German self-employed individuals and freelancers hold record amounts in bank deposits—with a real return that barely exceeds zero after taxes and inflation. Photovoltaics as an investment offers a 6–10% annual return, government-backed cash flows, and tax benefits that surpass those of all other asset classes. This guide provides concrete calculations—including a sample calculation for a freelancer with €180,000 in annual profit—and a clear overview of the opportunities and risks.

Anyone investing in a solar power system or planning to install one for their business has more tax flexibility than is often realized. This article provides an overview of the most important tools—from investment tax credits and depreciation to sales tax. We explain how these mechanisms work in general. A tax advisor is essential for applying this information to your specific situation.

With Logic Energy, you purchase your own solar power system—Logic Energy builds and operates it, and you collect the electricity revenue. No investment funds, no power purchase agreements. Return on investment: 6–10% per year, term of 20–40 years, with over 70% tax depreciation possible in the first year.

Since February 25, 2025, a stricter rule has applied to new photovoltaic systems in Germany: As soon as the wholesale electricity price turns negative, the EEG feed-in tariff is suspended—immediately, with no waiting period. Legislators are responding to a trend that is clearly evident in the figures: In 2023, there were 301 hours with negative wholesale prices; in 2024, this figure rose to 457 hours; and in 2025, it reached a total of 573 hours.¹ For investors, this is not just an abstract market statistic—it is a structural factor that directly influences the calculations for ongoing and planned projects.

Anyone looking to invest in solar energy or renewable energy—whether through solar installations, photovoltaic investments, or direct investments in photovoltaics—will encounter at least four different models: closed-end solar funds, crowd investing via subordinated loans, solar ETFs—and direct photovoltaic investments. The names sound similar, but they involve fundamentally different legal relationships, tax structures, and risk profiles. This article provides you with an overview and all the information you need to make an informed decision—objectively, without any product pitches. It is aimed at investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone seriously considering whether a direct photovoltaic investment aligns with their tax and financial situation.

In 2025, nearly 16 percent of Germany’s solar power was generated during hours when grid prices were negative—and on peak days, as much as 90 percent. What sounds like the end of PV returns is, in fact, the starting signal for the next major investment opportunity: projects that integrate battery storage.