Solar Power for Businesses: Your Own Solar System for Your Business in 2026
In 2026, solar power for businesses will pay off primarily through self-consumption: Solar power generated on a company’s own roof costs 6 to 14 cents per kilowatt-hour, while grid electricity costs businesses 14 to 27 cents, depending on their usage. An in-house solar system thus permanently reduces energy costs and makes the business somewhat more independent of energy providers and rising energy prices. This page shows businesses and commercial operators in manufacturing, logistics, retail, agriculture, and healthcare how much their own PV system costs, how quickly it pays for itself, what subsidies and tax benefits are available, and what the process looks like from concept to commissioning—with sources and current figures provided for every number.
Table of Contents
- What Does Photovoltaics Mean for Businesses?
- How cost-effective is solar power in operation?
- How much does a commercial solar power system cost?
- Payback Period and Return on Investment
- Who benefits the most?
- Funding and Financing: KfW 270 and EEG
- Tax Leverage: IAB, Special Depreciation, and Depreciation
- Six Steps to Owning Your Own System
- Purchase, Lease, or Contracting?
- Why Logic Energy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources and Legal Basis
What Does Photovoltaics Mean for Businesses?
For a business, a photovoltaic system is not merely a climate measure, but an investment in its own cost structure. Solar energy thus becomes the company’s own energy source: Unlike in private households, the focus is not on the feed-in tariff, but on self-consumption. Every kilowatt-hour used on-site replaces one that the business would otherwise have to purchase at the commercial electricity rate; the operator feeds only the surplus into the power grid. It is precisely this difference that makes the PV system economically viable for the business.
Three key concepts shape every decision. Self-consumption is the portion of solar power that the business uses directly—the most powerful factor influencing cost-effectiveness. Grid procurement refers to the electricity you continue to purchase from the public grid. The installed system capacity in kilowatt-peak (kWp) describes the size of the solar system under standard conditions. The better consumption and generation align in terms of timing, the higher the self-consumption and the faster the payback period.
Owning your own system is just one of three operating models. If you don’t want to invest yourself, you can lease the system or purchase solar power through a contracting model. The “Purchase, Lease, or Contracting” section compares these three options. For more details on the technical implementation on a commercial roof, see our page on commercial PV roof systems.
How cost-effective is solar power in operation?
The most important point regarding cost-effectiveness is this: A PV system for businesses doesn’t make money from the electricity it feeds into the grid, but from what it replaces. According to Fraunhofer ISE, solar power generated on a company’s own roof costs 6 to 14 cents per kilowatt-hour over the system’s lifetime. Grid electricity costs businesses significantly more—between 14 and 27 cents, depending on the volume purchased and tax status. The difference between these two figures represents the profit per kilowatt-hour consumed on-site.
These generation costs are not a selling price, but rather the levelized cost of electricity over 20 to 25 years—including investment, operation, and maintenance. Because commercial electricity prices are structurally rising, while the costs of PV systems continue to fall, the gap tends to widen, not narrow, over the system’s lifespan—a trend that increases the potential savings with each year of rising energy prices. This is the key reason why owning your own system pays off.
| Order Type | Price per kWh | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Small Businesses, Gross Grid Purchases | approx. 27 ct | Small purchase quantities, including taxes and duties |
| SMEs / Production, Net Grid Purchases | 18–24 ct | Moderate decline, standard taxation |
| Industrial Medium-Voltage, Net | 14–18 ct | Large-scale consumption; small/medium-sized industry: 16.7 ct/kWh (BDEW 04/2026) |
| Own PV System, Generation Costs | 6–14 ct | Electricity generation costs over the project's lifetime (commercial rooftops: 5.7–12.0 ct, Fraunhofer ISE) |
| Sources: BDEW Electricity Price Analysis 2026 (commercial and industrial electricity prices); Fraunhofer ISE, electricity generation costs. Gross/net grid procurement costs depending on purchase volume and tax status. | ||
A sample calculation illustrates the scale of the savings: A 130-kWp rooftop system (net investment of approximately 120,000 euros) generates about 125,000 kilowatt-hours per year at a location in central Germany. If the business uses 60 percent of that itself and saves about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour in the process, that results in annual savings of about 9,000 euros from self-consumption alone—before feed-in revenue and tax benefits. Over the system’s lifetime, this adds up to many times the initial investment. This example calculation is not a substitute for an individual assessment based on your actual load profile.
How much does a commercial solar power system cost?
The investment costs for photovoltaics are lower than ever. For turnkey rooftop systems ranging from 30 to 100 kWp, Fraunhofer ISE cites a net price of 800 to 1,300 euros per kilowatt-peak; for larger rooftop and industrial systems ranging from 100 to 500 kWp, the price is 700 to 1,100 euros. Across all segments, the average is around 1,015 euros per kWp. This includes modules, inverters, mounting structures, installation, grid connection, and planning. The price decline is due to economies of scale and a sharp drop in module prices.
The appropriate system size is determined by annual electricity consumption, the load profile, and the usable roof area. As a rough guideline, a system size of approximately 1.3 kWp per 1,000 kilowatt-hours of annual consumption is recommended, with the focus on high self-consumption rather than maximum grid feed-in.
| Annual consumption | Recommended Power | Roof area (approx.) | Net investment (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50,000 kWh | ~65 kWp | ~350 m² | ~70.000 € |
| 100,000 kWh | ~130 kWp | ~700 m² | ~120.000 € |
| 250,000 kWh | ~325 kWp | ~1,750 m² | ~290.000 € |
| 500,000 kWh | ~650 kWp | ~3,500 m² | ~560.000 € |
| 1,000,000 kWh | ~1,000–1,300 kWp | ~6,500 m² | ~€1.0 million |
| Guideline values (Logic Energy model calculation for 2026). The requirement to participate in a tender for grid feed-in applies for installations of 1 MWp or more (buildings) or 1 MWp or more (ground-mounted systems) (§ 22(3) EEG 2023). Cost basis: Fraunhofer ISE / BSW Solar, Q1 2026. | |||
In addition to the investment costs, there are ongoing operating costs for maintenance, insurance, monitoring, and meter rental—typically 1 to 2 percent of the investment per year for rooftop systems. These costs are already factored into the generation costs of 6 to 14 cents mentioned above. Anyone who wants to increase their self-consumption with a battery storage system should calculate the cost of the storage system separately. Those who prefer to install systems on large open areas rather than on a roof can find the key figures for ground-mounted photovoltaic systems on our separate page dedicated to ground-mounted systems.
Payback Period and Return on Investment
The payback period is the amount of time it takes for the savings on electricity costs and revenue from feeding electricity into the grid to cover the investment. Three factors determine it: the self-consumption rate, the electricity price being replaced, and the tax incentives utilized. The higher the self-consumption rate, the shorter the payback period—which is why it makes more sense to design the system based on actual energy needs and the load profile rather than on the maximum system size.
As a rule of thumb: With very high self-consumption of 70 to 80 percent, the payback period is reduced to about six to eight years; at 40 to 60 percent, it is nine to twelve years; and when the system primarily feeds electricity into the grid, the payback period is longer. If a system, with 60 percent self-consumption, covers a significant portion of daily electricity needs and saves 10 to 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, the payback period is typically eight to ten years. With a service life of 25 to 30 years, this leaves 15 to 20 years during which the solar power costs practically nothing other than maintenance.
Those who do not wish to operate the system themselves but would like to invest in photovoltaics as a capital investment can explore the Helm Group’s profit-sharing model through the general partner, mediplan Helm e.K. Our article on photovoltaics in industry discusses the return potential of this asset class.
What exactly is your company saving?
We'll run the numbers for your location using the figures on this page—based on your actual load profile, not on flat-rate values. Generation costs, self-consumption, payback period, and tax implications. Free and with no obligation.
Who benefits the most?
Whether solar power is particularly worthwhile for a business depends on its load profile—that is, when electricity is needed throughout the day. A business that manufactures, cools, or uses air conditioning during the day consumes a large portion of the solar power directly itself. A business with peak consumption in the evening needs a storage system to achieve the same effect. Those who also charge electric vehicles in their fleet shift additional electricity consumption to the sun-drenched midday hours and further increase their self-consumption. The following overview shows typical ranges by industry.
| Industry | Typical size | Without storage | With storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing & Industry | 200–800 kWp | 55–70% | 75–85% |
| Logistics & Warehousing | 300–1,000 kWp | 40–60% | 65–80% |
| Retail & Crafts | 50–200 kWp | 45–65% | 70–80% |
| Agriculture & Dairy Farming | 100–500 kWp | 50–70% | 75–85% |
| Hotels, Clinics & Nursing Care | 100–400 kWp | 35–50% | 60–75% |
| Estimated values based on load profile. Source: Helm Group, 2024 portfolio data. A storage system significantly increases self-consumption. | |||
When the investment pays for itself particularly quickly
Three characteristics indicate that a business is an ideal candidate for its own PV system. The following classification is not a hard-and-fast rule, but rather a framework for an initial assessment—the definitive evaluation is always based on the actual load profile.
Well-suited
- high daily electricity consumption
- large, mostly unshaded roof area
- Commercial electricity rate over 18 ct/kWh
- strong corporate creditworthiness
Ideal
- Continuous production or cooling
- Annual consumption exceeding 100,000 kWh
- Self-consumption over 60 percent
- Taxable profit for § 7g
Check first
- Usage Almost Exclusively at Night
- Roof in need of renovation or structurally unsound
- short remaining lease term for the building
- very low electricity price
Funding and Financing: KfW 270 and EEG
In 2026, photovoltaic systems for businesses will not be subsidized through grants, but rather through low-interest loans and tax incentives. The most important component is the nationwide KfW Subsidy Loan 270. It finances systems for electricity and heat generation, including grids and storage facilities; it is available to businesses, private individuals, and public institutions; and it is specifically designed for projects that feed electricity into the grid under the Renewable Energy Act (EEG).
The Renewable Energy Act as the Legal Basis for Feed-in
Since 2000, the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) has been the driving force behind the expansion of renewable energy and plays a central role in the energy transition. It governs how solar power fed into the grid is compensated. For systems up to 100 kWp, the fixed feed-in tariff under Section 48 of the EEG 2023 applies; for systems above that capacity, mandatory direct marketing with a sliding market premium applies. The date of commissioning determines the rate; the Federal Network Agency publishes the rates every six months. Our guide to EEG remuneration for 2026 explains the complete rates for all system classes.
| Building block | Core condition | Legal Basis / Source |
|---|---|---|
| KfW Loan 270 | Starting at 4.07% effective annual interest rate, up to 100% of the investment, max. 150 million €, up to 30 years | KfW Program “Renewable Energy – Standard” |
| EEG Feed-in 10–40 kWp | 6.66 ct/kWh (partial feed-in), effective August 1, 2026 | Section 48 of the EEG 2023 / BNetzA |
| EEG Feed-in 40–100 kWp | 5.44 ct/kWh (partial feed-in), effective August 1, 2026 | Section 48 of the EEG 2023 / BNetzA |
| Direct Sales Starting at 100 kWp | Requirement; market premium on the value to be invested | Section 21, Section 21b of the EEG 2023 |
| Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | Up to 50% in advance, profit ≤ €200,000 | § 7g(1) of the Income Tax Act |
| Special depreciation | 40% of the acquisition cost | § 7g(5) of the Income Tax Act |
| EEG rates apply to systems commissioned on or after August 1, 2026; due to the semi-annual reduction, they are approximately 1% lower than the rates valid through July 31, 2026. Next reduction: February 1, 2027. KfW 270 interest rate updated daily, as of July 31, 2026. | ||
Financing: Four Approaches with Different Tax Implications
There are several financing options; a typical structure involves a mix of 20 to 30 percent equity and 70 to 80 percent debt. The choice of financing directly affects the tax benefits that can be realized, because Section 7g of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) requires that the business become the beneficial owner of the system. When purchasing through the company’s primary bank or via KfW 270, the full tax benefit is retained. With leasing, economic ownership remains with the lessor—in which case Section 7g does not apply. Hire purchase, on the other hand, results in economic ownership and retains the tax benefit.
The KfW application is always submitted through the applicant’s primary bank and must be filed before the project begins. The exact interest rate depends on creditworthiness, collateral, and the term of the loan. In addition to the federal program, individual states offer their own grant or loan programs for commercial PV; their availability and amounts change frequently and must be verified on a location-specific basis before submitting an application. For a detailed comparison of the differences between equity, loans, and leasing, see our article on photovoltaic contracting, which covers provider-financed models.
Tax Leverage: IAB, Special Depreciation, and Depreciation
When it comes to photovoltaics and taxes, different rules apply to small and large systems. Systems up to 30 kWp per residential or commercial unit are exempt from income tax under Section 3, No. 72 of the Income Tax Act (EStG) and benefit from a zero tax rate at the time of purchase under Section 12(3) of the Value-Added Tax Act (UStG). However, a commercial PV system for on-site consumption by a business usually exceeds this limit by a significant margin—it is subject to standard taxation. While this may initially sound like a disadvantage, it actually opens up key tax benefits: Because the system is taxable, its acquisition costs can be depreciated in a targeted manner.
| Instrument | Height | Legal basis | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | up to 50% in advance | § 7g(1) of the Income Tax Act | Profit ≤ 200,000 €; total amount: max. 200,000 € |
| Special depreciation | 40 % | § 7g(5) of the Income Tax Act | Purchases made on or after January 1, 2024 (Growth Opportunities Act) |
| Straight-line depreciation | 5% per year | § 7 of the Income Tax Act (EStG) / Depreciation Schedule | Useful life: 20 years |
| Declining-Balance Depreciation (alternative) | rather than linear | Immediate Investment Program | Purchase: July 1, 2025–December 31, 2027 |
| Sources: gesetze-im-internet.de (Section 7g, Section 7 of the Income Tax Act (EStG)); BMF letter. Cases regarding the IAB scope for photovoltaic systems with grid feed-in are pending before the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) (III R 39/25, III B 24/24). Have a tax advisor verify whether this applies to your specific situation. | |||
Together, these tools provide significant relief during the first few years. For an investment of over 100,000 euros and a high marginal tax rate, the tax savings in the first two years can reach a five-figure amount—the exact amount depends on the legal form, profit situation, and financing. The 90-percent minimum utilization requirement is important: For the IAB and special depreciation, the law requires that the asset be used almost exclusively for business purposes. For PV systems that feed electricity into the grid, the scope of this rule is disputed; cases on this matter are currently pending before the Federal Fiscal Court. Our article on photovoltaics and taxes provides a complete breakdown. None of this information is a substitute for tax advice.
Six Steps to Owning Your Own System
Load Profile & Roof Inspection
Energy Consumption and Roof Structural Analysis · 1–2 weeks
Analysis & Forecast
kWp and Cost-Effectiveness · 2–3 Weeks
Offer & Financing
Purchase, KfW, or Leasing · 2–4 weeks
Power Connection
135 kW and up, medium voltage · 2–6 months
DC/AC Installation
Installation by Logic Glas · 4–10 weeks
Commissioning
Acceptance and MaStR Registration · 1–2 weeks
Registration in the Federal Network Agency’s Market Master Data Register must be completed within one month (Section 5 MaStRV) and is a prerequisite for any remuneration. For systems of 100 kWp or more, the fixed feed-in tariff no longer applies; the system is subject to direct marketing (Section 21 in conjunction with Section 21b EEG 2023). The remuneration for the surplus feed-in is based on the current rates; our guide to EEG remuneration for 2026 explains all values across all plant classes.Because planning, construction, and operation are all handled by a single teamat Logic Energy, there is no risk of coordination issues between multiple contractors.
Purchase, Lease, or Contracting?
| Feature | Purchase (own investment) | Lease / Leasing | Contracting / PPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment by the company | Yes, totally | None (Rate) | none |
| Electricity Price Advantage | maximum (generation costs) | average (lease rate) | Fixed supply/PPA price |
| Tax Benefit Under Section 7g of the Income Tax Act (EStG) | fully usable | unavailable | unavailable |
| Operator Responsibilities | during operation | usually with the lessor | from the provider |
| Capital Commitment | high | none | none |
| Ownership at Maturity | Operation | depending on the contract | Vendors (often with an option to buy) |
| Simplified comparison. The specific terms—particularly ownership, purchase options, and tax implications—depend on the contract and must be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. | |||
Which model is right depends on liquidity, tax situation, and risk tolerance. Businesses with taxable profits and sufficient equity are best served by purchasing the system outright, as they can fully leverage the savings and tax benefits. Those who want to get started without an upfront capital investment will find contracting and leasing to be the right options—covered in detail in our article on photovoltaic contracting and on our page about solar power without equity.
There are three models to choose from. When purchasing a system, the business makes the investment itself, becomes the owner, and enjoys all the benefits: the lowest electricity costs below the cost of generation, the tax incentives under Section 7g, and the increase in the property’s value. In return, it bears the investment costs, financing, and operational responsibilities.
In a lease arrangement (equipment lease or financing lease), a third party provides the system; the business pays a fixed installment and uses the electricity. This preserves cash flow but transfers economic ownership to the lessor—the special depreciation under Section 7g does not apply. In a contracting arrangement, a provider builds and operates the system and supplies the solar power at an agreed-upon price; the business makes no investment and bears no operational responsibilities.
Why Logic Energy
Everything under one roof
Planning, permitting, construction (Logic Glas GmbH), operation, and maintenance all handled by a single group—no risk of coordination issues.
Invoice Instead of a Flat Fee
Profitability forecast based on your actual consumption data and load profile—no off-the-shelf default values.
Personal liability of the owner
The partner for investment and revenue models is mediplan Helm e.K. — personal liability pursuant to Sections 1, 17, and 19 of the German Commercial Code (HGB).
Over 40 years of experience
Logic Energy is the PV brand of Logic Glas GmbH, which is part of the Helm Group, established in 1982.
A Solar Power System for Your Business — Get a Quote Now
Would you like to know how much a solar system on your roof can save you and how quickly it will pay for itself? We’ll analyze your load profile, design the system, and provide specific details on generation costs, self-consumption, payback period, and tax benefits.
At Logic Energy, the entire value chain is managed by a single group: planning, permitting, grid connection, general contractor construction by Logic Glas GmbH, commissioning, maintenance, and monitoring. This high level of integration reduces risk over the entire project lifespan and makes returns predictable. High-quality N-type modules degrade at a rate of approximately 0.25 to 0.4 percent per year—below the industry median of about 0.5 percent (NREL). A proprietary roof bridging system is available for industrial roofs that are not structurally sound.
Solar power systems for businesses reduce CO2 emissions, enhance a company’s image, and strengthen its sustainability record. On-site, zero-emission electricity generation protects the environment, wins over customers, banks, and supply chain partners, and is increasingly becoming part of corporate strategy. In this way, the investment combines climate protection with competitiveness—for businesses that want to operate more sustainably and achieve greater independence in their energy procurement, it represents a strategic opportunity.
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FAQ
At what size does it become worthwhile for a company to install a solar power system?
From an economic standpoint, it usually becomes worthwhile with an annual consumption of around 50,000 kilowatt-hours and a system of approximately 50 kWp or more. The decisive factor is not so much the size as the amount of self-consumption: The more solar power the business uses directly itself, the faster the system pays for itself.
How quickly does a commercial solar power system pay for itself?
With at least 50 percent self-consumption, the payback period is approximately 7 to 12 years, depending on the load profile and electricity price. The tax benefits under Section 7g of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) further shorten this period in the early years. With a useful life of 25 to 30 years, this is followed by many years of affordable electricity.
How much does a solar power system cost for my own business?
Turnkey commercial solar systems will cost around 700 to 1,300 euros per kilowatt-peak in 2026, averaging about 1,015 euros. A 130-kWp system therefore costs around 120,000 euros net. Larger systems are less expensive per kilowatt-peak (Fraunhofer ISE, Q1 2026).
What subsidies are available for photovoltaic systems for businesses?
The KfW Loan 270 “Renewable Energies – Standard” is key: starting at an effective annual interest rate of 4.07 percent, covering up to 100 percent of the investment, and with a term of up to 30 years (as of 07/2026). In addition, there is the EEG feed-in tariff for surplus energy and the tax benefits under Section 7g of the German Income Tax Act (EStG).
Can I claim the investment tax credit for this equipment?
In the case of a taxable commercial self-consumption system, yes: up to 50 percent of the planned costs may be deducted in advance under Section 7g(1) of the Income Tax Act (EStG), provided that the profit does not exceed 200,000 euros. A prerequisite is that the system be used almost exclusively for business purposes; the Federal Fiscal Court (BFH) is currently reviewing the scope of this provision with regard to grid feed-in.
Is it better to buy, lease, or enter into a contracting agreement?
Purchasing offers the greatest savings and full tax leverage, but ties up capital. Leasing and contracting require no upfront investment but do not qualify for § 7g. Businesses with taxable profits and equity capital are usually better off purchasing.
Sources and Legal Basis
KfW — Renewable Energy Standard (270) — starting at 4.07% effective annual interest rate, up to 150 million euros, up to 30-year term (as of July 31, 2026)
§ 7g of the Income Tax Act (EStG) — Investment Deductions and Special Depreciation — Investment Deduction (IAB) up to 50%, Special Depreciation 40%, Profit Threshold 200,000 euros
§ 7 EStG — Depreciation Allowance — Straight-Line and Declining-Balance Depreciation
§ 3 No. 72 of the Income Tax Act (EStG) — Tax Exemption for Small Solar Power Systems — Limit of 30 kWp per Unit
§ 48 EEG 2023 — Solar Radiation Energy, Applicable Value — Feed-in Rates by Power Class
Section 21b of the EEG 2023 — Classification by Sales Method — Direct Marketing / Change
§ 22 EEG 2023 — Competitive Determination of the Market Premium — Tendering Requirement for Projects of 1 MWp or More (Buildings) or 1 MWp or More (Ground-Mounted Systems)
Federal Network Agency — EEG Subsidies and Rates — Partial Feed-in Starting August 1, 2026: ≤40 kW 6.66 ct, ≤100 kW 5.44 ct; next rate reduction February 1, 2027
Fraunhofer ISE — Study on the Levelized Cost of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources — Generation Costs for Commercial Rooftops: 5.7–12.0 ct/kWh
Fraunhofer ISE — Current Facts About Photovoltaics in Germany (PDF) — System Prices per kWp, Specific Yield
BDEW — Electricity Price Analysis, April 2026 — Small and Medium-Sized Industries: 16.7 ct/kWh (New Contracts in 2026)
Federal Network Agency Market Master Data Register — Registration Requirement Under Section 5 of the MaStRV