Since August 1, 2025, new, reduced tariff rates have been in effect in Germany for photovoltaic systems with a capacity of up to 1 megawatt. The Federal Network Agency has adjusted the tariffs as part of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). The goal is to continue to manage the dynamic expansion of solar energy and keep subsidy costs for electricity customers within limits.
For small rooftop systems with an installed capacity of up to 10 kilowatts, the tariff is now 7.86 cents per kilowatt hour for partial feed-in, i.e., when part of the generated solar power is used directly in the household. Those opting for full feed-in will receive 12.47 cents per kilowatt hour in the future. This means that full feed-in remains more attractively remunerated, as it contributes to stabilizing the power grid.
The tariffs for larger rooftop systems have also been reduced: For systems between 40 and 100 kilowatts, partial feed-in now only costs 6.22 cents per kilowatt hour, while operators with full feed-in receive 10.64 cents. Systems with up to 1 megawatt of capacity are even lower.
The Federal Network Agency justifies the reduction with the sharp drop in investment costs for solar modules and technology in recent years. Nevertheless, the adjustment is causing debate in the industry: The German Solar Industry Association (BSW) warns that smaller rooftop projects in particular could lose profitability due to the falling tariffs. However, these are crucial for the decentralized energy transition and for private households that want to actively contribute to climate protection.
For system operators, this development means that the economic focus is shifting even more towards self-consumption and storage solutions. Those who use their own solar power as much as possible not only reduce their electricity bills but also become less dependent on rising energy prices. In addition, intelligent control systems such as smart meters can help optimize self-supply and avoid feed-in losses when electricity prices are negative.
👉 Conclusion: Despite declining tariffs, photovoltaics remains an attractive investment – especially if households and businesses consistently use the self-generated solar power themselves and secure it with storage solutions.
