Which solar power systems are suitable for investors, businesses, and farmers?
By 2026, photovoltaic systems will be a key component of sustainable energy supply and economic planning security for businesses, the agricultural sector, and the portfolios of institutional investors. This guide is intended for investors with a minimum investment of €100,000, commercial enterprises with high electricity consumption, as well as farmers and landowners. In 2026, photovoltaic systems will fall into four main categories—rooftop systems, ground-mounted systems, agri-PV, and battery storage as a complementary system component—which differ significantly in terms of land requirements, economic viability, and regulatory frameworks. Logic Energy and mediplan Helm e.K. support you throughout the entire value chain: land acquisition, project planning, financing, construction, and operation—all from a single source. This overview classifies the four types of PV systems, shows which types of photovoltaic systems suit which profiles—and provides links to in-depth information on each topic.
Table of Contents
Market and Classification 2026
By 2026, photovoltaic systems will no longer be a niche topic, but rather a mature asset class and the central tool of the energy transition. For companies, farmers, and investors, photovoltaic systems thus combine economic and environmental benefits in a single investment: predictable electricity generation costs over 20+ years, independence from volatile energy prices on the electricity market, and a demonstrable contribution to the decarbonization of their own operations. In 2025, photovoltaics surpassed lignite and natural gas in the German electricity mix for the first time, generating approximately 87 TWh of electricity—details on this structural shift can be found in the cluster “Photovoltaics Surpasses Lignite and Natural Gasin 2025.”
By the end of 2025, approximately 119 GWp had been installed across some 5.5 million solar systems, which are making a growing contribution to decentralized electricity generation (Fraunhofer ISE, Current Facts, March 2026). By 2026, the bottleneck for new PV systems will no longer lie in technology or costs—it will lie in grid connection, land availability, and the choice of the right marketing model. Photovoltaics thus makes a measurable contribution to supply security: on sunny summer days, solar power from the sun covers more than half of Germany’s grid load during the midday hours. It is precisely these three bottlenecks—grid, land, and marketing—that determine which type of PV system is viable for which profile.
What are photovoltaic systems—and how do they differ from solar thermal systems?
A photovoltaic system is a setup consisting of solar modules, an inverter, a mounting structure, and a grid connection that converts sunlight directly into electrical energy. Solar thermal systems, on the other hand, generate heat. In Germany, photovoltaic systems produced approximately 87 TWh of electricity in 2025, accounting for 16.8% of the public electricity mix (Fraunhofer ISE, Energy-Charts, January 2026).
An Overview of the Components and How a PV System Works
Every photovoltaic system consists of the same functional components, regardless of size or location. Solar modules (also known as PV modules) use the solar cells inside them to convert photons from sunlight into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect—the conversion of light into electricity is the module’s primary function. A module’s efficiency describes the proportion of solar radiation that is converted into usable electricity—a key quality characteristic of the module. The inverter—available as a string, micro, or hybrid variant—converts the direct current from the modules into grid-compatible alternating current and optimizes energy yield via MPP trackers.
The mounting system, consisting of a substructure and mounting frames, supports the modules on roofs, open spaces, or in agri-PV structures. The grid connection, including a meter and feed-in management system, connects the system to the public power grid and is registered in the Federal Network Agency’s market master data registry. Optionally, a battery storage system can be added to the system to enable time-shifted decoupling of generation and consumption.
Monocrystalline, polycrystalline, thin-film — the three module families
At the heart of every PV system are solar cells. Three silicon-based families dominate the market. Monocrystalline solar modules are made of high-purity silicon in a single crystal lattice and will achieve efficiencies of 20–24% in the mass-market segment by 2026, with premium variants featuring TOPCon or HJT cell technology reaching up to 24.8% (Fraunhofer ISE Photovoltaics Report, 2025/2026)—making them the undisputed standard. Polycrystalline modules consist of multiple silicon crystals and achieve an efficiency of 15–18%—historically the more affordable price-performance segment, but virtually gone from the market by 2026, as monocrystalline modules have caught up in terms of price.
Thin-film modules such as cadmium telluride (CdTe) or copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) are manufactured by vapor-depositing active semiconductor layers onto a substrate; they achieve an efficiency of 8–20% and are lightweight and flexible—making them ideal for building-integrated applications and custom shapes. Bifacial modules are also used: They utilize light from both the front and back and, under real-world conditions in Germany, deliver a 5–15% increase in yield (Fraunhofer ISE)—particularly on flat roofs and open spaces with light-colored surfaces, where the back side receives additional light through albedo reflection. Annual degradation for modern modules is 0.4–0.5%; manufacturers typically provide performance warranties for 25 to 30 years.
The rated power of a PV system is measured in kilowatt-peak (kWp)—this describes the electrical output of the modules under standard test conditions. In Germany, one kWp produces an annual average of around 1,000 kWh, and up to 1,160 kWh in the south (Fraunhofer ISE, Current Facts, March 2026). How much electricity a specific system generates generally depends on its location, orientation, and shading—questions regarding optimal roof orientation and pitch are addressed on the sub-pillar page PV Roof Systems for Commercial Use.
PV vs. Solar Thermal — A World of Difference
Photovoltaic systems generate electricity, while solar thermal systems generate heat. For investors and commercial entities, photovoltaics is almost always the more relevant option because electricity is marketable, grid-connected, and offers greater tax flexibility; solar thermal systems play a role in these target groups only as a supplement for businesses with high process heat requirements.
What types of solar power systems are there? The four main categories
In the B2B context, four types of systems are relevant: rooftop systems, ground-mounted systems, agri-PV, and battery storage as a complementary system component. They differ in typical size, space requirements, and revenue model. By the end of 2025, over 5.5 million photovoltaic systems were registered in Germany (Market Master Data Register, as of January 2026), with a cumulative capacity of approximately 119 GWp.
PV systems are categorized based on their location and system function. Roof-mounted systems are photovoltaic systems installed on or within building roofs. They are divided into two types: rooftop systems, which are installed on existing building roofs, and in-roof systems, in which the modules replace part of the roof covering; these systems are designed for self-consumption or partial feed-in.
Ground-mounted systems are large-scale photovoltaic installations on open land, referred to as solar parks in B2B terminology, and are primarily used for the sale of green electricity. They are built on land with low agricultural productivity, converted land, or along transportation corridors, and dominate the direct-to-consumer market. Agri-PV systems are photovoltaic installations that combine primary agricultural use with electricity generation on the same land—regulated in accordance with DIN SPEC 91434. Battery storage is not a standalone system type, but rather a system component that temporarily stores excess solar power and makes it available for use at a later time—it can be combined with any of the three system types mentioned and opens up its own revenue streams in the electricity market.
From a technical standpoint, PV systems can generally be divided into two types: grid-connected systems are directly connected to the public power grid (the norm in the B2B segment) and feed surplus electricity into it. Off-grid systems operate independently of the power grid and store the energy they generate in batteries—a niche solution for locations far from the grid. Other types of photovoltaic systems have so far played a niche role in the German market but make economic sense in certain scenarios: floating PV on bodies of water, BIPV (building-integrated PV facades), and PV carports. These systems expand the range of options where traditional space is lacking and demonstrate just how broad the spectrum of modern PV systems has become.
A Direct Comparison of System Types
| System type | Typical size | Space requirements | LCOE range | Primary target audience | In-depth study |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof-mounted system | 30–1,000 kWp | 5–8 m²/kWp | 5.7–12.0 cents per kWh | Business, Investor | How to Plan a Rooftop Solar System for Your Business |
| Ground-mounted solar power plant | 1–250 MWp | 1.0–1.5 ha/MWp | 4.1–6.9 cents per kWh | Investor, property owner | How industrial solar farms on open land work |
| Agri-PV | 1–10 MWp | 1.2–2.0 ha/MWp | 7–12 cents per kWh | Farmer, Investor | Agri-PV: Agriculture and solar power on the same land |
| Battery storage | 50 kWh–25 MWh | system-integrated | In addition (Arbitrage/SRL) | Business, Investor | Battery storage — when combining it with solar power is worthwhile |
Source: Fraunhofer ISE, Study on Levelized Cost of Electricity for Renewable Energies, July 2024 · Logic Energy portfolio data for 2025
Residential and Commercial Solar Roof Systems — When Are They Worth It?
Roof-mounted PV systems utilize existing building surfaces and achieve self-consumption rates of up to 70–90% for commercial businesses, thereby replacing expensive grid electricity. The specific investment costs range from €900 to €1,600 per kWp for roof-mounted systems in Germany (Fraunhofer ISE, Levelized Cost of Electricity, July 2024). The space requirement is 5–8 m² per kWp.
Commercial rooftop systems are the most common entry point into photovoltaics. Manufacturing facilities, logistics warehouses, and retail and office buildings have load and generation profiles that align well—electricity demand peaks during the day, and the sun shines during the day. The economic leverage and key benefits of a rooftop system stem not primarily from the feed-in tariff, but from the difference between the commercial electricity rate and the levelized cost of electricity from the system itself.
For businesses, this presents three compelling arguments: Cheaper self-generated electricity reduces overhead costs and supports modern ESG criteria. Fixed production costs that can be planned decades in advance make cost calculations resilient to energy price fluctuations in the public electricity market. And large roof areas on commercial and industrial buildings are transformed from a cost center into productive capital through the installation of solar panels.
Roofs with limited load-bearing capacity—such as industrial trapezoidal profiles that are supported only at specific points along the supports—have long been considered unsuitable for installation. Logic Energy has developed its own roof bridging system for this purpose: a base plate with trapezoidal profiles that rests on the load-bearing supports and bridges the gaps. This makes the entire roof usable—even roofs that other providers reject.
The service life of modern rooftop PV systems is 25 to 30+ years, with an annual degradation rate of 0.4–0.5% for premium modules (Fraunhofer ISE Photovoltaics Report, 2025/2026). Systems of 100 kWp or more are subject to the direct marketing requirement; with Solar Package I from May 2024, a free-of-charge purchase option was introduced for the segment up to 200 kWp (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Solar Package I, 05/2024). The tax treatment of commercial rooftop systems differs from that of private systems; a classification according to the relevant standards follows below in the section on regulations.
Our dedicated sub-pillar page addresses more in-depth questions regarding structural analysis, roof orientation, optimizing self-consumption, €/kWp benchmarks, and mandatory solar requirements in the federal states: How to Plan a Rooftop Solar System for Your Business.
Ground-Mounted Systems and Solar Farms — Scaling for Investors and Landowners
Ground-mounted solar farms are solar parks located in open fields, typically ranging from 1 to 250 MWp and requiring 1.0 to 1.5 hectares of land per megawatt-peak. They achieve the lowest levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of all plant types: 4.1–6.9 ct/kWh (Fraunhofer ISE, July 2024). The average winning bid in the BNetzA tender of December 2025 was around 5.00 ct/kWh.
Ground-mounted solar plants are the leading asset class for institutional and semi-institutional investors. Their profitability stems from economies of scale: low specific investment costs of €700–900/kWp (Fraunhofer ISE, July 2024), direct sales under the market premium model, and predictable returns over 20+ years. Typical sites include agriculturally disadvantaged locations under Section 37 of the EEG 2023, brownfield sites, landfills, and 500-meter strips along highways and railways. Approval is typically granted via a zoning plan and building permit; to qualify for EEG subsidies, successful participation in the Federal Network Agency’s tender is required once the installed capacity exceeds 1 MWp.
In practice, land acquisition is the critical bottleneck. Landowners—including private landowners, municipalities, and churches—are brought on board through lease models or profit-sharing arrangements; municipal financial participation under Section 6 of the EEG 2023 is virtually standard practice in the industry. mediplan Helm e.K. employs an active, systematic land search approach that is rare in the market and provides investors with a structural advantage in accessing land eligible for approval.
In-depth technical topics such as module mounting height, bifacial panel configuration, row spacing, grid connection concepts, and tendering procedures are covered on the sub-pillar page: How Industrial Solar Farms on Open Land Work.
Agri-PV: Dual Use of Agricultural Land and Solar Power
Agri-PV combines primary agricultural use with electricity generation on the same land. DIN SPEC 91434 (as of May 2021) requires that at least 66% of the reference yield come from agricultural use. The Federal Network Agency’s tender from December 2025 awarded 30 contracts totaling approximately 204 MWp, with a maximum bid price of 9.5 ct/kWh (Federal Network Agency, Completed Tenders, December 1, 2025).
Agri-PV is the newest of the four main categories and the one that receives the most political support. Two categories are distinguished: elevated systems above orchards, vineyards, or cropland, and ground-level systems with vertical module arrangements between crops. The land remains suitable for agricultural use; this dual-use approach is eligible for EU direct payments and simultaneously alleviates the pressure on open-space PV.
In agri-PV, the space beneath the solar modules is specifically used for shade-tolerant or heat-sensitive crops, which are protected from excessive sunlight by the modules —for berries, lettuce, or certain fruit crops, the shading effect can even be agronomically beneficial and reduce yield losses caused by heat stress. The sub-pillar page discusses in depth which configurations are suitable for which crops. Typical project sizes range from 1 to 10 MWp; the specific land requirement of 1.2–2.0 ha/MWp is slightly higher than for ground-mounted systems, but this is offset economically by the parallel agricultural yield.
For farmers, this creates a second, stable source of income; for investors, it opens up a segment with its own, higher-paying tenders. The technical requirements—light transmittance of the modules, module geometry, and vehicle accessibility—are more demanding than those for traditional ground-mounted PV and require specialized planning and agricultural expertise in conjunction with PV technology. Details on crop types, DIN SPEC requirements, permitting practices, and subsidy structures are covered on the sub-pillar page: Agri-PV: Agriculture and Solar Power on the Same Land.
Battery Storage: When It Makes Solar Power Systems More Cost-Effective
Battery storage systems decouple generation from consumption over time and open up additional revenue streams in the electricity market. By the end of 2025, approximately 2.4 million residential storage systems with a cumulative capacity of 25 GWh had been installed in Germany (Fraunhofer ISE/BSW-Solar, January 2026). Large-scale battery storage systems reached approximately 2.4 GW of capacity and 3.2 GWh of usable capacity, with an additional 5.0 GW / 10.4 GWh in the planning stages (Market Master Data Register, January 2026).
Battery storage systems are not a type of system in the traditional sense, but rather a system component that fundamentally changes the revenue model of a photovoltaic system. For commercial businesses, a storage system increases the self-consumption rate—meaning that more self-generated solar power replaces expensive grid electricity. For investors, combining a storage system with a solar farm or using it as a standalone large-scale storage solution opens up access to arbitrage on the day-ahead and intraday markets, as well as the balancing energy market. The global Li-ion pack price stood at around $108/kWh in the fourth quarter of 2025 (BloombergNEF, December 2025)—a price level that makes commercial and investment applications broadly economically viable for the first time.
Economic viability depends heavily on the cycle profile, control logic, and grid connection level. Since 2024, large-scale battery storage systems have benefited from significantly better conditions under Section 118(6) of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and the revised grid tariff system than they did five years ago. Details on economic feasibility calculations, grid connection procedures, and revenue sources in the electricity and balancing energy markets are covered on the sub-pillar page: Battery Storage — When Combining with PV Pays Off. A case study on the combination of storage and dynamic tariffs is provided in the cluster article Battery Storage in Combination with Dynamic Tariffs.
Which photovoltaic systems are suitable for whom? Decision matrix by target group
Investors with capital of €100,000 or more typically target ground-mounted and large-scale rooftop systems with direct sales or PPAs. Commercial businesses prioritize rooftop systems with high self-consumption. Farmers and landowners choose between leasing to a project developer, developing their own open-space sites, or agri-PV. The target audience triad influences the selection criteria more strongly than the technology itself.
The choice of the right type of system is not based on a preference for a particular technology, but rather on the decision-maker’s capital, land, and consumption profile. A rooftop system is not very attractive to an investor without an operational facility because it lacks the economic leverage of self-consumption. An open-field investment is rarely the first choice for a medium-sized manufacturing company because the capital commitment and project duration do not align with its own processes. The following matrix illustrates which combinations are viable in practice.
| Profile | Capital requirements | Suitable system types | Dominant revenue model | Getting Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investors with a minimum investment of €100,000 | €100,000 to seven figures | Open-space installation, large-scale rooftop system, agri-PV, battery storage | Direct marketing, market premium, PPA, arbitrage | How Direct Investment in Photovoltaics Works with the IAB Advantage |
| Business with high electricity consumption | €100,000 to €2 million | Roof-mounted system (with storage, if applicable) | Self-consumption + surplus feed-in | A Custom Solar Power System for Your Business |
| Farmer / Landowner | No equity (leasing) up to 7 figures (in-house project) | Agri-PV, open space, rooftop (farm buildings) | Lease, profit sharing, direct marketing | Agri-PV: Agriculture and solar power on the same land |
Source: Logic Energy Project Experience 2024–2026 · BNetzA Public Tender Results, December 2025
During our initial consultation, we’ll determine which investment best suits your specific profile—based on your capital investment, available space, and time horizon. Submit a project inquiry.
Note: Return expectations, the IAB leverage effect under Section 7g of the German Income Tax Act (EStG), and comparisons with other asset classes are intentionally not quantified in this overview. Figures, calculation examples, and the full investment disclaimer are available exclusively in the dedicated “Pillar Photovoltaic Investment 2026” document. This Pillar is an informational overview and does not constitute investment advice.
The Economic Viability of Photovoltaic Systems: Yields, Land Requirements, and Levelized Cost of Electricity
The specific annual yield in Germany ranges from 900 to 1,160 kWh/kWp, with an average of around 1,000 kWh/kWp (Fraunhofer ISE, Current Facts, March 2026). The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) ranges from 4.1 ct/kWh for large ground-mounted systems to 12.0 ct/kWh for small north-facing rooftop systems (Fraunhofer ISE, Levelized Cost of Electricity, July 2024) — significantly below the commercial electricity rate.
By 2026, the economic viability of a photovoltaic system will be assessed less on the basis of feed-in tariffs and more on the basis of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). LCOE reflects the cost per kilowatt-hour generated over the system’s entire lifespan—and for current systems, it is significantly lower than most purchase prices on the German electricity market. This shifts the logic of the investment decision: It is not the EEG feed-in tariff that makes the system profitable, but rather the price difference compared to the alternative (grid purchase or market price). For commercial operators, this results in a second, often underestimated effect: Because the levelized cost of electricity is fixed over the system’s lifespan, parts of the operating costs become predictable—a form of hedge against volatile energy prices on the public electricity market.
Key metrics by asset class
| Asset class | Specific yield (kWh/kWp·a) | LCOE range | Feed-in Tariff / AzW Feb 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof up to 10 kWp | approx. 950–1,100 | – | 7.78 ct (partial) / 12.34 ct (full) | Federal Network Agency, February 1, 2026 |
| Roof 10–40 kWp | approx. 950–1,100 | – | 6.73 ct (partial) / 10.35 ct (full) | Federal Network Agency, February 1, 2026 |
| Roof 40–100 kWp (commercial) | approx. 950–1,100 | 5.7–12.0 cents per kWh | approx. 5.50 ct (portion) | Fraunhofer ISE 07/2024 · BSW-Solar |
| Large-scale rooftop system >100 kWp | approx. 950–1,100 | 5.7–8.8 cents per kWh (South) | Direct marketing, AzW from a call for proposals | Fraunhofer ISE July 2024 |
| Open space >1 MWp | approx. 1,000–1,160 | 4.1–6.9 cents per kWh | Approx. 5.00 ct/kWh (surcharge as of December 2025) | Fraunhofer ISE 07/2024 · BNetzA 12/2025 |
| Agri-PV | approx. 900–1,100 | 7–12 cents per kWh | up to 9.5 ct/kWh (maximum surcharge as of December 2025) | BNetzA 12/2025 |
| Battery storage (large-scale storage/standalone) | n/a | complementary to the system | Arbitrage, balancing power, SRL | Market Master Data Register 01/2026 |
Full feed-in = all electricity fed into the grid; partial feed-in = self-consumption + surplus feed-in. Semi-annual degression of 1% pursuant to Section 49 of the EEG 2023.
The general rules of thumb for land area are reliable in everyday B2B practice: 5–8 m² per kWp on rooftops, 1.0–1.5 hectares per megawatt-peak on open land, and 1.2–2.0 ha/MWp for agri-PV. The price per kWp for ground-mounted systems is €700–900/kWp, and for rooftop systems, depending on the segment, €900–1,600/kWp (Fraunhofer ISE, July 2024). The annual market value for solar—the benchmark for direct marketing—averaged 4.508 ct/kWh in 2025 (Netztransparenz, January 2026). A more in-depth return analysis for 2026 can be found in the cluster article Detailed Return Scenarios for 2026.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: EEG 2023, Grid Connection, Taxes
The operation of a photovoltaic system in Germany is primarily governed by the EEG 2023, the EnWG (Section 14a), the EStG (Sections 3 No. 72, 7g), and the UStG (Section 12(3)). Since February 1, 2026, the feed-in tariff for new PV systems up to 10 kWp has been 7.78 ct/kWh for partial feed-in and 12.34 ct/kWh for full feed-in (Federal Network Agency, EEG subsidy rates, valid February 1–July 31, 2026).
EEG 2023 and Feed-in Tariffs — A Brief Overview
The feed-in tariff under the EEG 2023 applies to systems up to 100 kWp and is guaranteed for 20 years plus the year of commissioning. Since February 2024, the rates have been reduced by 1% every six months; the next reduction is scheduled for August 1, 2026 (§ 49 EEG 2023). For PV systems >100 kWp, the direct marketing obligation applies; since Solar Package I (May 2024), systems up to 200 kWp have the alternative option of free-of-charge off-take. The complete guide, including all rates, sample calculations, and an outlook on the CfD obligation in 2027, is provided in the cluster article “EEG Remuneration 2026: The Complete Guide.” The increased rates for rooftop systems >40 kWp have not yet been finally approved under EU state aid law and are currently not being paid out—when planning projects, the commissioning date must be reconciled accordingly with the BNetzA notice.
Direct marketing and tenders
For ground-mounted systems >1 MWp, successful participation in a BNetzA tender under Section 22 of the EEG 2023 is a prerequisite for receiving the market premium. The average winning bid in the first segment of the December 2025 tender was approximately 5.00 ct/kWh, with a maximum of 5.30 ct/kWh (Federal Network Agency, Dec. 1, 2025). The market premium is calculated as the difference between the applicable value and the market value of solar power and is paid by the grid operator. Since February 25, 2025, EEG subsidies no longer apply to hours with negative spot market prices—this period is added to the end of the 20-year subsidy period (Solar Peak Act, Section 51 EEG 2023).
Tax Framework (Summary)
Three tax provisions are relevant for commercial PV systems, which a tax advisor reviews in the context of a project: Section 3(72) of the Income Tax Act (income tax exemption for small systems), Section 12(3) of the Value-Added Tax Act (reduced VAT rate for qualified buildings, typically residential buildings), and Section 7g of the Income Tax Act (investment deduction prior to commissioning). Calculation examples, property and subject limits, depreciation scenarios, and the specific application to commercial rooftop systems or direct investments are covered in the dedicated cluster articles “Photovoltaic Taxes: IAB, Depreciation, Special Rules, and Special Depreciation” and “Investment Deduction for Photovoltaics 2026.”
Note: This section provides a general legal overview and is not a substitute for tax advice. Laws and feed-in tariff rates are subject to change—the next EEG rate reduction will take effect on August 1, 2026. mediplan Helm e.K. and Logic Energy are not tax advisors; please consult a licensed advisor regarding your specific situation.
Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act and Grid Connection
Since January 1, 2024, Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) has governed the grid connection of controllable consumer devices with a capacity of 4.2 kW or more—this applies in particular to wallboxes and heat pumps, but also to the grid connection of large PV systems with control logic. Grid operators may not refuse the connection, but may in return grant reduced grid fees. For large-scale systems and battery storage, the grid connection procedure under KraftNAV is the dominant bottleneck criterion.
Overview of Marketing Models: Full Feed-in, Surplus, Direct Marketing, PPA
There are four options for utilizing the solar power generated: full feed-in at an increased EEG rate, partial feed-in, direct marketing with a market premium, and a PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) as a direct electricity supply contract with a customer. Direct marketing is mandatory for systems of 100 kWp or more (Section 21b EEG 2023).
Full feed-in — all electricity is fed into the grid. This makes sense only when self-consumption is not possible (vacant properties, second homes, pure investment properties) and is then compensated at a higher rate.
Partial feed-in (surplus feed-in) — Self-consumption takes priority; only the surplus is fed into the grid. This is the standard model for commercial businesses because the system’s LCOE is almost always lower than the commercial electricity rate.
Direct marketing — mandatory for systems of 100 kWp or more. The electricity is sold on the electricity exchange through a direct marketer; the difference from the applicable value is offset by the market premium. This shifts the revenue model toward hourly prices and market values — a factor that, in practice, determines the choice of direct marketer and the requirement for smart meters.
PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) — a direct supply contract between a plant operator and an industrial customer, typically lasting 10–20 years. PPAs are relevant for large-scale ground-mounted and rooftop solar plants and replace EEG subsidies with a contractually guaranteed fixed price. For investors, the PPA is the key instrument for securing cash flows after EEG subsidies expire or as an alternative to tenders. The Invest page “Photovoltaic Investment 2026” provides in-depth information on PPA contract types, off-take partners, and pricing.
What sets Logic Energy apart from other providers
Logic Energy is part of the Helm Group—a consortium comprising mediplan Helm e.K. (site acquisition, project planning, and contractual partner for investors) and Logic Energy (construction and technical implementation). The group is the only provider on the German market to offer a combination of active site acquisition, fixed financing, personal owner liability, and an in-house solution for installing systems on non-load-bearing roofs.
This positioning stems from a structural difference compared to the rest of the market. Pure installation companies provide technology, pure project developers provide projects, and pure fund providers offer investment opportunities. The Helm Group delivers the entire chain—from site selection through project planning, financing, and construction to operation—from a single source, with personal owner liability serving as an anchor of trust. For commercial customers, this creates an additional brand value: Those who source their own electricity from their own facility strengthen their sustainable brand image with customers, employees, and suppliers and meet increasingly expected ESG criteria.
Logic Energy at a Glance
| Key figure | Value | Source / Date |
|---|---|---|
| Legal form of the contracting party (investor side) | mediplan Helm e.K. (sole proprietorship with unlimited liability) | Commercial Register · Helm Group 2026 |
| Legal Structure: Construction & Technology | Logic Energy | Helm Group 2026 |
| Scope of services | Site acquisition, project planning, financing, construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) | Helm Group 2026 |
| Product Portfolio | Open space, agri-PV, rooftop, industrial, PV carport, PV warehouse, battery storage | Helm Group 2026 |
| In-house development | Roof bridging system for non-load-bearing roofs | Helm Group 2026 |
| Investor Model | Inverter Revenue Sharing, Term: 20–40 Years | mediplan Helm, sole proprietorship 2026 |
Source: Company Profile, Helm Group · mediplan Helm e.K. · Logic Energy, as of April 2026
The comprehensive guide to the photovoltaic industry in 2026 outlines the macroeconomic framework for this positioning—market, regulation, and outlook for 2026. If you’d like to understand the investor model in detail, you’ll find all the information you need under “Become a PV Investor: How the Investor Model Works with Logic Energy.”
Next Step with Logic Energy
In 2026, determining which solar power system is right for your needs will depend less on the technology—which is now well-established—and more on land availability, grid connection, and the right marketing model. Logic Energy and mediplan Helm e.K. guide investors, commercial enterprises, farmers, and landowners through these three key challenges and provide a one-stop solution for the entire process.
For investors with a minimum of €100,000: Direct investment in photovoltaics with IAB benefits
For businesses: Your own PV system for your business
If you are a farmer or landowner: Agri-PV for farmers and landowners
Note: This guide is intended to provide general information about photovoltaic systems and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. Information on returns, tax implications, and contract models can be found exclusively on the dedicated “Photovoltaic Investment 2026” pages and in the linked cluster articles. Return figures are based on project calculations and historical yield data and do not guarantee future results. For your specific situation, please consult a licensed financial or tax advisor. All information is provided without warranty. As of April 2026.
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FAQ
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In the B2B context, there are four main categories: rooftop systems (commercial, industrial, agricultural), ground-mounted systems (solar farms), agri-PV (dual use of agricultural land for solar power generation), and battery storage as a complementary system component. Special types such as floating PV, BIPV, or PV carports have so far played a niche role in the German market.
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Photovoltaic systems are relevant for three B2B target groups: investors with capital of €100,000 or more (ground-mounted, large-scale rooftop, agri-PV, storage), commercial businesses with high electricity consumption (rooftop systems with self-consumption), and farmers and landowners (agri-PV, ground-mounted leasing). Residential scenarios are not covered in this overview.
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For rooftop systems, 5–8 m² per kWp is typical; for ground-mounted systems, 1.0–1.5 hectares per megawatt-peak; and for agri-PV, 1.2–2.0 ha/MWp (Fraunhofer ISE, Current Facts, March 2026). This range is determined by module efficiency, row spacing, and mounting system.
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The levelized cost of electricity ranges from 4.1 to 6.9 ct/kWh for large ground-mounted systems and from 5.7 to 12.0 ct/kWh for rooftop systems in Germany (Fraunhofer ISE, Levelized Cost of Electricity, July 2024). This is significantly below typical commercial electricity prices and below the 2025 annual market value for solar of 4.508 ct/kWh (Grid Transparency).
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The central legal framework is provided by the EEG 2023 (feed-in tariff, tenders, direct marketing) and the EnWG (grid connection via Section 14a and KraftNAV). From a tax law perspective, Sections 3(72) and 7g of the Income Tax Act (EStG) and Section 12(3) of the Value-Added Tax Act (UStG) are relevant; for agri-PV, DIN SPEC 91434 is also applicable. Details on the tax regulations are provided in the cluster article “Photovoltaic Taxes: IAB, Depreciation, Special Rules.” The next EEG feed-in tariff reduction will take effect on August 1, 2026.
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Direct investment involves taking an equity stake in a project—revenue comes from feed-in tariffs, market premiums, or PPAs. Self-consumption replaces expensive grid electricity with self-generated power and is the model of choice for commercial businesses. A PPA is a direct power purchase agreement between a generator and an industrial customer. In-depth look at photovoltaic investment in 2026.
References
Fraunhofer ISE, Current Facts on Photovoltaics in Germany, as of March 2026 — https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/de/veroeffentlichungen/studien/aktuelle-fakten-zur-photovoltaik-in-deutschland.html
Fraunhofer ISE, Photovoltaics Report, as of October 2025 — https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/publications/studies/photovoltaics-report.html
Fraunhofer ISE, Levelized Cost of Electricity for Renewable Energies, July 2024
Federal Network Agency, EEG Feed-in Tariffs for Solar Power Plants, February–July 2026 — https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Fachthemen/ElektrizitaetundGas/ErneuerbareEnergien/EEG_Foerderung/start.html
Federal Network Agency, Tender Results for Solar Segment 1, December 1, 2025
Federal Network Agency, Market Master Data Register — https://www.marktstammdatenregister.de/MaStR
BSW-Solar / BloombergNEF, Home Storage and Battery Pack Price Statistics, Q4 2025
Laws on the Internet: Section 3(72) of the Income Tax Act (EStG), Section 7g of the Income Tax Act (EStG), Section 12(3) of the Value-Added Tax Act (UStG), Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), Renewable Energy Act (EEG) 2023
DIN e.V., DIN SPEC 91434: Agri-Photovoltaics, May 2021