EEG Feed-in Tariffs for 2026: What feed-in tariffs will apply starting in August—and what changes will the EEG 2027 bring?
As of August 1, 2026, the 2026 EEG feed-in tariff stands at 7.70 ct/kWh (partial feed-in) and 12.22 ct/kWh (full feed-in) for rooftop systems up to 10 kWp—legally guaranteed for 20 years from the date of commissioning. At the same time, on July 29, 2026, the Federal Cabinet approved the government’s draft of the EEG 2027: The fixed feed-in tariff is to be eliminated for new systems.
The short answer
Starting August 1, 2026, a feed-in tariff of 7.70 ct/kWh (partial feed-in) or 12.22 ct/kWh (full feed-in) will apply to rooftop systems up to 10 kWp, guaranteed for 20 years. No rates have yet been published for systems commissioned on or after January 1, 2027: The EEG 2023 remains in effect through December 31, 2026, and the successor legislation is currently under consideration in parliament.
Any facility that begins operations by December 31, 2026, will remain within the proven subsidy system with a one-way market premium under the government’s draft—without the repayment obligation associated with two-way contracts for difference (CfDs), which the EEG 2027, adopted by the Cabinet on July 29, 2026, provides for new subsidized plants of 100 kW or more (Section 21d of the draft EEG).
The 2026 EEG feed-in tariff is the final component of a subsidy system that will undergo fundamental changes in 2027. This guide explains all current feed-in tariff rates set by the Federal Network Agency, the historical development of feed-in tariffs since 2000, the difference between full and partial feed-in, the applicable value, and the consequences of the 2027 EEG reform for investors and companies.
Your Project with 20 Years of Guaranteed Funding
Logic Energy designs, builds, and operates turnkey PV systems. The contractual partner for direct investments is mediplan Helm e.K., a partnership with personal liability of the owners. We’ll analyze your project free of charge—including compensation, tax implications, and return on investment tailored to your situation.
1. What is the EEG feed-in tariff—and how does it work?
The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) was enacted in 2000 as the world’s first law of its kind. 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 each kilowatt-hour—for 20 years from the date of commissioning, extended until December 31 of the twentieth year of payment (Section 25(1) EEG 2023).
The feed-in tariff is set once when the solar power system is built and remains in effect for the entire term. Subsequent changes in the law, falling market prices, or shifts in political policy do not affect it. In over 25 years of EEG history, Germany has never retroactively reduced feed-in tariffs for existing systems. It is precisely this protection of existing rights that will become the decisive factor in 2026.
The two ways to receive EEG compensation
In practice, there are two technically distinct ways to receive EEG subsidies. The fixed feed-in tariff (Section 21 EEG): The grid operator pays a fixed amount in cents per kWh directly for the PV electricity fed into the grid—without reference to market prices. This option is available for systems up to 100 kWp. The market premium model / direct marketing (Section 20 EEG): The system markets its electricity via a direct marketer on the spot market. If the annual market value of solar electricity is below the applicable threshold, the grid operator pays the difference as a sliding market premium. For systems with a capacity exceeding 100 kWp, this approach is mandatory (Section 21b(1), Sentence 1, in conjunction with Section 21(1), Sentence 1, No. 1 of the EEG 2023).
The applicable value is 0.4 cents per kilowatt-hour higher than the fixed feed-in tariff (Section 53(1) EEG 2023). This does not constitute a structural premium: In direct marketing, the operator bears the direct marketer’s fee as well as the risk that their generation profile will perform worse than the annual market value for solar power. Direct marketing generates additional revenue primarily during periods of high prices, when the market value exceeds the applicable value. Our article on the direct marketing of PV electricity in 2026 provides a detailed analysis.
Which photovoltaic systems are eligible for EEG feed-in tariffs?
In general, all operators of PV systems with a capacity of up to 1,000 kWp are eligible, provided that the 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 is a prerequisite for entitlement to feed-in tariffs. For installed capacities exceeding 1,000 kWp, the tendering requirement applies.
2. Current Feed-in Tariffs for 2026: An Overview of All Rates
What will the feed-in tariff be in 2026, in ct/kWh?
The Federal Network Agency publishes the current feed-in rates in ct/kWh every six months. The date of commissioning is always the determining factor—not the date the project was commissioned or the date the building permit was issued. The specific rates for each power class are shown in the following lists and the summary table. The rates apply proportionally based on installed capacity: A 30-kWp system receives the rate for up to 10 kWp for the first 10 kW and the rate for up to 40 kWp for the remaining 20 kW.
Building-Integrated PV Systems (Roof and Facade PV) – Partial Feed-in
With partial feed-in—also known as surplus feed-in—only the solar power that remains after self-consumption is fed into the grid. For most rooftop systems with self-consumption, this is the more economical choice:
- Up to 10 kWp: 7.70 ct/kWh (base rate: 8.10 ct/kWh)
- 10 to 40 kWp: 6.66 ct/kWh (base rate: 7.06 ct/kWh)
- 40 to 100 kWp: 5.44 ct/kWh (reference value: 5.84 ct/kWh)
Building Systems – Full Feed-in
In full-feed-in mode, the system feeds all of the electricity it generates into the grid. The rate per kilowatt-hour is higher, and there is no self-consumption:
- Up to 10 kWp: 12.22 ct/kWh (base rate: 12.62 ct/kWh)
- 10 to 40 kWp: 10.24 ct/kWh (reference value: 10.64 ct/kWh)
- 40 to 100 kWp: 10.24 ct/kWh (base rate: 10.64 ct/kWh)
Tenant electricity surcharge and other facilities
- Tenant electricity surcharge up to 10 kWp: 2.51 ct/kWh
- Tenant electricity surcharge for 10 to 40 kWp: 2.33 ct/kWh
- Tenant Electricity Surcharge for 40 to 1,000 kWp: 1.57 ct/kWh
- Other PV systems, including ground-mounted systems up to 100 kWp (Section 48(1) of the EEG): 6.19 ct/kWh (base rate: 6.59 ct/kWh)
| Performance class | Partial injection | Full feed-in | Value to be invested (per share) |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 10 kWp | 7.70 ct/kWh | 12.22 ct/kWh | 8.10 ct/kWh |
| 10–40 kWp | 6.66 cents per kWh | 10.24 ct/kWh | 7.06 ct/kWh |
| 40–100 kWp | 5.44 ct/kWh | 10.24 ct/kWh | 5.84 ct/kWh |
| Other/Open Space up to 100 kWp | 6.19 ct/kWh | 6.19 ct/kWh | 6.59 ct/kWh |
| Tenant-Generated Electricity Up to 10 kWp | +2.51 ct/kWh surcharge | – | – |
| Tenant-generated electricity 10–40 kWp | +2.33 ct/kWh surcharge | – | – |
| Tenant-Generated Electricity 40–1,000 kWp | +1.57 ct/kWh surcharge | – | – |
| Applies to systems commissioned between August 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. The surcharge of +1.5 ct/kWh (Solar Package I) for systems of 40 kW or more is not included—according to the Federal Network Agency, approval under EU state aid law has not yet been granted (as of September 24, 2026). The rates apply proportionally based on capacity share. Source: Federal Network Agency, accessed September 24, 2026. | |||
What do these sentences mean for your project?
The table shows the statutory feed-in tariff. How much of that you actually receive depends on the size of your system, its location, and the feed-in model. We’ll run the numbers for your project using your specific figures—not flat rates—free of charge and with no obligation.
The initial consultation is conducted by an independent financial advisor from our partner network, not by Logic Energy itself.
Decrease: The new rates effective August 2026
Since February 2024, EEG subsidies have been decreasing by approximately 1 percent every six months (Section 49 of the EEG 2023). The most recent reduction took effect on August 1, 2026. It remains to be seen whether another reduction will follow: The EEG 2023 is in effect through December 31, 2026, and the successor legislation is currently under parliamentary review. The trend in feed-in tariffs for systems up to 10 kWp (partial and full feed-in) and for the capacity range from 10 to 40 kWp (partial feed-in):
| 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 | 6.88 ct/kWh | 12.60 cents per kWh |
| Aug 2025–Jan 2026 | 7.86 cents per kWh | 6.80 ct/kWh | 12.47 cents per kWh |
| Feb–Jul 2026 | 7.78 cents per kWh | 6.73 cents per kWh | 12.34 cents per kWh |
| Aug–Dec 2026 (current) | 7.70 ct/kWh | 6.66 cents per kWh | 12.22 ct/kWh |
| Decrease: approximately 1% every six months (Section 49 of the EEG 2023). The August 2026 figures are the official rates published by the Federal Network Agency. No further reduction is scheduled—the EEG 2023 remains in effect until December 31, 2026. Source: Federal Network Agency, Archive of Feed-in Tariffs, accessed September 24, 2026. | |||
Tendering Requirement for Projects Over 1,000 kWp – Maximum Values for 2026
For rooftop systems, the tender threshold of 1,000 kWp continues to apply: The reduction to 750 kW from Solar Package I is not applicable due to a lack of approval under state aid law (Section 101(1), Sentence 2, EEG 2023). For ground-mounted systems, the threshold is also 1 MWp; systems exceeding this limit are subject to the tender process. The electricity will no longer be paid for at a fixed rate but will instead be sold through auctions. The following framework values apply for 2026:
- Ground-mounted systems (Segment 1), maximum value per bidding date: 5.79 ct/kWh (March 1, 2026) and 5.90 ct/kWh (July 1, 2026) (Section 37b(1) of the EEG). The most recent published round (bidding date July 1, 2026, announced on August 18, 2026) resulted in a volume-weighted average premium of 4.79 ct/kWh (range 4.38–4.97 ct/kWh) for 261 awards totaling 2,134,657 kW and was significantly oversubscribed with a coverage rate of 148.51 percent. By comparison, in the bidding round on March 1, 2026, the average premium was 4.94 ct/kWh. The next bidding round is scheduled for December 1, 2026.
- Roof-mounted systems over 1 MWp (Segment 2), maximum rate in 2026: 10.00 ct/kWh (2025: 10.40 ct/kWh).
3. Feed-in Tariff Table: Trends from 2000 to 2026
The Renewable Energy Act and Its Degression Mechanism
The Renewable Energy Act was not designed as a static subsidy program, but rather as a self-regulating mechanism: The more systems were installed and the lower production costs fell, the faster the feed-in tariff was supposed to decrease. The law aimed to gradually make photovoltaics competitive—without placing a permanent burden on the national budget.
| Year | Rate (ct/kWh) | EEG version / Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 50,62 | EEG Takes Effect – Uniform Rate for All Solar Power Systems |
| 2004 | 57,40 | EEG 2004 – All-Time High, Market Explodes |
| 2008 | 46,75 | The 5% reduction in effect since 2005 |
| July 2010 | 34,05 | PV Amendment – Emergency Cut of About −13% Due to Record Expansion |
| Apr 2012 | 19,50 | The Most Severe Cuts – Monthly Decrease + One-Time Reduction |
| Aug. 2014 | 12,75 | EEG 2014 – Direct Sales Requirement for Large PV Systems |
| 2017 | 12,30 | EEG 2017 – Tender System for PV Systems Over 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, Full Feed-in 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) | The last half-year before the August degression |
| Aug 2026 | 7.70 (T) / 12.22 (V) | Currently in effect – the last full year before the 2027 EEG system change |
| Reference: Rooftop systems up to 10 kWp, fixed feed-in tariff. (T) = partial feed-in, (V) = full feed-in. Sources: BNetzA Archive, BSW Solarwirtschaft, EEG|KWKG Clearing House, SFV. | ||
Historical trends reveal the most significant pattern: feed-in tariffs and investment costs for photovoltaic systems have fallen in tandem. Those who invest in 2026 will benefit from low system costs while still receiving guaranteed EEG subsidies for 20 years—before the current subsidy system is overhauled in 2027.
4. Full Feed-In vs. Partial Feed-In – Which Is More Cost-Effective and When?
Since August 2022, operators of rooftop systems have been able to choose between the two models. Full-feed-in operators generally receive higher feed-in tariffs—in 2026, the rate will be 12.22 ct/kWh, compared to 7.70 ct/kWh for systems up to 10 kWp. The decision should be made before construction begins. A change is possible annually (notification must be submitted by November 30 for the following year), but the feed-in tariff is fixed as of the commissioning date.
Calculation Example: 10 kWp rooftop system, 30 percent self-consumption
Assumptions: 10 kWp system, 9,500 kWh/year, 30 percent self-consumption (2,850 kWh), electricity purchase price of 35 cents per kWh.
Partial injection:
- Self-consumption: 2,850 kWh × 35 ct = €997.50 in electricity costs saved
- Feed-in: 6,650 kWh × 7.70 ct = 512.05 € in revenue
- Total: 1,509.55 €/year
Full feed-in:
- Feed-in: 9,500 kWh × 12.22 ct = €1,160.90 in revenue
- All electricity must be purchased from the grid
- Total: 1,160.90 €/year
Benefit of partial feed-in: approximately €349 more per year. This sample calculation is for illustrative purposes only and is based on hypothetical assumptions; actual results depend on location, system size, consumption profile, and the grid operator. This does not constitute advice regarding the system, tax matters, or legal issues.
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 (pursuant to Section 48(2a), sentence 2 of the EEG 2023, the operator may have two solar systems that go into operation within fewer than twelve consecutive calendar months treated as two separate systems if each is billed via its own metering device and the operator notifies the grid operator before commissioning the second system for which system the full feed-in surcharge will be used)
- If the self-consumption rate is below about 15–20 percent
For companies with high electricity needs, optimizing self-consumption is the strongest driver of returns—far ahead of feed-in tariffs. Self-generated electricity costs significantly less than the price of grid electricity. Our article on solar system returns in 2026 shows the realistic returns a commercial system can achieve. Our guide, “Photovoltaics for Industry,” provides an overview for businesses.
5. Target value, market premium, and direct marketing
How the sliding market premium works
For systems commissioned on or after January 1, 2023, the formula is: Market premium = applicable value − annual market value for solar (System 1, Nos. 2 and 4 of the EEG 2023). Settlement occurs annually on a retroactive basis; the grid operator makes interim payments during the year. The monthly market value is used as a reference only for systems commissioned or awarded a contract before 2023. The annual solar market value is the average spot market price for solar power in a calendar year, weighted according to generation profile, as published by the four transmission system operators on netztransparenz.de. The monthly values fluctuate significantly: The annual solar market value for 2025 averaged 4.508 ct/kWh, with individual months ranging from well over 10 ct/kWh in winter to less than 2 ct/kWh during sunny spring months.
If the annual market value is below the applicable value, the grid operator pays the difference as a market premium. If it is above that value, the market premium drops to zero, but the operator retains all proceeds. The current EEG subsidy system is thus asymmetric: it guarantees a minimum but does not cap profits. It is precisely this asymmetry that will end under the draft EEG 2027 for subsidized new installations of 100 kW or more (refinancing contribution, Section 21d EEG-E).
Direct Sales Requirement: Who Is Required to Do It, and Who Can?
- Solar power systems exceeding 100 kWp: Direct marketing requirement (Section 21b(1), first sentence, in conjunction with Section 21(1), first sentence, No. 1 of the EEG 2023)
- Systems up to 100 kWp: free choice between a fixed feed-in tariff and voluntary direct sales
- Since Solar Package I: Systems under 25 kWp no longer require remote control capabilities for direct marketing
- You can switch between the models each month with advance notice
A reduction in the direct-marketing requirement to 25 kWp, which was originally discussed, has not yet been implemented in current law—the 100-kWp threshold remains in effect. According to the draft of the EEG 2027, direct marketing is to become mandatory in principle for new installations, with a phased approach for small installations that includes a temporary transitional payment. Existing systems will generally remain subject to the EEG as amended on December 31, 2026 (Section 100(1) of the draft EEG). Our article on the direct marketing of PV electricity in 2026 explains how direct marketing revenues are composed.
6. Solar Peak Act: Zero compensation when electricity prices are negative
The Solar Peak Act (Federal Law Gazette 2025 I No. 51) has replaced the previous hourly buffer system. Specifically: Before February 25, 2025, compensation was suspended only after three consecutive hours of negative prices, and only for systems of 400 kW or larger. As of February 25, 2025, the EEG feed-in tariff for new systems of 2 kWp or more drops to zero as early as the first negative quarter-hour. For systems between 2 and 100 kWp, the rule applies only after the end of the calendar year in which a smart metering system was installed (Section 51(2) EEG 2023). Without a smart metering system and control mechanism, the feed-in tariff for these systems is subject to a feed-in limit of 60 percent of the installed capacity (Section 9(2) EEG 2023). Existing systems installed before February 25, 2025, continue to be subject to the more lenient regulations (Section 100(46) EEG).
573 Hours of Negative Prices in 2025—and the Trend for 2026
The trend in negative day-ahead price hours shows a long-term upward trend, which, however, will not continue linearly in 2026:
- 2022: 69 hours
- 2023: 301 hours
- 2024: 457 hours
- 2025: 573 hours (a record, about 6.5 percent of all hours in the year)
- First half of 2026: approximately 291 hours (analysis by naturstrom AG based on SMARD data, hourly resolution) – the frequency of negative hours decreased compared to the same period last year, while price depths increased (on May 1, 2026, approximately −499 €/MWh in day-ahead trading; this is not an all-time low; on July 2, 2023, the price stood at −500 €/MWh)
For investors, the risk of negative prices remains a serious concern—but it can be actively mitigated through battery storage and smart charging management: Storage prevents revenue losses and generates additional income through arbitrage. Our cluster article on the Solar Peak Act and Section 51a of the EEG for PV investors explains in detail how these provisions work.
7. EEG 2027 and Mandatory CfDs: What Will Change After the Investment Window Closes
Under the current market premium model, the government subsidizes the difference if the market price falls below the reference value—if the price rises, the operator profits without limit. This asymmetry ends with CfDs: If the market price is below the reference value (strike price), the operator receives the difference, as before. If it is above the reference value, the operator pays back the difference (excess profit clawback). The risk is shared between the government and the operator. EU Regulation 2024/1747 mandates this approach for direct price support of new facilities, including those for wind and solar energy; Member States may exempt small-scale installations from this requirement (Art. 19d, paras. 1, 4, and 6 of Regulation (EU) 2019/943, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2024/1747). The fact that biomass is exempt from the levy is a decision made in the German draft (Section 21d(2) of the draft EEG), not a requirement of the Regulation.
Key Points for New Solar Power Systems (Cabinet Decision, July 29, 2026)
According to the draft bill that has been adopted—which may still be amended during the legislative process—the following provisions are included:
- Elimination of the fixed feed-in tariff for new installations; instead, for small new installations, a transitional payment for a maximum of 36 months equal to the applicable value minus 1 ct/kWh (Section 53(1) of the EEG-E), limited to installations under 50 kW for those commissioned in 2027, under 25 kW for those commissioned in 2028, and under 7 kW for those commissioned in 2029–2030
- Direct sales are, in principle, mandatory for all new installations; for small installations, this requirement is phased in through a temporary transitional payment.
- Bilateral difference contracts with excess profit recapture (refinancing contribution) for new subsidized plants with a capacity of 100 kW or more (Section 21d(1) of the EEG-E)
- Permanent cap on the permissible feed-in power at 50 percent for rooftop systems (Segment 2) under 100 kW (Section 9(2b) of the Draft Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG-E)); plug-in solar devices are exempt
- Not regulated in the draft EEG, but rather in the grid connection package adopted in parallel (BT-Drs. 21/7866): a temporary redispatch provision in capacity-constrained grid areas, with partial curtailment without compensation
- Withdrawal from the feed-in tariff must be a one-time, permanent decision, to be made no later than the end of the tenth calendar year following the start of operations (Section 21e of the EEG-E); after that, it may be possible to secure revenue through PPAs, but a return to the feed-in tariff is not
Time is of the essence because the state aid approval for the current EEG expires on December 31, 2026 (European Commission, SA.102084). The draft is politically controversial, and the details have not yet been finalized. We analyze what the CfD requirement specifically means for investment planning in our article on the 2027 CfD requirement for PV investors.
What this means for existing facilities
Crucial for investors: The system change affects new installations. Under the government’s draft bill, installations commissioned by December 31, 2026, will retain the unilateral market premium under the EEG 2023 for the full 20 years—without any repayment obligation; this has not yet been enacted. Whether an excess profit levy could also apply to existing plants in the future has not been conclusively clarified in the ongoing proceedings; as things stand today, the proven grandfathering provisions remain decisive. We reassess the regulatory status before every investment decision.
8. The 2026 Regulatory Investment Window
Factor 1 – 20 Years of EEG Subsidies with Grandfathering Provisions
Anyone who begins operations by December 31, 2026, will benefit from the EEG 2023 remuneration system—for 20 years, according to the government’s draft; this has not yet been enacted. This means: no elimination of the fixed feed-in tariff for your own system and full participation in periods of high market prices; for systems of 100 kW or more, the refinancing contribution (CfD levy, Section 21d EEG-E) provided for in the draft also does not apply. Electricity fed into the grid at high exchange prices generates additional revenue that does not have to be repaid.
Factor 2 – Low Investment Costs
The system costs for photovoltaics are low. The ranges provided in the Fraunhofer ISE study on levelized cost of electricity (July 2024, which remains the most recent edition) serve as a guide: large rooftop systems over 30 kWp (commercial/industrial) at around 900–1,600 €/kWp, and ground-mounted systems over 1 MWp at around 700–900 €/kWp. Module prices rose temporarily in early 2026; the increase has come to a halt since July 2026, and availability has improved.
Factor 3 – Increased Market Risk for New Investments Starting in 2027
The zero feed-in tariff for negative prices starting from the first quarter-hour has been in effect since February 25, 2025 (Section 51 of the EEG 2023) and also applies to systems commissioned in 2026, as well as to systems under 100 kWp starting from the year following the installation of a smart metering system (Section 51(2) of the EEG 2023). According to the draft EEG 2027, the following additional provisions apply to new installations: elimination of the fixed feed-in tariff, direct marketing mandatory in principle, and, for subsidized installations of 100 kW or more, a refinancing contribution based on the model of bilateral difference contracts. An investor with a new plant commissioned in 2027 or later will therefore bear greater market and revenue risk than an investor with a plant commissioned in 2026.
For Businesses: Self-Consumption Beats Feeding Electricity into the Grid
Companies planning to install their own photovoltaic system for their operations should keep the following in mind: The feed-in tariff is of secondary importance for self-consumption systems—what matters most is the value of the electricity generated on-site, that is, the amount your business saves on the grid electricity rate. As long as this amount is significantly higher than the feed-in tariff, self-consumption remains the more effective lever. Learn more on our page “Your Own PV System for Your Business.” A comprehensive analysis of the investment model—including expected returns, tax benefits, and a comparison to other asset classes—can be found under “Photovoltaic Investment 2026.”
Take Advantage in 2026: Secure 20 Years of Support Under the EEG 2023
The window for 20 years of guaranteed EEG subsidies under the EEG 2023 closes on December 31, 2026; for systems of 100 kW or more, this is also the last opportunity to qualify without the planned refinancing contribution. Logic Energy designs and builds turnkey PV systems—with financing secured before construction begins, its own operations team, and long-term profit sharing. The contractual partner for direct investments is mediplan Helm e.K., with personal liability on the part of the owners.
9. Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 EEG Feed-in Tariff
What is the current EEG feed-in tariff for 2026?
As of August 1, 2026, rooftop systems up to 10 kWp will receive 7.70 ct/kWh for partial feed-in and 12.22 ct/kWh for full feed-in. For the portion of capacity between 10 and 40 kWp, the rates are 6.66 and 10.24 ct/kWh, respectively; for the portion between 40 and 100 kWp, the rates are 5.44 and 10.24 ct/kWh, respectively. These rates apply to systems commissioned by December 31, 2026 (Source: Federal Network Agency, accessed September 24, 2026).
What is the difference between the applicable value and the feed-in tariff?
The applicable value is the EEG reference price. The fixed feed-in tariff is 0.4 ct/kWh lower than this; for plants commissioned in 2023 or later, the variable market premium makes up the difference to the annual market value for solar power. The 0.4 ct/kWh (Section 53(1) EEG 2023) does not represent additional revenue from direct marketing: In that case, the operator bears the direct marketer’s fee themselves.
How long does the EEG feed-in tariff apply, and what happens after that?
The EEG feed-in tariff applies for 20 years from the date of commissioning and ends on December 31 of the twentieth year of payment (Section 25(1) EEG 2023); this may be extended for periods with negative prices (Section 51a EEG 2023). The rate is set on the date of commissioning and remains constant. After the term expires, the plant may continue to operate—for example, through direct marketing, a PPA, or increased self-consumption. There have never been any retroactive reductions for existing plants.
How will the EEG 2027 affect existing facilities?
The Federal Cabinet approved the draft EEG-2027 on July 29, 2026; it has not yet entered into force. The transition to two-sided differential contracts affects new installations. As things stand, installations commissioned by December 31, 2026, will retain their grandfathered status with a one-sided market premium for 20 years.
How does the Solar Peak Act affect EEG feed-in tariffs?
As of February 25, 2025, EEG feed-in tariffs for new installations of 2 kWp or more will no longer apply starting with the first negative quarter-hour on the electricity market; for installations under 100 kWp, this will not apply until the year following the installation of a smart metering system (Section 51(2) EEG 2023). In 2025, this amounted to 573 hours. Section 51a of the EEG partially compensates for shortfalls after 20 years (factor of 0.5). Existing systems installed before February 25, 2025, are protected.
Can I switch between full feed-in and partial feed-in?
You can switch providers once a year; you must notify the grid operator by November 30 for the following year. The feed-in tariff itself remains fixed as of the date the system is commissioned. For systems with self-consumption, partial feed-in is usually more economical; full feed-in is only advisable if self-consumption is very low.
When will the feed-in tariff go down again?
That remains to be seen. The semi-annual reduction under Section 49 of the EEG 2023 applies only as long as the EEG 2023 remains in effect—which is the case until December 31, 2026. No rates have been published for installations commissioned starting in January 2027; the successor regulation is currently under parliamentary review. Furthermore, the EEG 2027 could fundamentally change the subsidy system for new installations; the cabinet draft for this has been available since July 29, 2026.
Conclusion
The 2026 EEG feed-in tariff is not the end of PV profitability—it is the final building block 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 low system costs will realize that the window for 20 years of guaranteed EEG 2023 feed-in tariffs closes on December 31, 2026—and for systems of 100 kW or more, this also marks the end of the window without clawback. For business self-consumption projects, the grid electricity saved is the strongest lever anyway—details on this can be found in our guide to solar system returns in 2026, photovoltaic investments in 2026, and the 2027 CfD requirement for PV investors.
Sources and Legal Basis
- Federal Network Agency – EEG Subsidies and Subsidy Rates (Feed-in Tariff, Market Premium, Tenant Electricity Surcharge, Period: August 1, 2026–December 31, 2026), accessed September 24, 2026
- Federal Network Agency – Completed Tenders for Solar Power Plants, Segment 1 (Maximum and Awarded Values for 2025/2026)
- Laws on the Internet – EEG 2023 (including Sections 20, 21, 21b, 25, 48, 48a, 49, 51, 51a, 53, 100, and Appendix 1)
- EUR-Lex – Regulation (EU) 2024/1747 amending the Electricity Market Regulation (CfD Requirement), June 26, 2024
- German Bundestag – Printed Paper 21/7867, Draft Bill of the Federal Government, September 7, 2026 (identical in content to Bundesrat Printed Paper 470/26), accessed September 24, 2026
- pv magazine Germany – “Cabinet Approves Drafts of the EEG 2027 and Grid Package,” July 29, 2026
- netztransparenz.de – Market Value Overview (Solar Market Value), Annual Market Value for 2025: 4.508 ct/kWh
- SMARD / Federal Network Agency – Market Data (Negative Day-Ahead Price Hours)
- Fraunhofer ISE – Levelized Cost of Electricity for Renewable Energy, July 2024 (latest edition)
- EEG|KWKG Clearing House – Change in Payment Rates for PV Electricity
- Helm Group – Portfolio Return Data for 2024 (internal project data, 6–10% per annum)
Logic Energy Editorial Team.
