News
Here you will find the latest analyses, market trends, and regulatory developments related to photovoltaics and energy storage. Our editorial team breaks down complex topics into easy-to-understand terms—with concrete recommendations for investors and businesses.
Photovoltaics vs. Lignite 2025: How Solar Power Surpassed Lignite and Natural Gas for the First Time
In 2025, solar power in Germany generated more electricity than lignite for the first time: approximately 87 TWh from solar versus 67 TWh from lignite, ranking second in the electricity mix behind wind. What this shift in the trend means for PV investors.
Smart Meter Mandate in 2026: What You Need to Know Now as a Solar Panel Owner
Starting in 2026, the smart meter requirement will apply to PV systems with a capacity of 7 kW or more. Anyone feeding electricity into the grid without a smart metering system will permanently lose 40% of their feed-in revenue. All deadlines, costs, the 60% cap, and the new revenue models—Energy Sharing and dynamic rates—summarized for operators, landlords, and investors.
Peak Load Reserve: A New Market for Battery Storage – What Investors Need to Know in 2026
On January 22, 2026, a new market for instantaneous reserve capacity was launched in Germany. For the first time, battery storage systems can participate in this system service and thereby generate additional revenue. What this means for PV investors—opportunities, risks, and specific figures.
CfD Requirement in 2027: What Will Change for PV Investors?
Starting in 2027, Germany will transition its PV subsidies to bilateral differential contracts. Who is affected by systems of 100 kW or more, what the December 31, 2026, deadline entails, and how returns will change—an overview for investors, as of August 2026.
PV Storage Arbitrage Returns: How Battery Storage Turns Negative Electricity Prices into Revenue
In June 2025, 46% of Germany’s solar power generation occurred during hours when electricity prices on the exchange were negative. How a co-located battery storage system reverses this mechanism—arbitrage, balancing energy, instantaneous reserve, and grid fee reduction in a return-on-investment comparison.
How will the KraftNAV reform affect PV investors and businesses?
KraftNAV determines who gets connected to the grid and when. Since the amendment in December 2025, it has been one of the most important factors for ground-mounted PV projects and battery storage systems—even for systems that do not fall within its scope.
The European Solar Divide: Where PV Investors Can Still Find Returns in 2026
EU solar capacity additions remained nearly unchanged in 2025—but the market did not. For the first time, solar farms accounted for more than half of the new capacity, France displaced Italy from third place, and revenues per kilowatt-hour varied widely. What this means for country selection.
Amendment to the Energy Industry Act: What Changes Are in Store for PV Investors?
The 2025 EnWG Amendment has been in effect since December 23, 2025: preferential treatment for battery storage under building codes, proportional exemption from grid fees for multi-use storage systems, and energy sharing (Section 42c EnWG). What investors should do specifically now—including the critical commissioning deadline in August 2029.
Battery Storage, Dynamic Rates, and Solar Power: What the 2026 Research Findings Reveal for Direct Investors
Two independent studies conducted in 2025/2026 provide the first empirical evidence of what battery storage, dynamic rates, and PV can achieve when combined—and why this model should be included in every investment due diligence process in 2026.