News
Here you will find the latest analyses, market trends, and regulatory developments related to photovoltaics and energy storage. Our editorial team breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand terms—with concrete recommendations for investors and businesses.
Agri-PV as an Investment in 2026: Why Investors with €100,000 Should Take Advantage of the Funding Window Now
The window of opportunity for agri-PV investments is closing. The EU state aid approval for the EEG 2023 expires on December 31, 2026, and the CfD requirement is expected to take effect on July 17, 2027, for all systems 100 kW and above. Investors looking to invest between €100,000 and €5 million in dual-use solar projects thus have a clearly defined window of opportunity—with lease multipliers ranging from 2.5 to 8.6 times that of conventional farmland leases and a 6-month approval process thanks to BauGB exemptions. Agri-PV combines electricity generation and food production on a single plot of land, positioning itself at the heart of Germany’s energy transition. This article is aimed at investors with €100,000 or more in equity, farmers with ≥ 5 ha of land, and project developers who want to make the most of the current funding window—with a structured overview of lease factors, EEG remuneration in 2026, BauGB privileges, tax levers, and realistic return ranges.
Will solar power still be worth it in 2026—despite the CfD requirement, the phase-out of the EEG, and rising module prices?
Three risks are causing uncertainty in the PV market in 2026: mandatory CfDs starting July 17, 2027, the phase-out of EEG subsidies on December 31, 2026, and rising module prices since April. For investors, commercial enterprises, and self-employed professionals, photovoltaics remains attractive nonetheless—6–10% annual return, with tax benefits of up to 12%. Why 2026 is a particularly good year to invest, and which three scenarios are truly no longer worthwhile.
Is a solar storage system a worthwhile investment—and at what point does it really pay off?
Solar storage systems will be more cost-effective than ever in 2026: system costs are at an all-time low, new revenue streams such as peak-shaving services, and a tax package offering up to 85% immediate depreciation are creating a historic investment opportunity. This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of how battery storage systems generate revenue, which regulatory deadlines are approaching—and when a solar storage system truly pays off.
Solar Power Systems in Portfolio Planning: What a Financial Advisor Really Recommends
This article is intended for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors who are seriously considering photovoltaics as a tangible asset component in their portfolio planning. In an environment where overnight money barely yields any real returns and the energy transition is creating structural tailwinds, it is worth taking a sober look at the opportunities and risks—beyond sales pitches. This article highlights the potential solar energy offers investors as a tangible asset component, where the real risks lie, and why 2026 represents a strategically relevant window of opportunity.
Battery Storage as an Investment in 2026: Revolution or Risk?
The battery storage revolution is no longer a vision of the future—it is happening right now. Energy storage is crucial to the energy transition because it balances out fluctuations in renewable energy and stabilizes power grids: without sufficient large-scale capacity, solar and wind power cannot be reliably integrated into the grid. Those who invest in this technology in 2026 are entering an asset class that has reached institutional maturity thanks to falling prices, special tax conditions, and a growing electricity market. The opportunities for investors are real—as are the risks, which are often underestimated in public discourse. This article provides the foundation for an informed decision.
What does Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) mean for energy storage investors—and why is tax deductibility worthwhile?
Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) requires all new battery storage systems with a charging capacity exceeding 4.2 kW to be grid-responsive—and in return offers reduced grid fees, a guaranteed grid connection, and access to new revenue models. Dimming by the grid operator affects only grid consumption; self-consumption of self-generated solar power remains completely unaffected. This article provides all the information on what the three modules specifically entail, how §118 EnWG enables additional savings, and what investors need to consider during construction.
AgNes Electricity Reform 2026 — What PV Investors Need to Do Now
With AgNes, the Federal Network Agency is overhauling the entire electricity transmission tariff system—starting in 2029, PV feed-in operators will also be required to contribute to grid costs for the first time. What this means in practice, which deadlines are critical for investors, and why battery storage is now becoming a key regulatory component.
Photovoltaic Expansion in 2026: What the Numbers Mean for Investors and Businesses
By the end of January 2026, Germany had already installed 119.55 GW of photovoltaic capacity—yet the start of 2026, with 1,012 MW added in January, was the weakest in four years. While the residential PV market is experiencing a structural decline, ground-mounted systems and large-scale projects are dominating new installations, accounting for ~60% of the total market. For investors and companies, the market analysis shows: 2026 is the last year with 20-year fixed EEG feed-in tariffs before the planned transition to the CfD system in 2027—and the upfront costs for new PV systems are historically low.
Italy's solar market is shrinking in 2025: Why are small-scale systems losing ground while utility-scale systems are growing?
Italy’s solar market is shrinking —for the first time since 2020. With 6.4 GW of newly connected PV capacity, Italy’s expansion in 2025 was five percent below the previous year’s level and 660 MW short of the PNIEC target (Italia Solare, February 7, 2026). For Italy’s energy transition, this marks a break from the acceleration seen in recent years; at first glance, it is bad news for investors with exposure to Italy. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that the overall decline masks one of the most structurally exciting shifts in the European energy sector. German direct investors looking at the country today see a different market than in 2022 or 2023—smaller in size but more concentrated in value. We examine this market analysis in the following report, focusing on data, strategy, and forecasts for 2026.
Negative Electricity Prices and Solar Power: What Investors Really Need to Know in 2026
Negative electricity prices are no longer a rare occurrence: In 2025, Germany set a new record with 573 hours of negative electricity prices—and on some summer days, nearly all solar power generation was fed into the electricity exchange at negative prices. PV investors who understand the cause of this phenomenon, why the Solar Peak Act has changed the rules of the game, and which storage strategy unlocks the opportunity behind it have a clear advantage.
The Photovoltaic Industry: The Complete Guide for Business & Industry 2026
Over 90% of industrial roofs in Germany lie idle—yet they hold more than 33 GW of untapped solar potential. This guide explains the actual costs and benefits of a PV system on your industrial roof, as well as the regulatory considerations for 2026.
Photovoltaics as an Investment: Comparing ETFs, Real Estate, and Money Market Accounts
Many investors still underestimate photovoltaics as an investment—and they shouldn’t. When compared directly with traditional investment vehicles, PV offers specific advantages that real estate, ETFs, and money market funds simply cannot match. And a sober assessment of the actual risks reveals that many of them are more predictable than one might think.
PV Storage 2026: What Co-Location Means for Returns, Self-Consumption, and Cost-Effectiveness
According to a white paper by 8Energies, Enspired, and Goldbeck Solar (February 2026), the combination of a PV system and battery storage—known in technical terms as “co-location”—increases the internal rate of return (IRR) of solar parks by up to 29%. For companies, the payback period drops to 3–5 years, while for investors, revenue streams multiply to as many as six. This article explains market data, technology, sizing, and the regulatory window of 2026–2028—with concrete figures.
Solar Power for Freelancers: The Paradox for the Self-Employed in 2026
German self-employed individuals and freelancers hold record amounts in bank deposits—with a real return that barely exceeds zero after taxes and inflation. Photovoltaics as an investment offers a 6–10% annual return, government-backed cash flows, and tax benefits that surpass those of all other asset classes. This guide provides concrete calculations—including a sample calculation for a freelancer with €180,000 in annual profit—and a clear overview of the opportunities and risks.
PV Investment Italy 2026: Market Analysis, FER-X & Strategies
Italy’s solar market is set for structural growth in 2026—but the Decreto Bollette, TIDE reform, and regulatory uncertainty make blind investments risky. FER-X auctions with 818 bids for 10+ GW, a national storage target of 58 GWh by 2030, and megaprojects like the 3-GWh Airengy storage project in Brindisi show that the market is polarizing between secure winners and unprotected losers. What investors need to know in 2026—and why the German market model remains the better foundation for many.
How can PV investors save on taxes in 2026 using IAB and depreciation?
Anyone investing in a solar power system or planning to install one for their business has more tax flexibility than is often realized. This article provides an overview of the most important tools—from investment tax credits and depreciation to sales tax. We explain how these mechanisms work in general. A tax advisor is essential for applying this information to your specific situation.
The Logic Energy Investor Model
With Logic Energy, you purchase your own solar power system—Logic Energy builds and operates it, and you collect the electricity revenue. No investment funds, no power purchase agreements. Return on investment: 6–10% per year, term of 20–40 years, with over 70% tax depreciation possible in the first year.
Solar Peak Act: What Investors in PV Systems Need to Know Now
Since February 25, 2025, a stricter rule has applied to new photovoltaic systems in Germany: As soon as the wholesale electricity price turns negative, the EEG feed-in tariff is suspended—immediately, with no waiting period. Legislators are responding to a trend that is clearly evident in the figures: In 2023, there were 301 hours with negative wholesale prices; in 2024, this figure rose to 457 hours; and in 2025, it reached a total of 573 hours.¹ For investors, this is not just an abstract market statistic—it is a structural factor that directly influences the calculations for ongoing and planned projects.
Solar Investment in 2026: How Much Does a Solar System Cost? An Overview of Costs, Incentives, and Payback Period
In concrete terms, PV investment costs in 2026 mean: module prices at historic lows coincide with a regulatory window for the energy transition that closes in 2027 with the EEG reform. Turnkey rooftop systems cost €800–1,500/kWp depending on the system type, ground-mounted systems cost €600–1,000/kWp — and the investment deduction (IAB) under Section 7g of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) lowers the entry barrier by up to 50% of the net acquisition costs before the photovoltaic system even generates any electricity.
EEG Feed-in Tariffs in 2026: The Complete Guide for Investors and Businesses
The 2026 EEG feed-in tariff is 7.78 ct/kWh (partial feed-in) or 12.34 ct/kWh (full feed-in)—with a semi-annual reduction and a fundamental system change starting in 2027. Anyone who commissions a photovoltaic system by December 31, 2026, secures 20 years of guaranteed support under the proven EEG system—without the CfD repayment obligation that applies to all new systems starting in July 2027. This guide explains all current feed-in rates, historical trends since 2000, the difference between full and partial feed-in, and the consequences of the CfD reform for investors and businesses.