Solar Panel System After 20 Years — What Now? Options, Costs, and Outlook for Owners
In 2026, approximately 66,000 photovoltaic systems in Germany will no longer be eligible for the 20-year EEG subsidy. However, the end of the subsidy does not mean the end of the system: modules typically continue to generate power for 30 years or longer. This guide outlines the four options available after 20 years—feed-in tariff, self-consumption, repowering, and decommissioning—including costs, legal frameworks, and the current EEG rates effective August 1, 2026.
The short answer
A solar power system rarely reaches the end of its life after 20 years: Once EEG subsidies expire, the modules usually continue to generate electricity. There are four options available: continuing operation under the follow-on feed-in tariff (guaranteed through the end of 2032), switching to self-consumption, repowering with a new 20-year EEG contract, or orderly decommissioning.
The simplest option yields a net return of only about 4 ct/kWh. Anyone who consumes a significant amount of their own electricity stands to gain ten times that amount per kilowatt-hour by switching to self-consumption.
In 2026, approximately 66,000 photovoltaic systems in Germany will no longer be eligible for the 20-year EEG subsidy under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)—and their operators are faced with the question of what to do next. The good news for every PV system operator: Both modern and older solar systems often continue to generate electricity for 30 years or longer; the feed-in tariff remains in effect until the end of 2032; and by switching to self-consumption or repowering, new sources of revenue can be tapped after the EEG subsidy expires. This guide outlines all four options, the economic rationale behind them, and what owners can actually expect at the end of a PV system’s life cycle if it is over 20 years old.
1. Who will be affected by the "over-20" wave in 2026?
In 2026, approximately 66,000 photovoltaic systems in Germany will no longer be eligible for the 20-year fixed feed-in tariff under the EEG. This affects systems installed in 2005—the early years of the solar boom following the EEG reform. In the years that follow, the wave will continue to grow: by 2029, it will already include systems with a capacity of nearly 2 gigawatts, and starting in 2030, it will consistently exceed 4 gigawatts per year.
The EEG feed-in tariff under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) is valid for 20 years plus the year the system was commissioned. Anyone who commissioned their PV system in 2005 will receive the guaranteed feed-in tariff until December 31, 2026—the subsidy period always ends at the end of the year. After that, a new phase begins for post-EEG systems. In 2005, over 900 MW of PV capacity was added in Germany for the first time; in 2006, another 840 MW; and in 2007, 1,245 MW. These solar systems will reach the end of their EEG subsidy period in droves over the next few years.
| Year of discontinuation | Year of commissioning | Volume (MW) | Dominant segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2005 | ~921 MW | Roof-mounted 10–30 kWp |
| 2027 | 2006 | ~840 MW | Roof-mounted + first open-space installation |
| 2028 | 2007 | ~1,245 MW | Commercial rooftop installations on the rise |
| 2029 | 2008 | ~1,969 MW | Roof-mounted + ground-mounted |
| 2030 | 2009 | ~4,425 MW | First wave of GW commercial facilities |
| 2031 | 2010 | ~7,542 MW | Open spaces and large-scale commercial properties dominate |
| 2032 | 2011 | ~7,946 MW | Open Space + Large-Scale Commercial |
| Source: Fraunhofer ISE, “Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Expansion in Germany: By the Numbers,” February 2024. Decommissioning year = year of commissioning + 20 years + 1-year subsidy period. Installed capacity as of early 2026: 117 GW of total PV capacity across 5.71 million systems (Federal Network Agency, MaStR as of January 13, 2026); systems affected in 2026: approximately 66,000 (Solar Industry Survey, February 2026). | |||
Important to note: The 20-year period is a subsidy period, not an expiration date. The EEG guarantee is based on the feed-in tariff set at the time of commissioning—typical systems installed in 2005 received between 54 and 57 cents per kilowatt-hour. When the EEG subsidy expires, only this high fixed rate will no longer apply. What remains is a system that is still technically functional and four options for continued operation.
2. How long do PV modules really last?
High-quality PV modules have a technical lifespan of 30 to 40 years—with an actual degradation rate of just 0.15% per year. That is one-third of the rate traditionally used in manufacturers’ warranties. A module installed in 2005 will still deliver about 96% of its original output in 2026; a module installed in 2026 will still be producing reliably in 2056. Even using conservative estimates, most well-maintained modules will still deliver 80 to 90% of their original rated output after 20 years.
What the Fraunhofer long-term study on module lifespan reveals
The data for this comes from a long-term study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE), which examined over 200 photovoltaic systems in Germany—some of which have been in operation since the 1980s. According to the Fraunhofer analysis, the average actual power loss for wafer-based modules is 0.15% per year. Manufacturer warranties typically assume a loss of 0.5% per year—so actual performance is significantly better than what the warranty specifies.
According to technical literature, high-quality glass-film modules have a service life of 30 to 40 years. The reality is even more impressive: A PV module installed in 1975 in Albuquerque, USA, still produces 77% of its original output after more than 50 years. A photovoltaic system has been in operation on a roof in Lugano, Switzerland, for over 40 years, and the majority of its modules are still fully functional.
| Property | Current Modules (2026) | Modules from 2005 |
|---|---|---|
| Module Type | Glass-on-glass with TOPCon/HJT cells | Glass film with p-type cells |
| Efficiency | 22–24% | 12–15% |
| Actual degradation per year | ≈ 0,15 % | 0.3–0.5% |
| Technical service life | 30–40 years | 20–25 years (often longer in reality) |
| Manufacturer's Performance Warranty | 25–30 years to 87–90% | 20 years at 80% |
| Remaining value after 30 years (in real terms) | ≈ 95 % | 85–88% |
| The figures for “current modules” are based on the Fraunhofer ISE long-term study of more than 200 German PV systems, as well as data sheet analyses from leading manufacturers (LONGi, JinkoSolar, Trina Solar, Q CELLS) for TOPCon and HJT modules in 2025/2026. Statement regarding the 30–40-year service life of high-quality glass-glass modules: Fraunhofer ISE, as of April 2024. | ||
Inverters have a significantly shorter service life
For a system installed in 2005, there is nevertheless an important distinction: In most cases, the modules themselves continue to function without any problems—with a degradation rate of about 0.15% per year, they lose hardly any measurable output. The inverters, on the other hand, have a significantly shorter service life of 10 to 15 years. A PV system installed in 2005 typically had its first inverter replaced between 2015 and 2020—the next replacement is due between 2025 and 2035. In most cases, the inverter should be replaced after about 20 years; this reinvestment should be factored into any calculation of continued operation.
3. Option 1: Continued operation under the statutory follow-on payment
The simplest option for systems over 20 kW is to continue operating under the statutory feed-in tariff. This applies automatically if the connection type remains unchanged: The grid operator continues to purchase the electricity fed into the grid and pays the annual market rate for solar power, minus a marketing fee. This provision is enshrined in the EEG 2023 and secured through Solar Package I until December 31, 2032.
How much will the feed-in tariff be after 20 years?
The feed-in tariff after 20 years is significantly lower than the old fixed rate—and the economic reality of this option is sobering. The annual market price for solar power was 4.624 ct/kWh in 2024 and around 4.51 ct/kWh in 2025—depending on developments in the electricity market. The grid operator deducts a marketing fee from this amount: 0.72 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2025, and only 0.23 ct/kWh starting in 2026. With a smart meter, this fee is further reduced by half. This typically leaves a net amount of between 3.8 and 4.5 ct/kWh in 2026.
Here’s what that means in numbers: A 10-kWp rooftop system with an annual output of about 9,000 kWh generates around €350 to €400 per year in feed-in tariffs—before deducting insurance, maintenance, and a reserve for inverter replacement. For a system that originally received a feed-in tariff of 50 ct/kWh, this represents a dramatic drop in revenue. However, it is money that simply flows in without any further investment, as long as the generated electricity is fed into the grid.
| Component | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Market Value of Solar 2024 | 4.624 cents per kilowatt-hour | Varies monthly based on the wholesale electricity price |
| Marketing Fee 2025 | 0.72 cents per kWh | With a smart meter: 0.36 ct/kWh |
| Marketing Fee for 2026 | 0.23 ct/kWh | With a smart meter: 0.115 ct/kWh |
| Net compensation in 2026 (typical) | 3.8–4.5 cents per kilowatt-hour | Depending on the electricity market |
| Cap on connection fees | max. 10 cents/kWh | Rarely relevant given current price levels |
| Applicability of the Transition Provisions | through December 31, 2032 | Extended through Solar Package I |
| Source: Sections 23b, 53 of the EEG 2023; Federal Network Agency; Consumer Advice Center, as of March 2026. | ||
For whom is feeding electricity into the grid still worthwhile after EEG subsidies end?
The feed-in tariff is particularly suitable for PV system operators who want to keep their system running with minimal effort and do not have particularly high personal electricity consumption. For active owners who want to significantly improve their system’s profitability, it’s worth considering Option 2—converting to self-consumption. Those operating a larger system with more than 100 kWp can also consider other forms of direct sales through a marketing partner; unlike the feed-in tariff, this does not provide for a legally mandated rate—the revenue is based solely on the price achieved on the market. For a typical single-family home system, however, this approach is rarely cost-effective.
Important Note Regarding the Solar Peak Act: Systems that became operational after February 25, 2025, will no longer receive EEG compensation during hours when electricity prices are negative—the periods for which no compensation is paid will be added to the end of the 20-year subsidy period. This rule does not apply to existing systems installed in 2005; they will continue to receive remuneration under the follow-on remuneration scheme for the entire duration.
4. Option 2: Switch to self-consumption
For those with a significant amount of self-consumption, switching to self-consumption is almost always more beneficial than feeding all generated electricity back into the grid. Every kilowatt-hour of PV electricity consumed on-site reduces the amount of electricity purchased from the grid—and the price of electricity purchased from the grid will be 35 to 45 cents per kWh in 2026, which is nearly ten times higher than the feed-in tariff. With a battery storage system, the share of self-consumption can be increased to 60 to 80%.
Self-consumption refers to the use of self-generated solar power in one’s own household or business, rather than feeding it entirely into the public grid. Instead of receiving a few cents per kilowatt-hour from the feed-in tariff, every kWh consumed on-site saves the full cost of electricity that would otherwise have to be paid to the utility company.
Why switching to self-consumption almost always pays off
The math is clear: If the feed-in tariff now yields only about 4 ct/kWh, but purchasing electricity from the grid costs 40 ct/kWh, every kilowatt-hour consumed on-site is about ten times as valuable as one fed into the grid. So it’s almost always worth switching to self-consumption—provided that self-consumption aligns with electricity production.
Higher self-consumption rates with energy storage systems
Without a battery storage system, a household’s self-consumption rate is typically 20 to 30 percent—because most electricity is generated at noon, when no one is home. With a battery storage system, the self-consumption rate rises to 60 to 80 percent, because electricity generated at noon can be used in the evening and at night.
| Variant | Self-consumption rate | Typical cost-effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Full feed-in at the connection rate | 0 % | low |
| Self-consumption without storage | 20–30% | medium |
| Self-consumption with battery storage | 60–80% | high |
| Self-consumption with storage + heat pump / electric car | 75–90% | very high |
| Source: Consumer Advice Center, as of March 2026. | ||
Costs and Process of the Transition
In practice, the conversion requires a meter replacement: the old one-way feed-in meter is replaced with a bidirectional meter. This is a relatively simple procedure—a specialized contractor typically needs 2 to 10 hours to work on the meter cabinet. It is important to also report the conversion in the market master data registry. Insurance coverage and the system status check should also be updated.
Costs of the conversion: In order to use the solar power you generate yourself, the photovoltaic system must be technically converted to self-consumption—which typically costs at least €200 for the meter replacement and the associated electrical installation. If additional modifications to the meter cabinet or a new smart meter are required, the cost can quickly rise to between €500 and €1,000. With significant self-consumption, this one-time investment typically pays for itself within the first year through the savings on electricity costs.
In 2026, a battery storage retrofit will typically cost between €700 and €1,000 per kWh of usable capacity—so for a 10-kWh storage system, the cost will be around €7,000 to €10,000. The payback period depends on self-consumption patterns; for households with a heat pump or electric car, 8 to 12 years is realistic. According to BloombergNEF, stationary lithium-ion storage systems will have fallen in price by 45% by 2025 (to $70/kWh at the pack level), though end-user prices will lag behind—those who are flexible can wait for further price reductions. Our page on installing your own PV system for your business provides an overview for businesses.
5. Option 3: Repowering – new plant, new EEG feed-in tariff
Repowering means replacing the old system with a modern, higher-output PV system. The same roof area can generate up to twice as much electricity—and the new system begins a fresh 20-year EEG feed-in tariff period based on the current EEG feed-in rates. Current rates effective August 1, 2026: 7.70 ct/kWh for surplus feed-in, 12.22 ct/kWh for full feed-in—each guaranteed for 20 years. Full details can be found in our guide to EEG feed-in tariffs for 2026.
When is it worth switching to the new system?
Repowering is particularly worthwhile when three conditions are met:
- The old system has lost a significant amount of performance, or costly repairs are needed.
- The roof area is large and well-suited for this purpose.
- The owner currently uses a significant amount of electricity or plans to do so in the coming years—for example, with a heat pump, an electric car, or an air conditioner.
In 2026, the options for generating more energy from your own roof are significantly more attractive than they were just a few years ago. For larger existing systems, it’s worth taking a look at our article on photovoltaic repowering of existing systems.
Twice the performance in the same space
The technological leap between 2005 modules and current modules is enormous: Back then, efficiency ranged from 12 to 15%; today, it’s 22 to 24%. On the same 50-square-meter roof area, current modules can therefore generate around 10 to 12 kWp, whereas in 2005 only 5 to 7 kWp were possible—with higher efficiency and better low-light performance. Repowering can therefore be particularly worthwhile when roof space is limited: Modern modules extract significantly more power per square meter from the available space.
| System size | Excess power feed-in | Full feed-in |
|---|---|---|
| up to 10 kWp | 7.70 ct/kWh | 12.22 ct/kWh |
| 10 to 40 kWp | 6.66 cents per kWh | 10.24 ct/kWh |
| 40 to 100 kWp | 5.44 ct/kWh | 10.24 ct/kWh |
| Feed-in rates apply for 20 years from the date of commissioning (plus the remainder of the commissioning year) and for systems commissioned between August 1, 2026, and January 31, 2027. The semi-annual reduction of approximately 1% took effect on August 1, 2026; the next reduction will take effect on February 1, 2027. Systems with a capacity of ≥ 25 kWp are subject to a direct marketing requirement. For systems commissioned on or after February 25, 2025, the provisions of the Solar Peak Act also apply. Source: Section 48 of the EEG 2023, Federal Network Agency, as of August 2026. | ||
EEG Subsidies End in 2027 for New Installations—What Does This Mean for Repowering?
An important note regarding the EEG starting in 2027: Lawmakers plan to phase out the fixed feed-in tariff for new small-scale PV systems as of January 1, 2027, and replace it with market-based models (Contracts for Difference). The existing EU state aid approval for the current subsidy system expires at the end of 2026, which is further driving this reform. Anyone planning a repowering project and wishing to take advantage of the guaranteed 20-year feed-in tariff should aim to have the system commissioned by the end of 2026. For systems already installed, the guaranteed tariff period remains unchanged.
6. Option 4: Dismantling and Disposal—Who Pays for What?
If the system has reached the end of its technical life or repairs become uneconomical, dismantling is the only option. The legal situation is clear: Module recycling is free of charge for private individuals under the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG, implementing the EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU)—manufacturers and importers finance the recycling. The owner is responsible for dismantling and transportation: typically €100 to €250 per kWp, or €1,000 to €2,500 for a 10-kWp rooftop system.
The German recycling system for photovoltaics operates under the ElektroG, which has also covered PV modules since October 2015. Manufacturers and importers are required by the EAR Foundation to take back and recycle the modules. Private individuals can drop off end-of-life modules at municipal recycling centers—free of charge, provided the quantities are typical for household use (according to LAGA 31 A, this amounts to 20 to 50 end-of-life modules).
How much does it cost to dismantle a rooftop solar system?
| Cost | Who pays? | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|
| Module Recycling (household quantities) | Manufacturer / EAR Foundation | free of charge |
| Commercial waste disposal (e.g., solar farm) | Manufacturer pursuant to Section 19 of the Electrical Equipment Act (ElektroG) | €180–210 per ton (≈ €4 per module) |
| Removal by a professional contractor | Property owner | $100–$250 per kWp |
| Scaffolding and Safety Technology | Property owner | Included in dismantling costs |
| Transport to the recycling center | Property owner | Usually included in the disassembly |
| Modules sold before October 24, 2015 (legacy devices) | Facility owner (“ultimate owner”) | The owner is responsible for the full disposal costs |
| Total cost of a typical 10-kWp single-family home system | Property owner | €1,000–€2,500 total |
| The municipal collection fee is free of charge for private individuals for “normal household quantities” (according to LAGA 31 A: 20–50 used modules). Modules sold before October 24, 2015, are considered “historical waste equipment”—the owner is responsible for the disposal costs. Source: ElektroG § 3 No. 13, § 19; EU WEEE Directive 2012/19/EU; ElektroG Amendment effective January 1, 2026; photovoltaik.info; priwatt.de. As of August 2026. | ||
What should you keep in mind when dismantling a solar power system?
- Disposing of them yourself is dangerous. Even after being disconnected from the grid, PV modules remain under DC voltage, which can be life-threatening if handled improperly. Dismantling should be performed by a qualified professional (electrician, solar technician).
- Modules do not belong in household trash. Improper disposal can result in fines of up to €100,000.
- Beware of scammers. Module recycling itself is always free of charge. Anyone who charges money for it is not legitimate.
- Report decommissioning. After dismantling, the facility must be marked as “permanently decommissioned” in the market master data registry, and the grid operator must be notified.
Recycling rate of over 95%
Crystalline solar modules are primarily recycled into glass (about 70% by weight), aluminum (frames, approx. 10%), copper (cables and connectors), silicon (solar cells), and small amounts of silver. Specialized recycling companies achieve recovery rates of 80 to 85%, while state-of-the-art processes can exceed 95%.
7. Which option is right for which system?
The right choice depends on four factors: the condition of the system, your own electricity consumption, the size of your roof, and your willingness to invest. A professional system inspection—which costs between €300 and €2,000—is the foundation of any decision. Afterward, the most economically viable option can usually be clearly identified.
| Situation | Recommended option | Main advantage |
|---|---|---|
| The system works well; there isn't much self-consumption | Option 1 – Connection Fee | No hassle, no risk |
| High electricity consumption (family, heat pump, electric car) | Option 2 – Self-Consumption + Storage | 10 times higher value per kWh compared to feed-in |
| The system has lost a significant amount of power; the roof is large | Option 3 – Repowering | New 20-Year EEG + Double Production |
| Equipment is defective; repair is not cost-effective | Option 4 – Dismantling | Proper disposal, free recycling |
| The roof needs to be repaired anyway | Option 3 or 4 | Scaffolding is needed anyway |
| The owner is retired and wants to keep the effort to a minimum | Option 1 or 4 | Minimal administrative burden |
| Source: Prepared by Logic Energy based on market surveys from 2024–2026. For informational purposes only; does not replace individual advice. | ||
Three practical steps to prepare for each option:
- System inspection. A specialized company assesses mechanical and electrical safety, module performance, and the condition of the inverters. Cost: €300–2,000, depending on size and complexity.
- Market Master Data Register Maintenance. Every change in a system’s status—from full feed-in to surplus feed-in, change of ownership, or decommissioning—must be recorded.
- Insurance Check. After 20 years, having separate electronics insurance is often no longer cost-effective. However, the equipment should still be covered under your home and liability insurance.
8. Outlook: Solar Power Is Becoming a 30-Plus-Year Investment
Over the past 20 years, photovoltaic technology has made such a leap forward that the old assumption “PV system = 20 years = end of life” is no longer valid. Modern modules last 30 to 40 years, efficiency continues to rise, storage prices are falling, and the regulatory distinction between a system’s lifespan and the subsidy period is becoming increasingly clear. Anyone investing in a new PV system in 2026 is, in reality, planning for 30 or more years—and can use the solar power generated for at least one generation.
Three developments will reinforce this trend in the coming years and lead more and more PV system operators to keep their systems in operation well beyond the originally planned 20 years.
- Modules are set to get even better. A prospective study by leading solar research institutes (including Fraunhofer ISE), published in January 2026, predicts that the efficiency of solar modules could rise to over 35% by 2050—driven by tandem photovoltaic technologies. Module prices are expected to roughly halve over the same period. The director of Fraunhofer ISE told pv magazine that the service life of the modules will “certainly” exceed 40 years.
- Energy storage systems are becoming a standard component. Prices for lithium-ion storage fell to $70/kWh in 2025 for stationary battery pack applications—according to BloombergNEF, a 45% decline from 2024, making it the most affordable segment in the entire Li-ion market. What was still a premium option in 2010 is becoming a standard component of an economically optimized solar power system.
- The EEG is losing its central role. With the EEG-2027 reform (government draft, Cabinet decision of July 29, 2026), the subsidy system is shifting from the previous market premium to two-way difference contracts. The subsidy period remains around 20 years—after which the plant continues to operate. For existing plants with guaranteed EEG remuneration, nothing changes; they retain the rate set at the time of commissioning until the end of the 20-year period.
In short: The old notion that “solar PV system = 20 years of EEG = the end” is a thing of the past. What’s actually emerging is a class of systems that provides 30 to 40 years of real value, which can be combined with storage and a heat pump—and thus contributes to a household’s energy supply for generations to come.
9. For Investors: How Logic Energy Is Overcoming the 20-Year Cycle
While private owners are faced with the question “What now?” after 20 years, Logic Energy’s investment model is designed from the outset for a longer-term horizon. Investors acquire inverters in newly built Logic Energy facilities as movable tangible assets and can extend the agreement after the 20-year initial term expires. All operational responsibility—from maintenance to decommissioning—remains with Logic Energy.
Specifically, this means: Investors contribute equity (minimum investment of €100,000), purchase the inverter, and receive the associated electricity revenue. The contract term is 20 to 40 years from the outset, with a base return of 6 to 10% per annum (up to 10–12% with tax benefits). The contracting party is mediplan Helm e.K.—a registered business entity with personal liability of the owner pursuant to Sections 1, 17, and 19 of the German Commercial Code (HGB).
There are three key differences between this situation and that of private homeowners that are crucial for investors:
- Extension option after the 20th year. While private owners must switch to follow-on payments or consider repowering, the extension is an integral part of the Logic Energy model. The plant continues to generate power (with modern modules maintaining approximately 95% of their initial output), and Logic Energy remains responsible for operations.
- No disposal obligation. The decommissioning costs of €100 to €250 per kWp, which private owners bear at the end of the system’s life, do not apply to the investor. Logic Energy handles dismantling, recycling in compliance with the ElektroG, and the final administrative procedures with the market master data registry and the grid operator.
- Tax Leverage in the Early Years. Through the investment deduction (Section 7g(1) of the Income Tax Act [EStG], up to 50%), special depreciation (Section 7g(5) EStG, 40%), and declining-balance depreciation (Section 7(2) EStG), the acquisition costs can be claimed early on. In the year of investment itself, approximately 27.5% is deductible through special depreciation and declining-balance depreciation; together with the investment deduction already claimed in the previous year, the cumulative effect over both years amounts to up to approximately 77.5% of the acquisition costs (assuming commissioning in January; proportionally less if commissioning occurs later). For a €100,000 investment and a marginal tax rate of 42%, this results in a tax reduction of approximately €11,550 in the year of investment and, cumulatively over both years, up to approximately €32,500—available through the end of 2027 (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 161).
Should I consider an investment model with a 30-year time horizon?
Logic Energy designs, builds, and operates PV systems—from the groundbreaking to orderly decommissioning. For investors, this means: 20 years of predictable revenue with an option to extend, a tangible asset in the form of the inverter with clearly allocated electricity output, full access to German tax incentives—and zero operational responsibility. The contractual partner is mediplan Helm e.K., with personal liability on the part of the owners.
10. Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my solar power system after 20 years?
After 20 years, only the fixed EEG feed-in tariff ends—not the operation of the system. Technically, the modules will continue to generate power. You have four options: continuing operation under the statutory follow-on feed-in tariff (guaranteed through the end of 2032), switching to self-consumption, repowering with a new 20-year EEG contract, or orderly decommissioning.
What will the connection fee be in 2026?
The feed-in tariff corresponds to the annual market value for solar power (2024: 4.624 ct/kWh) minus a flat-rate marketing fee of 0.23 ct/kWh (2026, halved with a smart meter). The net amount is typically 3.8 to 4.5 ct/kWh. The scheme is guaranteed through December 31, 2032 (EEG 2023, Solar Package I).
How long do solar panels really last?
High-quality modules have a technical lifespan of 30 to 40 years, with an actual degradation rate of only about 0.15% per year (Fraunhofer ISE). A module manufactured in 2005 will still deliver about 96% of its original output in 2026. Inverters have a shorter lifespan: 10 to 15 years, after which they need to be replaced.
Is switching to self-consumption worth it?
Almost always, provided there is relevant self-consumption of electricity. Every kWh used for personal consumption saves on grid purchases of 35 to 45 ct/kWh—about ten times more than the connection fee of approximately 4 ct/kWh. The meter conversion costs 200 € or more and usually pays for itself within the first year.
Do I have to take down the structure after 20 years?
No. The 20-year period applies only to the subsidy, not to the system itself. Dismantling makes sense only if the system is defective or if repairs become uneconomical. As long as it continues to generate power safely, continuing operation, self-consumption, or repowering is almost always the better economic choice.
How much does it cost to dismantle a 10-kWp rooftop solar system?
Module recycling is free of charge under the ElektroG (manufacturers cover the costs). The owner is responsible for dismantling and transport: approximately 100 to 250 €/kWp, or 1,000 to 2,500 € for a typical 10-kWp system. Modules from sales prior to October 24, 2015, are considered historical waste equipment, and the owner bears the full cost.
Are modules simply thrown in the trash?
No—that is prohibited and can result in a fine of up to €100,000. PV modules are classified as waste electrical and electronic equipment (ElektroG). Private individuals can drop off typical household quantities (20–50 modules, LAGA 31 A) free of charge at a recycling center. Recycling rates range from 80% to over 95%.
Can I receive the new EEG feed-in tariff through repowering?
Yes. In a repowering project, a new system replaces the old one and starts a new 20-year EEG period: starting August 1, 2026, 7.70 ct/kWh (surplus) or 12.22 ct/kWh (full) up to 10 kWp. Important: The fixed feed-in tariff for new systems is scheduled to transition to market-based models as of January 1, 2027—commissioning should ideally take place in 2026.
References
- Fraunhofer ISE – Current Facts About Photovoltaics in Germany – Long-term study of >200 German PV systems; actual module degradation 0.15%/year; module lifespan 30–40 years; version dated January 15, 2026.
- Fraunhofer ISE – Photovoltaic and Battery Storage Installation Growth in Germany – Historical Gross Installation Figures for 2005–2011; MaStR Analysis.
- Federal Network Agency – Market Master Data Registry – Installed Capacity Figures as of Early 2026: 117 GW PV / 5.71 million systems; as of January 13, 2026.
- Federal Network Agency – EEG Subsidies and Subsidy Rates – Feed-in Tariff Effective August 1, 2026 (7.70 ct/kWh for surplus / 12.22 ct/kWh for full output up to 10 kWp), accessed August 4, 2026.
- Consumer Advice Center – What to Do with a System Installed After 2020 When EEG Subsidies End? – Connection Fee Mechanism; Marketing Flat Rate for 2025/2026; Smart Meter Fee Halved; Conversion Costs Starting at Approximately €200.
- pv magazine – Efficiency >35% by 2050 (Fraunhofer ISE Outlook Study) – Tandem photovoltaic forecasts; module lifespan “certainly” over 40 years; module prices to be cut in half by 2050.
- BloombergNEF – Lithium-Ion Battery Price Survey 2025 – Stationary Li-Ion Storage 2025: $70/kWh pack price (−45% YoY, cheapest segment).
- Section 23b of the EEG 2023 – Grid Connection Fee – Legal basis for the grid connection regulations for systems installed after 2020; valid through December 31, 2032 (Solar Package I).
- § 53 EEG 2023 – Market Value of Solar – Basis for Calculating the Grid Connection Fee.
- § 48 EEG 2023 – Feed-in Tariff Rates – Fixed Rates for New Installations and Repowering by Plant Size Class.
- Section 51 of the EEG 2023 / Solar Peak Act – Negative Electricity Price Regulation for New Installations Effective February 25, 2025.
- Section 3, No. 13 of the ElektroG – PV Modules as Waste Electrical Equipment – Classification effective October 2015; Basis for Manufacturer Responsibility.
- § 19 ElektroG – Take-Back Obligation for Commercial Quantities – Disposal Costs: 180–210 €/metric ton.
- EU Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE) – The European legal basis for the take-back system for waste electrical and electronic equipment.
- EAR Foundation – Register of Waste Electrical Equipment – Registration and Coordination Office for Manufacturers’ Take-Back Obligations.
- LAGA – Federal/State Working Group on Waste – LAGA Notice 31 A: Up to 20–50 used modules from a typical household can be disposed of free of charge.
- § 7g of the Income Tax Act (EStG) – Investment Tax Credit and Special Depreciation – 50% investment tax credit (up to €200,000) and 40% special depreciation.
- § 7(2) EStG – Declining-Balance Depreciation – declining-balance depreciation of up to 30% under the Investment Booster (BGBl. 2025 I No. 161); for PV, effectively 15% per annum.
Edited by Logic Energy. Last updated: August 2026.
