Photovoltaic Expansion in 2026: What the Numbers Mean for Investors and Businesses

Net photovoltaic capacity additions in Germany totaled 7,394.4 MW in the first half of 2026, remaining almost exactly at the previous year’s level—but the underlying structure has shifted: For the first time, ground-mounted systems, at 4,010.4 MW, accounted for more capacity than all rooftop systems combined, while the number of newly registered systems plummeted by 18 percent.

The short answer

In the first half of 2026, Germany added 7,394.4 MW of net photovoltaic capacity—practically the same as in the first half of 2025, at 7,407 MW. However, this stable overall capacity masks a structural shift: Ground-mounted systems contributed 4,010.4 MW from just 1,002 projects, while rooftop systems contributed 3,186.4 MW from over 185,000 installations. The number of newly registered systems fell by 18 percent; in the commercial segment (between 100 and 750 kW), the decline was as high as 48 percent. A few large projects are now driving the market, which was previously supported by many small ones.

The expansion of photovoltaic capacity is one of the key indicators of progress in the energy transition—and it directly influences companies’ investment decisions: It shows where capital, skilled labor, and grid connection capacity are flowing, and thus also where a company’s own project will face competition and where it will not.

This article analyzes the expansion of photovoltaic capacity in Germany for the year 2026 and explains what the current figures mean for investors and companies. It is intended for decision-makers who want to understand the market and assess the opportunities and risks for their own projects. The analysis is based on current data from the Federal Network Agency, BSW-Solar, and Fraunhofer ISE, as well as on regulatory developments through July 2026.

Photovoltaic Expansion in Germany: Midyear Report for 2026

In short: In the first half of 2026, Germany added a net 7,394.4 MW of photovoltaic capacity—practically the same as in the first half of 2025, when 7,407 MW were added. However, the total capacity figure is misleading: It is driven by increasingly large solar farms, while the number of newly registered systems has fallen by 18 percent.

The expansion of photovoltaic capacity in 2026 can no longer be gauged by a single figure. The Federal Network Agency reports a net increase of 7,394.4 MW for the first half of 2026—a figure on par with the same period last year. However, the segment data below tells a different story: Germany’s solar expansion is shifting from many small systems to a few large ones.

Germany’s installed PV capacity continues to grow: The 7.4 GW mentioned above was added in the first half of 2026 to the approximately 117 GW installed by the end of 2025. So the installed capacity isn’t the problem—it’s the pace of growth.

7,394.4 MW
Net growth in H1 2026
4,010.4 MW
Open space, 1,002 installations
3,186.4 MW
Roof, over 185,000 systems
−18 %
Number of facilities compared to the previous year

Photovoltaic Systems in Germany: An Overview of the First-Half 2026 Figures

SegmentAppendices H1 2026Performance H1 2026Classification
Ground-mounted solar arrays1.0024,010.4 MWlargest segment
Roof-mounted systemsover 185,0003,186.4 MWdeclining
Plug-in Solar Devicesabout 203,500278.1 MWRegistrations Have Been Declining Recently
Other Solar Systems93.7 MWNiche
Total net increase7,394.4 MWat the same level as the previous year

Source: Federal Network Agency, Statistics on Electricity Generation Capacity from Selected Renewable Energy Sources, analysis of the Market Master Data Register as of July 13, 2026. The figures for the most recent month are preliminary due to late reports; the half-year figures may still increase.

Growth by Segment, First Half of 2026
Gross installed capacity in megawatts
Open space
4.010,4
Roof-mounted systems
3.186,4
Plug-in Solar
278,1

Photovoltaic Market 2026: Large-scale megaprojects Drive Expansion

The most significant change in the 2026 PV installation statistics does not concern capacity, but rather the number of installations. Across all size categories, the Market Master Data Registry recorded approximately 388,000 systems in the first half of the year—18 percent fewer than in the same period last year and just under a third fewer than in 2024. The segments most affected are precisely those in which commercial enterprises typically build:

  • Commercial PV systems ranging from 100 to 750 kW: a 48 percent decline in the number of systems
  • Solar power systems ranging from 30 to 100 kW: a 39 percent decrease in the number of systems
  • Systems over 750 kWp: 891 projects, which is nearly on par with the previous year

At the same time, the 2,026 new large-scale systems over 750 kW registered in 2026 are, on average, about a quarter larger than those in the previous year. A few large projects are thus making up for what hundreds of thousands of smaller systems are no longer delivering. This becomes clear in June: 572.7 MW from ground-mounted systems versus 493.8 MW from approximately 32,400 rooftop systems—just over 1,000 solar parks in the first half of the year generate more power than 185,000 rooftops.

Installed PV Capacity in Germany: Where Photovoltaic Expansion Stands in 2026 in Relation to the 215-GW Target

The Renewable Energy Sources Act sets a target path of approximately 22 GW for 2026. By 2030, installed PV capacity in Germany is expected to rise to 215 GW. As of the end of the first half of the year, 7.4 GW of the annual target has been achieved—about one-third with half the year having passed. The second half of the year is traditionally stronger seasonally, but the gap remains significant.

What this means for companies: The pressure to expand the system remains intact, both politically and economically—failing to meet targets is an argument for, not against, expansion. Anyone planning their own system today is operating in a market with available contractor capacity and historically low system prices.

In our article on PV and lignite in 2025, we showed that solar power generated more electricity than lignite for the first time in 2025.

Residential Solar Market: Structural Decline Across All Segments

In short: The decline in the residential and small-business rooftop solar segment is not a short-term slump, but a structural one. Approximately 388,000 new registrations in the first half of 2026 represent an 18 percent decrease from the previous year—amid saturated single-family housing developments and reduced demand for new connections.

The decline in the residential rooftop solar segment is the result of structural changes that are clearly evident in the analysis of installation data and will continue into 2026. The installation of residential rooftop solar systems will show clear signs of saturation in 2026: Suitable rooftops are already occupied in many areas, and the demand for new installations is weaker than the initial installation boom of previous years.

PV Installation Growth for Residential and Small-Scale Systems: As of 2026

  • Newly registered facilities in the first half of 2026 across all size categories: approximately 388,000 —18 percent below the previous year, just under one-third below 2024
  • Plug-in Solar Devices H1 2026: Approximately 203,500 new registrations totaling 278.1 MW; registrations declined again for the first time in June
  • 30–100-kW segment: a 39 percent decline in the number of systems
  • 100–750-kW segment: a 48 percent decrease in the number of plants
  • Balcony Power Plants: About 1.2 million plug-in solar devices were registered by the end of 2025
  • Value-Added Tax: Purchases and installations will remain exempt from sales tax in 2026 (0 percent sales tax)

As of July 20, 2026. The first-half 2026 figures are preliminary due to late entries in the market master data registry and may still increase.

The BSW Solar Association reported a 28 percent decline in the residential segment compared to the previous year and, together with twelve other solar industry associations, is warning of a further deterioration due to planned cuts in subsidies. The causes are multifaceted: saturation effects in single-family housing developments, reduced feed-in tariffs, higher financing costs, and political uncertainty regarding the future of subsidies.

The photovoltaic market is undergoing a structural shift. While the residential segment is shrinking, the share of large-scale systems exceeding 1 MWp is growing steadily. Commercial rooftop systems, ground-mounted systems, and agri-PV are the segments where professional project developers consistently make a difference.

Commercial Rooftop Systems: 80 Percent of Potential Remains Untapped

In short: About 80 percent of commercial buildings in Germany do not have a photovoltaic system installed. The theoretical potential on industrial and logistics rooftops is 36 to 37 gigawatts. Ironically, this segment is projected to see the sharpest decline in 2026—a drop of 48 percent—which is a problem of implementation, not one of economic viability.

The commercial rooftop solar segment—the so-called “small commercial segment” ranging from 100 to 750 kWp—is, despite its enormous potential, the most underestimated segment of the German photovoltaic market. This is not due to a lack of economic viability, but rather to structural barriers that can be overcome.

Solar Power Systems on Commercial and Industrial Roofs: Potential in Numbers

Commercial rooftop solar systems in Germany have a potential of 36 to 37 GW. This corresponds to about one-third of the total PV capacity currently installed—on land that is already paved and does not need to be taken away from anyone.

  • Theoretical potential on industrial and logistics rooftops: approximately 36 to 37 GW across 362 million square meters of roof area (Garbe / pv magazine, January 2024)
  • Percentage of industrial buildings without photovoltaic systems: approximately 80 percent (Fraunhofer IIS, March 2025)
  • New commercial roof space added each year: 5 to 6 million m²
  • Solar requirements are already in place in nine federal states, including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia—for new construction and renovations

For businesses, this is where the real advantage lies: Photovoltaic systems make use of unused space that is already available and convert it into a source of self-generated electricity. Unlike with an investment in an open-field installation, there is no need to purchase or lease land—the space already belongs to the business.

Baden-Württemberg: Mandatory Solar Installation and Current Status

Baden-Württemberg is one of the German states with the most ambitious solar energy targets. Installed PV capacity currently stands at 8.3 GW—well below the level that climate protection experts estimate is needed to achieve a climate-neutral electricity supply for the state. At the same time, Baden-Württemberg has had a solar mandate in place since 2022 for new buildings and since 2023 for major roof renovations, including those on commercial buildings. For companies with operations in Baden-Württemberg, installing their own PV system is therefore no longer optional.

Why cost-effectiveness is so important for businesses

The key factor is not the feed-in tariff, but the self-consumption rate. Commercial solar systems without storage achieve a self-consumption rate of 70 to 90 percent, depending on the load profile. Industrial electricity will cost between 25 and 35 ct/kWh in 2026. PV electricity from rooftop systems costs 5.7 to 12.0 ct/kWh. The spread—that is, the direct savings—amounts to 15 to 25 ct/kWh for every kilowatt-hour consumed on-site.

Key figureValue
Capital Expenditures for Commercial Roofs800–1,300 €/kWp net, including installation
LCOE for Commercial Solar PV6.0–14.0 ct/kWh
Commercial Electricity Prices in Germany in 202625–35 ct/kWh
Self-consumption rate without battery storage70–90%
Typical Payback Period5–8 years
KfW Loan 270Starting at 3.27% effective annual interest rate
Value-Added Tax0% on purchase and installation

Source: Fraunhofer ISE / BSW Solar, Q1 2026. LCOE figures from Fraunhofer ISE, study from August 2024.

Tax Incentives for Business Owners

Unlike private solar installations, businesses have access to a wide range of tax incentives:

  • Investment Deduction: Up to 50 percent of the planned acquisition costs of a single investment may be deducted in advance; the maximum total amount of the investment deduction per taxpayer as of the balance sheet date is limited to 200,000 euros (Section 7g(1), sentence 4, of the Income Tax Act (EStG))
  • Declining-balance depreciation: 15 percent per year on the PV system, 30 percent per year on battery storage, valid through December 31, 2027
  • Special Depreciation: up to 40 percent in the first five years (Section 7g(5) of the Income Tax Act)
  • Combined effect in the first year: up to 62 to 70 percent of the investment costs are tax-deductible

A tax advisor should determine whether this applies to your specific situation. We have summarized detailed information on tax options in the article “Photovoltaics and Tax Savings.”

Barriers – and how to overcome them

Three structural barriers are holding back the segment. All of them have technical or regulatory solutions.

Structural Engineering. PV systems have an in-situ weight of about 30 kg/m²—many existing roofs are not designed to support this load across their entire surface. Specially designed support structures that apply loads only to structurally sound points and bridge gaps make even such roofs suitable for use. Glass-glass modules based on the newer TOPCon technology, which are increasingly replacing older PERC cells, deliver higher power density at a comparable weight. The roof’s structural integrity must always be checked before installing new modules.

The Tenant-Landlord Dilemma. The landlord invests; the tenant saves on electricity. Contract models with electricity purchase agreements offer benefits to both parties—Solar Package I has further simplified this through the communal building supply system under Section 42b of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

Grid connection. Wait times at grid operators and varying connection requirements depending on the federal state can delay projects. Submitting an application early is crucial. Depending on the grid situation, the grid operator may also require a limit on the feed-in capacity for new installations—this must be factored in from the outset when designing the system size and storage capacity. Our article on the 2026 KraftNAV amendment provides more information on the current grid connection rules.

Planning Note: An expansion of an existing PV system within twelve months of its original commissioning is generally treated as a single system for tax and regulatory purposes. This is relevant for phased implementation and expansion plans. Each expansion must also be reported to the grid operator and recorded in the market master data registry—failure to report may jeopardize eligibility for feed-in tariffs.

Ground-Mounted Systems: The Largest Segment in the German Solar Market

In short: Ground-mounted systems will be the largest segment of new installations in the German photovoltaic market in 2026. With 4,010.4 MW from 1,002 systems in the first half of the year, they are up about 34 percent from the same period last year—and, for the first time, have consistently outpaced all rooftop systems combined.

Ground-mounted systems have become the dominant segment for new installations in the German photovoltaic market—a historic turning point that took hold in 2026. They accounted for approximately 54 percent of the gross installed capacity in the first half of 2026. When large commercial rooftop systems are included, new installations in 2026 will be driven by project-based systems to a well over 50 percent extent—no longer by ground-mounted systems.

New Open-Space Solar Capacity: Figures and Trends for 2026

Key figureH1 2025H1 2026Change
Open-Space Expansion2,981 MW4,010.4 MW+ 34,5 %
Expansion of Roof-Mounted Systems3,186.4 MWdeclining
Projects over 750 kWp (number)about 890891stable
Average plant size over 750 kWBasic+ about 25%

Open Space H1 2025: Wind and Solar Agency / Solar-Monitor, August 28, 2025. H1 2026: Federal Network Agency, MaStR as of July 13, 2026. Number of installations and average sizes: EWS Market Analysis, as of July 14, 2026.

This trend has been evident for over two years: 2,699 MW in the first half of 2024, 2,981 MW in 2025, and 4,010.4 MW in 2026. Germany’s expansion of photovoltaic capacity is increasingly focused on large-scale projects—not because rooftops are uneconomical, but because planning, financing, and grid connection can be organized more efficiently on a larger scale.

EEG Tenders: Oversubscribed

Data from the EEG tenders show that demand for subsidized ground-mounted solar power plants far exceeds the available quota. In Segment 1—open-space projects over 1 MW—bids totaling 5,247 MW were submitted for a tender volume of 2,328 MW as of the December 2025 bid deadline. This represents an oversubscription of 225 percent.

We maintain the current feed - in tariff rates, maximum values, and premium amounts centrally in the 2026 EEG Feed-in Tariff Guide —where they are listed along with their effective dates and legal basis.

Capital Expenditures and System Prices

The low purchase prices for solar modules—currently €0.09 to €0.15 per Wp on the European spot market—are driving system costs down to historic lows:

  • Capital costs for large ground-mounted solar power plants over 10 MWp: 600 to 1,000 €/kWp
  • Capital costs for medium-sized projects ranging from 1 to 10 MWp: 700 to 1,100 €/kWp
  • Turnkey system price benchmark: approximately €1,015/kWp
  • Module prices on the European spot market in 2026: 0.09 to 0.15 €/Wp
  • LCOE for ground-mounted systems: 4.1 to 6.9 ct/kWh (Fraunhofer ISE, August 2024)

Source: Fraunhofer ISE / BSW Solar, Q1 2026.

Our article on the direct marketing of PV electricity in 2026 explains in detail how direct marketing and storage arbitrage affect the revenue structure.

The critical bottleneck: grid connection

Despite attractive economic viability, grid connection is the biggest risk for ground-mounted projects. In October 2025, BSW-Solar reported an average wait time of four months just to be assigned a connection point—and in extreme cases, years. In Bavaria, 25 GW of grid connection applications for renewable energy are currently in the queue. Delivery times for substations can be up to two years.

Agri-PV: Huge potential, regulatory hurdles

In short: Agri-PV combines agricultural use with solar power generation on the same land. The theoretical potential in Germany is 500 GW. However, the technology bonus provided for in Solar Package I remains subject to EU state aid approval—without it, agri-PV is not economically viable in many cases.

Agri-PV refers to the simultaneous use of land for agriculture and solar power generation on the same plot. Agri-PV thus combines agriculture with solar energy and opens up new opportunities for large-scale projects without taking arable land out of production. Agri-PV has the greatest long-term growth potential in Germany’s photovoltaic expansion. However, it is also the segment that is currently being held back by a legal impasse at the EU level.

What the data on agri-PV shows

  • Theoretical Potential for Agri-PV in Germany: 500 GW (Fraunhofer ISE, July 2025)
  • Total technical potential: up to 7,907 GW
  • Germany's Largest Agri-PV Project: Tützpatz, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, 76 MWp (Vattenfall, PPA with Deutsche Telekom)
  • Planned Large-Scale Project: Steinhöfel Climate Park, Brandenburg, 753 MW on 500 hectares (SunFarming)

The regulatory brake

Since July 2023, agri-PV has been eligible for a special provision under Section 35(1)(9) of the German Building Code (BauGB): Solar installations of up to 2.5 hectares—or approximately 1 MWp—can be approved without a zoning plan.

Solar Package I provides for an additional technology bonus for high-mounted and vertically oriented agri-PV systems. EU approval under state aid law is still pending, so the bonus cannot yet be activated. Amount and legal status: see EEG feed-in tariff for 2026.

With investment costs ranging from €900 to €1,700 per kWp for ground-mounted agri-PV systems, compared to €600 to €1,000 per kWp for standard ground-mounted systems, agri-PV is not financially viable in many cases even without the full bonus.

Learn more about agri-PV at Logic Energy and what to consider when planning a project.

Sector Integration: E-Mobility, Heating, and the Energy Storage Market as Growth Drivers

In short: Sector coupling integrates photovoltaics with e-mobility, heating, and battery storage. Any additional self-consumption improves the system’s cost-effectiveness. In 2026, the storage market will be the only segment to grow in terms of both the number of systems and their size.

Sector coupling is fundamentally changing the role of PV systems. By 2026, solar power will no longer be just electricity for household outlets, but will serve as the foundation for heating, mobility, and grid services. At the same time, increased self-consumption resulting from sector coupling enhances the economic viability of each system.

E-mobility as a catalyst for solar power

About 40 percent of new PV systems are installed alongside an electric vehicle or charging infrastructure. E-mobility has thus become the most important factor driving PV expansions and new installations in the commercial sector. Since the 2025 amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), bidirectional charging has become more economically attractive: double grid fees for feeding electricity back into the grid from the vehicle have been eliminated. This turns the electric vehicle into a flexible storage solution without the need for additional investment in stationary battery storage systems.

There is no longer any direct government purchase incentive for electric cars in Germany—the environmental bonus expired in 2023. The economic benefit comes from how the vehicle is used: Anyone who charges their electric vehicle during the day using their own solar power reduces the effective charging costs to 5 to 12 ct/kWh, instead of 35 to 45 ct/kWh from the grid. For companies with vehicle fleets, this effect can be scaled up across the entire fleet.

Heating: Heat Pumps Meet Affordable Solar Panels

The combination of PV and heat pumps is becoming increasingly common. Heat pumps cover a large portion of their energy needs with self-generated solar power—this reduces annual electricity consumption from the grid and significantly improves the system’s self-consumption rate. For businesses with a heating load, this effect directly contributes to lowering energy costs. As a general rule, higher electricity consumption—whether from a heat pump, charging infrastructure, or production processes—increases the economic efficiency of the PV system, because greater self-consumption means more savings on grid electricity costs.

The Storage Market in Germany in 2026

The battery storage market has grown exponentially in just a few years, and by 2026 it will be growing significantly faster than the installation market. The market is increasingly shifting from residential storage systems to larger, project-driven installations:

Key figureValue
Cumulative storage capacity as of the end of 2025over 25 GWh
Home storage system installed by the end of 2025about 2.2 million units
Storage Prices in 2026400–800 €/kWh
Registrations of Large-Scale Energy Storage Systems Over 750 kWh, H1 2026+161% compared to the previous year
Registrations for C&I Energy Storage Systems (100–750 kWh), H1 2026+48% after +69% in the previous year
Average Storage Capacity for C&I246 kWh after 193 kWh
Average Storage Size Utilityover 17 MWh, up from 13.9 MWh

Sources: BSW-Solar / Fraunhofer ISE (installations data as of the end of 2025), EWS market analysis as of July 14, 2026 (installation growth and capacity trends for H1 2026).

The storage market is thus the only segment that will grow in 2026 in terms of both the number of installations and their size.

Solar Power Plus Storage: Why This Combination Is Becoming the Norm

Battery storage systems have effectively become standard in new installations—about 80 percent of new residential PV systems are built with storage. The reason is simple: A storage system makes it possible to use the self-generated solar power at night and in the early morning hours, thereby shifting exactly those kilowatt-hours that would otherwise be fed into the grid at lower rates. The higher the installed photovoltaic capacity relative to daily consumption, the greater the impact of this effect.

In the commercial sector, there is a second benefit: peak load reduction. Storage systems lower the power price component of grid fees, which is a significant factor for businesses with pronounced consumption peaks. Regional and national subsidy loans are available for battery storage systems and new PV investments.

Our article on PV storage in 2026 explains how co-location of photovoltaic systems and storage works in a commercial setting.

Solar Power in Germany: What the Installation Figures Mean for Project Decisions in 2026

In short: Three factors make 2026 a strategically important year: historically low system prices coupled with available capacity in the trades, the narrowing window of opportunity before the planned CfD system transition in 2027, and the growing importance of storage as a response to negative electricity prices.

Factor 1: Historically Low Entry Costs

The low prices of solar modules—currently €0.09 to €0.15 per Wp on the European spot market—have an impact on every investment analysis. System costs for ground-mounted installations over 10 MWp range from 600 to 1,000 €/kWp; two years ago, they were still between 1,100 and 1,400 €/kWp. For the same investment amount, a significantly larger PV system can now be built, yielding correspondingly higher returns. Added to this is a side effect of the decline in new installations: the availability of skilled labor will be noticeably better in 2026 than it was during the boom years.

Factor 2: The time window before the CfD system transition

The proposed EEG 2027 calls for the introduction of a two-way differential contract for new systems with a capacity of 100 kWp or more. Operators will receive a top-up during low-price periods but must repay the difference during high-price periods. Photovoltaic systems that go into operation in 2026 will still be subject to the existing feed-in tariff regime without a repayment obligation.

Our article on the 2027 CfD requirement for PV investors explains exactly what this regulatory change means and how to prepare for it in 2026.

Factor 3: Negative electricity prices as a risk—and as an opportunity for revenue with storage

573 hours of negative grid electricity prices in 2025 mark a record. This poses a revenue risk for unhedged systems: As of February 2025, the Solar Peak Act mandates zero compensation for negative prices starting at 2 kWp (§ 51 EEG 2023). For solar systems with integrated battery storage, the logic is reversed: Batteries charge for free during hours with negative prices and discharge during expensive peak-load periods. This explains part of the storage boom that is becoming apparent in the 2026 installation figures.

How this market situation translates into specific return expectations, investment structures, and terms is the focus of our investment guide: Photovoltaics as an Investment—Models, Key Figures, and Contractual Partners. There you will find documented return figures, information on the role of mediplan Helm e.K. as a contractual partner, and the complete risk disclosures.

Regulatory Environment: The Window Is Closing

In short: The government’s draft of the EEG 2027 provides that the fixed feed-in tariff for new systems under 25 kWp will be eliminated as of January 1, 2027, and that systems of 100 kW or more will be transferred to the CfD system. The government’s draft bill was approved by the Federal Cabinet on July 29, 2026; the Bundestag will begin deliberations in September 2026, followed by the Bundesrat. Anyone commissioning a system in 2026 will be operating within the existing legal framework.

What Is Already in Effect Under the Regulations

  • Solar Package I (effective May 2024): Limit on balcony power plants set at 800 W; shared building power supply under Section 42b of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG); direct sales requirement for systems of 25 kWp or more
  • Solar Peak Act (effective February 2025): Zero compensation for negative prices for systems 2 kWp and above; new systems 7 kWp and above require smart meters and control boxes
  • Declining-balance depreciation (effective July 2025, limited to December 31, 2027): 15 percent per year for PV systems, 30 percent per year for battery storage systems
  • VAT Exemption (effective January 2023, valid through 2026): 0 percent VAT on the purchase and installation of PV systems

What's left to do

  • EEG 2027: Government draft has been going through the legislative process since July 29, 2026; its scheduled entry into force on January 1, 2027, is considered ambitious
  • EU State Aid Approval for Solar Package I: Increased Feed-in Tariffs for Commercial Rooftop Systems and the Agri-PV Bonus Remain Subject to State Aid Approval; Details in the EEG Guidelines
  • AgNes Grid Fee Reform: Structural Measures for Prosumers Starting in 2027 at the Earliest

For investors and companies, the following applies: Anyone who commissions a facility in 2026 will be operating within the currently known legal framework. The regulatory landscape for 2027 is more uncertain than in previous years. That’s no reason to panic, but it is a reason to act in 2026 rather than wait.

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. For advice tailored to your individual situation, please consult a licensed advisor. All information is provided without warranty. As of July 2026.

Conclusion

The German photovoltaic market in 2026 is no longer a uniformly growing market—it is a market of shifts. Anyone who looks at the installation data can see the pattern: Total capacity remains stable, but it is driven by fewer and fewer, ever-larger systems. Residential and small-commercial rooftop systems are losing ground, while ground-mounted projects are gaining ground. The storage market is growing faster than the system market. Sector coupling with e-mobility and heating is changing the way companies think about PV projects.

For businesses with suitable roof space, the decline in the 100-to-750-kW segment means one thing above all else: available capacity among planners and contractors at historically low system prices.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Photovoltaic Expansion

How much new photovoltaic capacity was installed in Germany in 2026?
According to the Federal Network Agency, a net increase of 7,394.4 MW was recorded in the first half of 2026—virtually unchanged from the 7,407 MW recorded in the first half of 2025. Ground-mounted systems accounted for 4,010.4 MW, while rooftop systems accounted for 3,186.4 MW. As of July 13, 2026; figures are preliminary due to late submissions.
Why is the number of new PV systems declining despite stable output?
This is because fewer and fewer systems are being built, but those that are being built are larger. The market master data registry recorded approximately 388,000 new systems in the first half of 2026, 18 percent fewer than in the previous year. At the same time, new large-scale systems over 750 kW have grown, on average, by about a quarter in size.
Which PV segment will have declined the most by 2026?
The commercial segment between 100 and 750 kW saw a 48 percent decline in the number of systems, followed by systems between 30 and 100 kW, which fell by 39 percent. Ironically, it is the size categories typical of commercial roofs that are experiencing the sharpest declines.
Which PV segment is growing the fastest in Germany?
Ground-mounted systems. In the first half of 2026, 4,010.4 MW of capacity was added from 1,002 systems, about 34 percent more than in the same period the previous year, when capacity added totaled 2,981 MW. This marks the first time the segment has consistently generated more power than all rooftop systems combined.
Will solar power systems still be worth it for businesses in 2026?
The key economic driver is self-consumption, not the feed-in tariff. Commercial systems without storage achieve self-consumption rates of 70 to 90 percent. The difference between the cost of purchasing electricity from the grid and the cost of generating it on-site determines the system’s economic viability. The feasibility of this approach must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What is the CfD system, and why is it relevant for PV operators?
A two-way difference agreement: Operators receive a top-up during periods of low prices, but must repay the difference during periods of high prices. The proposed EEG 2027 calls for its implementation for new installations of 100 kWp or more. The government’s draft bill was approved by the Federal Cabinet on July 29, 2026; the Bundestag will begin deliberations in September 2026, followed by the Bundesrat.
What tax benefits will solar power offer businesses in 2026?
The investment deduction under Section 7g of the German Income Tax Act (EStG), declining-balance depreciation, and special depreciation can be combined. Up to 50 percent of the planned acquisition costs of an investment may be claimed in advance; the maximum total investment deduction amount per taxpayer is capped at 200,000 euros. A tax advisor should verify whether this applies to your specific situation.

All market figures are current as of July 20, 2026. The figures for the first half of 2026 are preliminary due to late submissions to the market master data registry.

References


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