific applications like balcony power plants.
  • Size of the System: The amount of funding may depend on the installed capacity of the system.
  • Self-Consumption: Some funding programs favor systems where a large portion of the generated electricity is consumed on-site.
  • Building Type: Funding may be linked to specific building types (e.g., residential buildings, commercial properties).

Importance of the subsidies

The subsidies of photovoltaic systems have led to a rapid expansion of solar energy in recent years. With the declining costs of PV modules and attractive funding programs, solar energy is now one of the most cost-effective forms of electricity generation.

Relevant Keywords: Photovoltaics, PV System, Renewable Energies, Solar Energy, Feed-in Tariff