The feed-in tariff 2025: These changes now come into force.

Feed-in tariff: The most important information at a glance

The feed-in tariff is the payment you receive when you feed self-generated solar power into the public grid. The feed-in tariff is currently 7.94 cents per kWh and applies to photovoltaic systems commissioned between February 1, 2025, and July 31, 2025.

This remuneration will be reduced by 1% every six months, with the next reduction taking place on August 1, 2025. The new Solar Peak Act could reduce the remuneration by up to 30%. Further details can be found below.

In general, the feed-in tariff represents a stable source of income that can generate several hundred euros annually. However, it is usually less attractive than direct marketing. We will discuss this further down in the article.

What exactly is the feed-in tariff?

The feed-in tariff is the money you receive for solar power that you don't use yourself but feed into the public grid. It was introduced in 2000 as part of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) to encourage private households to purchase solar systems and thus support the energy transition.

The principle is simple: For every kilowatt hour (kWh) of solar power you feed into the grid, you receive a fixed remuneration from the grid operator. The amount of this remuneration is regulated by law and depends on various factors, such as the time of commissioning of the photovoltaic system, the size of the system, and the type of feed-in (full feed-in or surplus feed-in).

Difference between full feed-in and surplus feed-in

At the Full feed-in All of the electricity generated is fed into the grid. This means that the self-produced electricity is not used directly, but is instead drawn from the grid.

At the Surplus feed-in Only the electricity that cannot be consumed or stored in the storage system is fed into the grid. Since the feed-in tariff is now only a few cents per kilowatt hour, surplus feed-in is widespread. It makes more economic sense to use the solar power yourself.

How high will the feed-in tariff be in 2025?

The feed-in tariff is currently 7.94 cents per kWh and is valid for the period from February 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025. All PV systems commissioned during this period will receive this subsidy for 20 years. The exact amount of the tariff depends on the size of the PV system and the type of feed-in. Generally speaking, the larger the system, the lower the tariff.

Feed-in tariff for surplus feed-in

Output of the PV systemAmount of feed-in tariffup to

- 10 kWp 7.94 cents/kWh

- up to 40 kWp 6.88 cents/kWh

- up to 100 kWp 5.62 cents/kWh

Feed-in tariff for full feed-in

Output of the PV system Amount of feed-in tariff up to

- 10 kWp 12.60 cents/kWh

- up to 40 kWp 10.56 cents/kWh

- up to 100 kWp 10.56 cents/kWh

What does the new Energy Act mean for feed-in tariffs?

The German Bundestag recently passed amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which are expected to come into force on March 1, 2025. Some of these changes affect the feed-in tariff and could result in a reduction in feed-in tariff revenues of up to 30%. However, the feed-in tariff will not be abolished entirely.

Here are the two most important changes:

If you can't control, you have to slow down

If a PV system is not equipped with a smart meter and control system and is operated under the state feed-in tariff, the feed-in power is limited to 60% ("active power limitation"). This means operators can only feed a portion of the generated energy into the grid.

No more feed-in tariff if electricity price is negative

Currently, operators of solar systems receive a feed-in tariff even when the electricity price is negative. This creates additional costs for the government because there is too much electricity in the grid, and the electricity should actually be taken off the grid, resulting in a negative electricity price. Nevertheless, the electricity fed into the grid is remunerated. To prevent this, the Solar Peak Demand Act stipulates that no remuneration is paid when the electricity price is negative.

These two measures together could lead to a reduction in feed-in tariff revenues of up to 30%.

Good to know: The periods during which the electricity price was negative and no feed-in tariff was paid are added to the regular 20-year feed-in tariff period. This means that the lost quarter-hours during which the electricity price was negative are counted toward the entire 20-year feed-in tariff period.

Is the feed-in tariff still worthwhile?

The feed-in tariff remains a reliable and stable source of income, typically generating a few hundred euros per year. However, compared to direct marketing, the feed-in tariff is often less profitable.

The advantage of direct marketing is that the electricity is not fed into the grid at a fixed subsidy rate. Instead, it is sold on the electricity exchange, which generally enables significantly higher revenues for PV operators.

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