With the entry into force of Solar Package I on 16 May 2024, important innovations and simplifications were introduced for the installation and operation of private photovoltaic systems and plug-in solar devices, the so-called balcony power plants. The aim of these measures is to significantly accelerate the expansion of photovoltaic systems and to reach an installed capacity of 215 gigawatts by 2030. Skilled trades and the solar industry can benefit from this.
Solar energy on the rise: Solar Package I brings relief
The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) calls for a significant expansion of photovoltaic systems in order to drive the energy transition forward. The new Solar Package I, which came into force on 16 May 2024, is intended to serve this goal. The new rules simplify the installation of private photovoltaic systems and balcony power plants and make tenant electricity considerably more attractive.
Another key innovation of Solar Package I is the simplified registration procedure for balcony power plants. From now on, only a few details need to be entered in the Federal Network Agency’s core energy market data register. A time-consuming registration with the grid operator is therefore no longer necessary, as grid operators are informed automatically by the Federal Network Agency. This saves time and considerably reduces bureaucracy.
More power for balcony power plants, additional flexibility in metering rules
An additional advantage of the new law is the increase in the permitted output for balcony power plants. Instead of the previous maximum of 600 volt-amperes, up to 800 volt-amperes are now permitted. This enables operators to generate more electricity and to use their own consumption more efficiently.
In addition, Solar Package I also addressed the metering rules. Meters without a backstop are tolerated for the time being until the metering point operator concerned has installed modern bidirectional meters. This transitional arrangement gives operators of balcony power plants more flexibility and reduces the pressure to install new meters immediately.
Solar Package I also brings considerable bureaucratic relief for the operation of solar systems in apartment buildings. The administration and billing of the electricity generated becomes easier, which is particularly advantageous for landlords and owners’ associations. As a result, tenant electricity becomes considerably more attractive and easier to implement.
Businesses can gain a competitive advantage through Solar Package I
With the simplifications and relief provided by the Solar Package, the federal government is sending a strong signal in support of solar energy. Around 400,000 balcony power plants are already in operation, a significant increase compared with around 230,000 in mid-2023. The targets are ambitious: new installations are to rise from 7.5 gigawatts in 2022 to 22 gigawatts by 2026. By 2030, as much as 215 gigawatts are planned.
These measures show that the federal government is taking the energy transition seriously and actively driving it forward. The new conditions make it more attractive and easier for private individuals and businesses to invest in photovoltaic systems and thus make an important contribution to sustainable energy supply. Solar Package I is also likely to give the photovoltaic industry in Germany an additional boost and open up new opportunities for skilled trades to generate orders.
For manufacturing companies and especially installers of solar systems, a thorough knowledge of the new legal situation and funding opportunities will be a considerable competitive advantage. Those who can inform their potential customers specifically about funding opportunities and be a partner to their customers when applying for funding can turn the advantages of the new rules into new orders. At KODEX Legal we advise companies on how they can make use of the new opportunities.
