As of January 1, 2024, new battery storage systems with a capacity exceeding 4.2 kW fall under Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG)—with reduced grid fees and guaranteed grid connection in return. What investors need to know in 2026.

On August 6, 2026, the Federal Network Agency published the complete draft of the AgNes regulations. It ties the grid fee exemption for storage systems to a final investment decision made before January 1, 2027—which must be documented by March 31, 2027. The consultation period runs through September 18, 2026.

Italy’s energy decree was intended to reimburse gas-fired power plants for their CO2 costs and drive down the wholesale price. Six months after it took effect, this very mechanism cannot be implemented—it hinges on an EU approval that has not yet been granted. What PV investors with exposure to Italy should take away from this.

The 2026 smart meter requirement applies to PV systems over 7 kW. Anyone operating a new system under 100 kW without a smart metering system under the feed-in tariff may feed a maximum of 60% of its capacity into the grid until the system is installed. All deadlines, costs, the 60% cap, and the requirements for energy sharing and dynamic rates—all in a concise overview for operators, landlords, and investors.

Starting in 2027, Germany will transition its PV subsidy program to bilateral differential contracts. Who is affected by the 100 kW threshold, what the December 31, 2026, deadline entails, and how returns will change—an overview for investors, as of September 2026.

The 2025 EnWG Amendment has been in effect since December 23, 2025: preferential treatment for battery storage under building codes, proportional exemption from grid fees for multi-use storage systems, and energy sharing (Section 42c EnWG). What investors should do specifically now—including the critical commissioning deadline in August 2029.