EEG Feed-in Tariffs in 2026: The Complete Guide for Investors and Businesses
Excerpt
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.
-
The 2026 EEG feed-in tariff is 7.78 ct/kWh (partial feed-in ≤ 10 kWp) or 12.34 ct/kWh (full feed-in) — and decreases by 1% every six months. More important than the feed-in tariff rate is the end of the system: Starting July 17, 2027, EU law requires two-sided contracts for difference (CfDs) that reclaim excess profits. Anyone who commissions a system by December 31, 2026, secures 20 years of grandfathering without the risk of clawback. Companies planning their own PV system can find the right starting point at logicenergy.de/eigene-pv-anlage.
1. What is the EEG feed-in tariff—and how does it work?
The EEG feed-in tariff is a legally guaranteed payment for every kilowatt-hour of solar power fed into the grid—regardless of the market price of electricity—for 20 years from the date of commissioning. The amount of the tariff depends on the system capacity and the feed-in model. Legal basis: Sections 21 and 48 of the EEG 2023. All operators of photovoltaic systems up to 1,000 kWp that are registered in the Federal Network Agency’s market master data register are eligible. Registration in the Federal Network Agency’s market master data register is a prerequisite for receiving EEG subsidies.
The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) was enacted in 2000 as the world’s first law of its kind and has had a profound impact on the expansion of renewable energy in Germany. The basic principle has not changed since then: Anyone in Germany who operates a photovoltaic system and feeds solar power into the public grid receives a fixed amount in cents for every kilowatt-hour of electricity—for exactly 20 years, calculated from the date the system goes into operation.
The feed-in tariff is set once when the solar power system is installed and remains in effect for the entire term. Subsequent changes in the law, falling electricity prices on the market, or shifts in policy do not affect this. In over 25 years of EEG history, Germany has never retroactively reduced feed-in tariffs for existing systems.
The two ways to receive EEG compensation
In practice, there are two technically distinct ways to receive EEG subsidies:
Fixed Feed-in Tariff (Section 21 of the EEG): The grid operator pays a fixed amount in cents per kWh directly for the feed-in of PV electricity—without reference to the market and without an intermediary. This option is available for EEG-eligible systems with a capacity of up to 100 kWp.
Market Premium Model / Direct Marketing (Section 20 of the EEG): The solar power plant sells its electricity to the grid via a direct marketer on the spot market. If the market price is below the EEG reference value (the so-called applicable value), the grid operator pays the difference as a market premium. If it is above that value, the operator retains the entire additional revenue. Mandatory for all systems 100 kWp and above.
Both approaches yield the same minimum economic return. Direct marketing structurally generates about 0.4 cents per kilowatt-hour more (the difference between the applicable value and the fixed feed-in tariff)—and significantly more during periods of high prices. Our article on the direct marketing of PV electricity in 2026 provides a detailed analysis of direct marketing revenues.
Which solar power systems are eligible for EEG feed-in tariffs?
In principle, all operators of PV systems up to 1,000 kWp are eligible, provided that the photovoltaic system is located in Germany, is registered in the Federal Network Agency’s Market Master Data Register, and meets the technical requirements under Section 9 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Registration in the Federal Network Agency’s Market Master Data Register is a prerequisite for receiving EEG subsidies—without it, there is no entitlement to remuneration. The PV capacity of the system determines both the amount of the feed-in tariff and the permissible payment method. For installed capacities of 1,000 kWp or more, the tendering requirement applies (see Section 2).
2. Current Feed-in Tariffs for 2026: An Overview of All Rates
Since February 1, 2026, a feed-in tariff of 7.78 cents per kWh (partial feed-in) and 12.34 cents per kWh (full feed-in) has applied to rooftop solar systems up to 10 kWp. The EEG subsidy rate will decrease again by approximately 1% on August 1, 2026. Source: Federal Network Agency / BSW Solar Industry, as of May 2026.
The Federal Network Agency publishes the current feed-in tariff rates for photovoltaic systems every six months. The date of the system’s commissioning is always the determining factor—not the date the project was commissioned or the building permit was issued. The deadline for the next feed-in tariff adjustment is July 31, 2026. The following rates apply to PV systems commissioned between February 1 and July 31, 2026.
Building-integrated systems (rooftop and facade PV) — partial feed-in
With partial feed-in—also known as surplus feed-in—only the solar power remaining after personal consumption is fed into the grid. The PV modules generate electricity for personal use; only the power that the system does not use itself is fed into the grid. This option is the more economical choice for most rooftop systems with personal consumption:
Up to 10 kWp: 7.78 ct/kWh (base rate: 8.18 ct/kWh)
10 to 40 kWp: 6.73 ct/kWh (reference value: 7.13 ct/kWh)
40 to 100 kWp: 5.50 ct/kWh (base rate: 5.90 ct/kWh)*
Building Systems — Full Feed-in
With full feed-in, the PV modules feed all the electricity they generate directly into the grid—the system produces electricity exclusively for feed-in. The rate per kilowatt-hour is higher than with partial feed-in, and there is no self-consumption:
Up to 10 kWp: 12.34 ct/kWh (reference value: 12.74 ct/kWh)
10 to 40 kWp: 10.35 cents/kWh (reference value: 10.75 cents/kWh)
40 to 100 kWp: 10.35 ct/kWh (reference value: 10.75 ct/kWh)*
* The surcharge of +1.5 ct/kWh (Solar Package I) for systems ranging from 40 to 1,000 kWp has not yet been factored in—EU state aid approval is still pending because the Commission is requiring a clawback mechanism; implementation will not begin until the EEG 2027 takes effect (as of May 2026).
| Performance class | Partial injection | Full feed-in | Value to be invested (per share) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 10 kWp | 7.78 cents per kWh | 12.34 cents per kWh | 8.18 cents per kWh |
| 10–40 kWp | 6.73 cents per kWh | 10.35 cents per kWh | 7.13 cents per kilowatt-hour |
| 40–100 kWp* | 5.50 cents per kWh | 10.35 cents per kWh | 5.90 cents per kWh |
| Open space ≤ 1,000 kWp | 6.26 cents per kWh | 6.66 cents per kWh | |
| Tenant-generated electricity ≤ 10 kWp | +2.54 ct/kWh surcharge | — | |
| Tenant-generated electricity 10–40 kWp | +2.36 ct/kWh surcharge | — | |
| Tenant-Generated Electricity 40–1,000 kWp | +1.59 ct/kWh surcharge | — | |
* * Surcharge of +1.5 ct/kWh (Solar Package I) for 40–1,000 kWp not yet included — the European Commission requires a clawback mechanism, which will not be incorporated into the EEG until 2027; therefore, activation no earlier than mid-2027. Applies to commissioning between February 1 and July 31, 2026. Source: Federal Network Agency / BSW Solar Industry, as of May 2026.
Tenant electricity surcharge and other facilities
Tenant electricity surcharge ≤ 10 kWp: 2.54 ct/kWh
Tenant electricity surcharge for 10–40 kWp: 2.36 ct/kWh
Tenant electricity surcharge for 40–1,000 kWp: 1.59 ct/kWh
Other PV systems (ground-mounted ≤ 1 , 000 kWp): 6.26 ct/kWh (reference value: 6.66 ct/kWh)
Phase-out: New rates effective August 2026
Since February 2024, EEG subsidies for solar power systems have been decreasing by 1% every six months (Section 49 of the EEG 2023). The next reduction in subsidy rates will take effect on August 1, 2026. The projected rate of remuneration in cents per kWh (partial feed-in):
Feb–Jul 2025: 7.94 ct/kWh (≤ 10 kWp) | 6.82 ct/kWh (10–40 kWp)
Aug–Jan 2026: 7.86 ct/kWh | 6.73 ct/kWh
Feb–Jul 2026 (current): 7.78 ct/kWh | 6.73 ct/kWh
Aug–Jan 2027 (projected): ~7.71 ct/kWh | ~6.67 ct/kWh
⚠️ Note: The August 2026 figures are projections based on the 1% rule. The official figures will be published by the Federal Network Agency shortly before August 1. Please update this article after that date.
| Period | ≤ 10 kWp partial feed-in | 10–40 kWp partial feed-in | ≤ 10 kWp full feed-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb–Jul 2025 | 7.94 cents per kWh | 6.82 cents per kWh | 12.60 cents per kWh |
| Aug 2025–Jan 2026 | 7.86 cents per kWh | 6.73 cents per kWh | 12.47 cents per kWh |
| Feb–Jul 2026 ← current | 7.78 cents per kWh | 6.73 cents per kWh | 12.34 cents per kWh |
| Aug 2026–Jan 2027 (projected) | ~7.71 cents/kWh | ~6.67 cents/kWh | ~12.23 cents/kWh |
Decrease: 1% every six months (Section 49 of the EEG 2023). The figures for August 2026 are projections—official publication by the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) is expected shortly before August 1, 2026. Source: Federal Network Agency / BSW Solar Industry.
Tender requirement for projects of 1,000 kWp or more — BNetzA award values for 2026
Since Solar Package I (May 2024), the tender threshold for rooftop photovoltaic systems has been set at 1,000 kWp of PV capacity. For ground-mounted systems, the requirement also applies starting at 1 MWp. Electricity generated by the system is then no longer paid for at a fixed rate but is sold on the grid through auctions. The winning bid values are determined jointly by the four transmission system operators and the Federal Network Agency. Current tender results for PV systems:
Open Market, February 2026: Bid range 5.19–5.5 ct/kWh, average 5.54 ct/kWh
Roof-mounted systems > 1 MWp, February 2026: Award range 7.88–10.00 ct/kWh, average 9.56 ct/kWh
Maximum rate for rooftop systems in 2026: 10.00 ct/kWh (2025: 10.40 ct/kWh)
February 2026 Round of Rooftop Systems: Significantly Undersubscribed — Only 177 MW Submitted Out of 283 MW Tendered
3. Feed-in Tariff Table: Trends from 2000 to 2026
From 50.62 ct/kWh in 2000 to a historic high of 57.40 ct/kWh in 2004—and today to 7.78 ct/kWh: The feed-in tariff for photovoltaics has fallen by over 86% since 2004. This decline directly reflects the falling costs of PV systems. The degression mechanism in the Renewable Energy Act was designed to ensure that the market grows as soon as solar systems become more affordable.
📊 Note for Squarespace: The SVG bar chart (Historical Compensation Trends 2000–2026, colors #002A4E/#FFC000) is included in the HTML document as a separate file. Insert it as a code block before this section.
The Renewable Energy Act and Its Degression Mechanism
The EEG was not designed as a static subsidy program, but as a self-regulating mechanism: the more PV systems were installed and the lower the production costs for solar power became, the faster the feed-in tariff was supposed to decrease. The law aimed to steer the expansion of renewable energy in such a way that photovoltaics would gradually become competitive with conventional energy supplies—without imposing a permanent financial burden on the state budget. This principle explains the entire evolution of the feed-in tariff from 2000 to the present day.
Feed-in Tariff Trend Table 2000–2026
Key milestones in feed-in tariff development (Reference: Rooftop solar system ≤ 10–30 kWp, fixed feed-in tariff):
2000: 50.62 cents/kWh — The Renewable Energy Act (EEG) takes effect, establishing a uniform rate for all solar power systems
2004: 57.40 cents/kWh — an all-time high; the 2004 Renewable Energy Act (EEG) increased subsidies for photovoltaics, causing the market to boom
2008: 46.75 ct/kWh — annual 5% reduction has been in effect since 2005
July 2010: 34.05 ct/kWh — Emergency reduction of ~−13% due to the 2010 PV Amendment following record expansion
April 2012: 19.50 ct/kWh — the sharpest cuts in the history of the EEG: monthly 1% reduction + one-time cut of ~20%
2014: 12.88 ct/kWh — The 2014 Renewable Energy Act (EEG) introduces a direct sales requirement for large PV systems
2017: 12.30 cents/kWh — The 2017 Renewable Energy Act (EEG) introduces a tender system for photovoltaic systems > 750 kWp
2020: 9.87 cents/kWh — accelerated rate reduction due to rapid expansion of solar installations
July 2022: 6.24 ct/kWh — an all-time low for the feed-in tariff
August 2022: 8.20 ct/kWh (T) / 13.00 ct/kWh (V) — first feed-in tariff increase in the history of the EEG; EEG 2023 ("Easter Package") introduces full feed-in for renewable energy
February 2024: 8.11 ct/kWh (T) / 12.87 ct/kWh (V) — semi-annual 1% rate reduction begins
February 2025: 7.94 ct/kWh (T) / 12.60 ct/kWh (V) — Solar Peak Act takes effect
February 2026: 7.78 ct/kWh (T) / 12.34 ct/kWh (V) — currently in effect
(T) = Partial feed-in, (V) = Full feed-in, each ≤ 10 kWp rooftop system
| Year | Rate (ct/kWh) | EEG version / Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 50,62 | The EEG Takes Effect — A Uniform Rate for All Solar Power Systems |
| 2004 | 57,40 | EEG 2004 — All-time High, Market Booms |
| 2008 | 46,75 | The 5% reduction in effect since 2005 |
| July 2010 | 34,05 | PV Amendment — Emergency Cut of ~−13% Due to Record Expansion |
| Apr 2012 | 19,50 | The sharpest cuts in the history of the EEG — a monthly 1% reduction + a one-time cut of ~20% |
| 2014 | 12,88 | EEG 2014 — Direct Sales Requirement for Large PV Systems |
| 2017 | 12,30 | EEG 2017 — Tendering System for PV Systems > 750 kWp |
| 2020 | 9,87 | Accelerated phase-out due to rapid expansion |
| July 2022 | 6,24 | Record low for the feed-in tariff |
| Aug 2022 | 8.20 (T) / 13.00 (V) | EEG 2023 — First Feed-in Tariff Increase in the History of the EEG; Full Feed-in Now Introduced |
| Feb 2024 | 8.11 (T) / 12.87 (V) | The semi-annual 1% reduction begins |
| Feb 2025 | 7.94 (T) / 12.60 (V) | Solar Peak Act Takes Effect |
| Feb 2026 | 7.78 (T) / 12.34 (V) | Currently in effect — the last full six-month period before the 2027 EEG system change |
Reference: Rooftop systems ≤ 10–30 kWp, fixed feed-in tariff. (T) = partial feed-in, (V) = full feed-in. Sources: BNetzA Archive, BSW Solar Industry, EEG|KWKG Clearing House, SFV.
Historical trends reveal the key pattern: feed-in tariffs and investment costs for photovoltaic systems have fallen in tandem. Those who invest in 2026 will benefit from system costs at an all-time low (approx. €1,015/kWp) while still receiving guaranteed EEG subsidies for 20 years—before the current subsidy system expires in 2027.
4. Full-scale feed-in vs. partial feed-in — which is the better option and when?
Consuming self-generated solar power saves approximately 35 cents per kWh, which is about three times as much as the best full-feed-in tariff (12.34 cents/kWh). Full feed-in is only worthwhile when self-consumption is very low—below about 15–20%—such as in warehouses or photovoltaic systems built specifically for that purpose. For most businesses, there are more economically viable options than full feed-in: partial feed-in with maximized self-consumption is the superior choice.
Since August 2022, operators of rooftop photovoltaic systems have been able to choose between two feed-in models. Full feed-in operators generally receive higher feed-in tariffs than partial feed-in operators—in 2026, the rate is 12.34 ct/kWh compared to 7.78 ct/kWh for systems up to 10 kWp. This decision has significant economic implications and should be made before construction begins—while a change is possible annually (notification by November 30 for the following year), the feed-in tariff is fixed as of the commissioning date.
Calculation example: 10 kWp rooftop system, 30% self-consumption
Assumptions: 10 kWp system, 9,500 kWh/year, 30% self-consumption (2,850 kWh), electricity purchase price 35 cents per kWh:
Partial injection:
Self-consumption: 2,850 kWh × 35 cents = €997.50 in electricity savings
Feed-in: 6,650 kWh × 7.78 cents = €517.37 in revenue
Total: €1,514.87/year
Full feed-in:
Feed-in: 9,500 kWh × 12.34 cents = €1,172.30 in revenue
All electricity must be purchased from the grid
Total compensation: €1,172.30 per year
Benefit of partial feed-in: ~€343 more per year
⚠️ Note: This calculation example is for illustrative purposes only and is based on hypothetical assumptions. Actual results depend on location, system size, individual electricity consumption patterns, and the utility provider. This does not constitute system, tax, or legal advice.
When full feed-in makes sense
Buildings with very low or no electricity consumption (warehouses, barns, vacant properties)
As a separate secondary system in addition to an existing self-consumption system (Section 100(14) of the EEG permits two separate photovoltaic systems within a 12-month period)
If the self-consumption rate is below approximately 15–20%
For businesses with high electricity consumption, optimizing self-consumption is the strongest driver of returns—far ahead of the feed-in tariff for solar power supplied to the grid. The cost of self-generated electricity is significantly lower than the price of grid electricity: A system produces electricity for less than 8 cents per kWh, while grid electricity costs 35–40 cents per kWh. Our article on solar system returns in 2026 shows the realistic returns a commercial PV system can achieve. You can find a general overview of photovoltaics for industry in our guide.
5. Target value, market premium, and direct marketing
The applicable value is the EEG reference price, which is used to calculate both the fixed feed-in tariff (minus 0.4 cents per kilowatt-hour) and the variable market premium. In the case of direct marketing, the grid operator pays the difference between the applicable value and the current monthly market value for solar power—and if the market price is higher, the operator retains the entire excess revenue. Direct marketing is legally required for PV systems with an installed capacity of 100 kWp or more.
How the sliding market premium works
The formula is: Market premium = Book value − Monthly market value of solar
Market value of solar power: Range of variation in 2025
The Monthly Market Value for Solar (MMW) is the average spot market price for solar power in a given month, weighted according to generation profiles—published monthly by the four transmission system operators on netztransparenz.de. The MMW for PV electricity in 2025 fluctuated significantly on the electricity exchange: from 11.51 ct/kWh in January down to 1.997 ct/kWh in May (annual average: 4.508 ct/kWh).
If the MMW is below the applicable value, the grid operator pays the difference as a market premium—this is the government’s contribution to the plant’s economic viability. If the MMW is above that value, the market premium drops to zero—but the operator retains all revenue from the electricity it feeds into the grid. The EEG subsidy system for renewable energy is thus asymmetrical: it guarantees a minimum but places no upper limit on profits. It is precisely this asymmetry that will end with the CfD reform in 2027 (more on this in Section 7).
Direct Sales Requirement: Who Is Required to Do It, and Who Can?
PV systems > 100 kWp: Direct marketing requirement (Section 20, Section 22(3) of the EEG 2023)
Photovoltaic systems ≤ 100 kWp: free choice between a fixed feed-in tariff and voluntary direct marketing
Since Solar Package I: Solar systems under 25 kWp no longer require remote control capabilities for direct marketing
You can switch between plans on a monthly basis (advance notice required: at least 1 month)
Important for planning: A reduction in the direct sales requirement to 75 kWp (2026) and 25 kWp (2027), originally provided for in the Solar Peak Act, was not implemented in the final law. The 100-kWp capacity limit remains in place. Various sources citing lower thresholds refer to draft versions that were rejected.
6. Solar Peak Act: Zero compensation when electricity prices are negative
Effective February 25, 2025: New solar installations with a capacity of 2 kWp or more will immediately cease to receive EEG feed-in tariffs when electricity prices on the exchange turn negative—starting from the first quarter-hour of negative prices. In 2025, this amounted to 573 hours (Source: SMARD/BNetzA). Section 51a of the EEG includes a compensation mechanism that makes up for lost remuneration after 20 years—but its effect is limited due to a halving factor of 0.5. Existing systems installed before February 25, 2025, remain fully protected.
The Solar Peak Act (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 51) has completely replaced the previous hourly buffer system.
What has actually changed
Before February 25, 2025: Loss of feed-in tariff for photovoltaic systems only after 3 consecutive hours of negative prices, only for systems with a capacity of ≥ 400 kW
Effective February 25, 2025 (new installations): EEG feed-in tariff drops to zero starting with the first quarter-hour of negative output—for all solar installations of 2 kWp or more
Systems 2–100 kWp: The rule takes effect only after the installation of a smart metering system (iMSys/smart meter); until then, the feed-in limit is 60% of the installed capacity into the power grid
Grandfathering: Solar power systems commissioned before February 25, 2025, will continue to be subject to the old, more lenient regulations (Section 100(46) of the Renewable Energy Act)
573 hours of negative prices in 2025 — and the trend
The trend in negative-price hours shows a clear pattern:
2022: 69 hours
2023: 301 hours (+336%)
2024: 457 hours (+52%)
2025: 573 hours (+25%) — equivalent to approximately 6.5% of all hours worked in a year
Monthly record for June 2025: 141 hours over 23 days
Forecast for 2026: 700–900 hours, with PV installation continuing to rise
According to an analysis by Grant Thornton, under the new rules, up to 18.4% of potential revenue from feeding solar power into the grid in the 2–400 kWp segment would not have been eligible for compensation in 2024. For investors in EEG-compliant systems, this is a serious risk—one that can be actively addressed through battery storage and smart charging management. In this context, the storage system makes a twofold contribution: it prevents revenue losses and generates additional income through electricity arbitrage in the grid.
Our cluster article on the Solar Peak Act for PV investors explains exactly how the law affects existing and planned photovoltaic systems and how the compensation mechanism under Section 51a of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) works in detail.
7. CfD Reform 2027: What Will Change After the Investment Window
Effective July 17, 2027, EU Regulation 2024/1747 requires all member states to introduce bilateral contracts for difference (CfDs) for new subsidized photovoltaic systems and other renewable energy sources. Under CfDs, for the first time, there is an obligation to repay excess profits above the reference price. The BMWE working draft from January 2026 also provides for the complete abolition of the fixed feed-in tariff—including for small-scale systems.
What is a bilateral contract for difference?
Under the current market premium model, the government subsidizes the difference if the market price falls below the reference price—but if the price rises, the operator reaps unlimited profits. This asymmetry ends with CfDs:
Market price below strike price: As before, the operator receives the difference (subsidy)
Market price exceeds strike price: The operator reimburses the difference (clawback)
The risk is shared between the government and the operator — windfall profits are skimmed off
CfD Requirement for Renewable Energy: What the EU Mandates
EU Regulation 2024/1747 makes no exceptions for specific technologies: wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric power are all subject to the CfD requirement as of July 17, 2027. Only biomass is exempt. Germany must restructure its entire EEG support system for renewable energy accordingly—which is why the BMWE’s working draft is so far-reaching.
BMWE Draft Bill for the EEG 2027 — Key Points
On January 22, 2026, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy released a 442-page working draft of the EEG 2027. The key points:
Refinancing Contribution (Section 20a EEG 2027 Draft): If the annual market value exceeds the applicable value, operators must repay the difference multiplied by the amount of solar power fed into the grid—with monthly installments and annual settlement. In the draft bill dated April 21, 2026, the originally planned market value corridor was removed; the levy thus takes effect immediately upon exceeding the threshold.
Elimination of the fixed feed-in tariff —including for small-scale systems under 25 kWp; instead, a transitional grid operator purchase at market value until the end of 2027 (≤ 25 kWp) or the end of 2028 (≤ 10 kWp). The existing EEG subsidies for photovoltaic systems of this size will thus formally expire.
CfD requirement for all new subsidized solar installations with a capacity of 100 kW or more
Opt-out option (Section 20b): A one-time, irrevocable withdrawal from the subsidy and repayment system — intended for PPA-financed PV projects
Direct sales requirement: The threshold will be gradually reduced from 100 kWp to 25 kWp (remains at 100 kWp until Dec. 31, 2026; Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2027: 90 kWp; Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2028: 75 kWp; as of Jan. 1, 2029: 25 kWp)
⚠️ Time is running out: The current EU state aid approval for the EEG 2023 expires on December 31, 2026. If the EEG 2027 is not passed in time, there is a risk of a funding gap. The CDU/CSU and SPD reached an agreement on the broad outlines of the EEG amendment on April 22, 2026; the revised draft bill has been available since April 21, 2026. As of April 28, 2026, the industry consultation had not yet officially begun, and the cabinet decision is expected in Q3 2026 (as of May 2026).
We provide a detailed analysis of what the CfD requirement specifically means for investors in the planning phase in our article on the 2027 CfD requirement for PV investors.
8. The 2026 Regulatory Investment Window
Photovoltaic systems commissioned by December 31, 2026, are eligible for 20 years of guaranteed EEG feed-in tariffs under current regulations—without any obligation to repay CfDs and without being subject to changes under the EEG 2027. At the same time, investment costs for PV systems are at an all-time low. The combination of guaranteed subsidies, low costs, and an increasing risk of negative prices for future projects makes 2026 the most strategically favorable time in years.
Three developments will converge in 2026 in a way that is unlikely to be repeated:
Factor 1 — 20 years of EEG subsidies with grandfathering provisions
Anyone who goes online by December 31, 2026, will benefit from the EEG 2023 remuneration system—for 20 years, regardless of future legislative changes. Specifically, this means: no CfD repayment risk, no elimination of the fixed feed-in tariff for your own photovoltaic system, and full participation in high-price periods. Electricity fed into the grid at high market prices generates additional revenue for the system—and none of that money needs to be repaid.
Factor 2 — Investment costs at an all-time low
The cost of rooftop solar systems and solar installations in general is lower than ever—both for solar panels and for the entire installation:
Turnkey rooftop solar systems (30–100 kWp): €800–1,300/kWp (net) [Source: Fraunhofer ISE / BSW Solar, Q1 2026]
Turnkey rooftop/industrial solar systems, 100–500 kWp: €700–1,100/kWp (net) [Source: Fraunhofer ISE / BSW Solar, Q1 2026]
Average across all segments: approx. €1,015/kWp
Battery energy storage systems (BESS): approx. €325/kWh — global price decline of over 20% by 2025
Factor 3 — Increasing risk of negative prices for new investments starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, with no grandfathering provisions: zero compensation for negative prices starting from the first quarter-hour, an obligation to repay CfDs, and the elimination of fixed feed-in tariffs for solar installations. With 700–900 hours of negative prices forecast for 2026—and the trend continuing to rise—an investor in 2027 with new PV systems faces a structurally higher revenue risk than an investor in 2026 with grandfathering provisions.
For Businesses: The Declining Feed-in Tariff as an Argument for Self-Consumption
Companies planning to install their own photovoltaic system for their operations should note that the feed-in tariff is of secondary importance for self-consumption systems anyway—what matters is the value of the self-generated solar power (35–40 cents per kWh in savings on the grid electricity price). Since the cost of grid electricity is rising structurally while feed-in tariffs are falling and the cost of PV systems continues to drop, the benefit of self-consumption continues to grow. Saving money instead of feeding it into the grid will be more worthwhile than ever in 2026. Learn more on our page Your Own PV System for Your Business.
For investors: A comprehensive analysis of the PV investment model—including expected returns, tax benefits, and a comparison with other asset classes—can be found in *Photovoltaic Investment 2026*.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Return figures are based on historical data from the Helm Group and are not a guarantee of future results. Fee rates, legal provisions, and tender results are current as of May 2026 and are subject to change. All legal information is provided without warranty. For your specific situation, please consult a licensed advisor. As of May 2026.
The 2026 EEG feed-in tariff is not the end of PV profitability—it is the final piece of a system that will undergo fundamental changes in 2027. Anyone who understands the interplay between grandfathering provisions, CfD risk, the trend toward negative prices, and historically low system costs will realize: The window for 20 years of guaranteed feed-in tariffs without clawback closes on December 31, 2026. Logic Energy designs and builds turnkey PV systems—with secured financing before construction begins, our own operations team, and long-term profit sharing. Contact us—we’ll calculate the details of your individual project free of charge and show you exactly what feed-in tariff, tax implications, and return on investment are realistic for your situation. How the investor model works →
FAQ
-
As of February 1, 2026, the feed-in tariff for photovoltaic systems up to 10 kWp is 7.78 ct/kWh for partial feed-in and 12.34 ct/kWh for full feed-in. For solar systems between 10 and 40 kWp, the rates are 6.73 ct/kWh (partial feed-in) and 10.35 ct/kWh (full feed-in). On August 1, 2026, the feed-in tariffs will decrease again by approximately 1%. Source: Federal Network Agency, BSW Solar Industry.
-
The applicable value is the EEG reference price. The fixed feed-in tariff is 0.4 ct/kWh lower than this (Section 53(1) EEG). In the case of direct marketing, the applicable value serves as a lower limit: market premium = applicable value minus the monthly market value for solar. If the market price is higher, the operator retains the full additional revenue.
-
The EEG feed-in tariff applies for exactly 20 years from the date the solar system is commissioned. The rate set at the time of construction is guaranteed and is not affected by subsequent changes in the law (grandfathering). After this period expires, the photovoltaic system can continue to operate—the solar power generated can then be used for direct marketing, self-consumption, or under new regulations such as Energy Sharing (Section 42c of the Energy Industry Act [EnWG] effective June 2026).
-
Nothing will change for existing photovoltaic systems commissioned by December 31, 2026. The grandfathering provision guarantees the fixed feed-in tariff for 20 years. The CfD requirement with a repayment clause applies exclusively to new PV systems that go into operation after the EEG 2027 takes effect. The legally stipulated effective date is July 17, 2027 (EU Electricity Market Regulation 2024/1747); given the current status of the proceedings (as of May 2026, industry consultation has not yet begun), a postponement is possible.
-
As of February 25, 2025, new solar power systems with a capacity of 2 kWp or more will no longer receive EEG feed-in tariffs when electricity prices on the exchange are negative—starting from the first quarter-hour of negative prices. In 2025, this amounted to 573 hours (Source: SMARD/BNetzA). Section 51a of the EEG includes a compensation mechanism that makes up for lost remuneration after 20 years using a factor of 0.5. Photovoltaic systems installed before February 25, 2025, are fully protected by grandfathering provisions.
-
Yes. You can switch once a year. The notification to the grid operator must be submitted by November 30 for the following year. The feed-in tariff established when the photovoltaic system was commissioned remains in effect—only the feed-in model changes. For most solar systems with self-consumption, switching to full feed-in only makes sense if the self-consumption rate has fallen below approximately 15–20%.
-
Since February 2024, the EEG feed-in tariff has been reduced by 1% every six months (Section 49 EEG 2023). For the period from August 2026 to January 2027, the rate is expected to be approximately 7.71 ct/kWh (for partial feed-in ≤ 10 kWp). Starting in 2027, the BMWE’s working draft proposes a fundamental system overhaul: The fixed feed-in tariff for solar installations is to be replaced by CfD contracts and phased out as a subsidy model. Existing installations are not affected.
References
Federal Network Agency — EEG Subsidies and Subsidy Rates, continuously updated, as of April 2026
BSW German Solar Industry Association — Current Feed-in Tariffs for PV Systems (Table), as of February 2026
Federal Network Agency Press Release — Results of Wind and Solar Tenders, March 31, 2026
pv magazine — BNetzA lowers the maximum bid price for rooftop tenders to 10.00 ct/kWh for 2026, December 16, 2025
EEG|KWKG Clearing House — When and how will the feed-in tariffs for solar power change?
Solar Energy Promotion Association of Germany (SFV) — Overview of Feed-in Tariffs — Historical Development
Finanztip — Feed-in Tariff 2026: Amount, Trends & Planned Reforms, March 2026
energie-experten.org — Feed-in Tariff 2026: Current Rates & Tables, as of April 2026
Grant Thornton — Economic Impact of the Solar Peak Act on Photovoltaic and Wind Energy Plants, May 2025
EUR-Lex — Regulation (EU) 2024/1747 amending the Electricity Market Regulation (CfD Obligation), June 26, 2024
Raue Attorneys at Law — Proposed Amendment to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG): Transition of the Feed-in Tariff System to Bilateral Differential Contracts, 2026
EWE — Changes to PV Regulations Under the 2025 Solar Peak Act
Energy and Law (Law Firm) — EEG 2023: New Rules for Negative Electricity Prices, Sections 51 and 51a of the EEG
Helm Group — Portfolio return data for 2024, internal project data, 6–10% per annum
