Solar Feed-in Tariffs 2026: Current Rates and Changes at a Glance
Feed-in tariffs are a central component of renewable energy support in Germany. They regulate how operators of photovoltaic systems are compensated for solar power fed into the public grid. Since 2024, a support system with ongoing degression has been in place, which directly affects the economic viability of new photovoltaic systems. Anyone planning a system in 2026 should know the currently valid rates and calculate realistically.
Systems that are newly commissioned are subject to the funding conditions in force at the time. The amount of compensation depends on various factors, such as the installed capacity of the PV system and the commissioning date.
It's important to note that the support mechanisms are subject to regular adjustments to respond to market developments and stabilize energy supply from renewable sources. Industry players must therefore continuously stay informed about current regulations. Since the rates have fallen further because of the semi-annual degression that started with the 2024 system change, operators should always check the currently valid values with the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) or in the current EEG.
Basics of Feed-in Tariffs
Feed-in tariffs are an essential component of renewable energy support in Germany and have undergone numerous adjustments since their introduction.
Definition and Purpose
Feed-in tariffs refer to fixed payments for electricity from renewable sources that is fed into the public grid. Their purpose is to economically support the expansion of renewable energy technologies and drive the energy transition forward.
Legal Framework
Feed-in tariffs are legally anchored in the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). This law regulates, among other things, the compensation rates and conditions under which the produced green electricity is remunerated. The EEG is regularly amended to implement adjustments to market conditions and ensure efficient support.
The Development of Feed-in Tariffs Until 2024
Feed-in tariffs began in 2000 with significantly higher compensation to create incentives for investments in renewable energy. Since then, it has undergone constant adjustments through various EEG amendments, often reducing compensation rates. With EEG 2023, further adjustments have come into effect. From 2024, feed-in tariffs are scheduled to be reduced by 1 percent every six months, creating new funding conditions for photovoltaic system operators.
Compensation Rates: 2024 Starting Values and Development to 2026
Feed-in tariffs for photovoltaic systems are subject to specific conditions and rates. The compensation amount depends on the commissioning date and system capacity.
Current Rates (February to July 2026)
For systems commissioned between 1 February and 31 July 2026, these rates apply:
| System size | Partial feed-in | Full feed-in |
|---|---|---|
| up to 10 kWp | 7.78 ct/kWh | 12.34 ct/kWh |
| 10 to 40 kWp | 6.73 ct/kWh | 10.35 ct/kWh |
| 40 to 100 kWp | 5.50 ct/kWh | 10.35 ct/kWh |
The values apply proportionally: for a 20 kWp system with partial feed-in, the first 10 kWp earn 7.78 ct/kWh and the remainder 6.73 ct/kWh. On 1 August 2026 the rates are scheduled to fall again by around 1 percent. The Federal Network Agency publishes the values valid on any given day.
Compensation Rates at the Start in January 2024
As a starting point: For systems with a capacity of up to 10 kWp, the initial compensation rates in January 2024 were 8.1 cents per kWh for partial feed-in and 12.9 cents per kWh for full feed-in. Through the semi-annual degression these starting values have come down to the current rates shown above.
Degression and Adjustments
February 2024: From February 1, 2024, the feed-in tariff rates will be reduced by 1 percent every six months. This degressive adjustment of compensation rates reflects the ongoing development and cost reductions in the photovoltaic industry.
Compensation for Solar Systems Over 20 Years
For photovoltaic systems older than 20 years, known as over-20 systems, the grid operator pays the solar market value. This is particularly relevant for operators of Ü20 photovoltaic systems, as the follow-up compensation under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) is capped at 10 cents per kilowatt hour from this year. This regulation ensures that system operators continue to receive compensation for solar power fed into the grid, even if the systems are no longer supported by the EEG.
Calculating Feed-in Tariffs for PV Systems
Feed-in tariffs are an essential factor for photovoltaic system operators to evaluate the profitability of their investment. In 2024, specific compensation rates apply based on system size and type of feed-in.
Calculation Based on System Size
The feed-in tariff per kilowatt hour (kWh) for photovoltaic systems depends, among other things, on the size of the system, measured in kilowatt peak (kWp). Since February 2024, feed-in tariffs have experienced a semi-annual reduction of 1 percent. For systems with a capacity of up to 10 kWp, the rates from February to July 2026 are:
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7.78 cents per kWh for partial feed-in
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12.34 cents per kWh for full feed-in
Calculation Based on Feed-in Type
The form of feed-in compensation varies depending on whether system operators choose full feed-in or partial feed-in. While full feed-in means that all generated electricity is fed into the public grid, partial feed-in refers to only a portion of the generated electricity. Accordingly, the compensation rates differ:
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Full feed-in: Higher compensation due to complete delivery of electricity to the grid operator.
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Partial feed-in: Lower compensation as part of the electricity is self-consumed or used otherwise.
Support for Photovoltaics
In Germany, feed-in tariffs play a central role in supporting photovoltaic systems. They guarantee system operators fixed compensation for electricity fed into the public grid and provide an incentive to invest in renewable energy.
Support for New Systems
For new photovoltaic systems commissioned from 2024, adjusted feed-in tariffs apply. This compensation is specifically linked to the installed capacity of the system and varies depending on the system type, such as ground-mounted systems or those on residential buildings.
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Ground-mounted systems: Have their own compensation rates. If you want to bring in your own land, you can lease your open space for photovoltaics and share in the value created.
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Systems on buildings and noise barriers: These generate different rates depending on size and type of feed-in.
Support Under EEG 2023
The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) forms the foundation of support in Germany. Every photovoltaic system connected to the power grid must meet EEG requirements to receive feed-in tariffs. The support rates are regularly adjusted to prevent over-subsidization and efficiently manage renewable energy expansion.
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Regular support rates: Grid-connected photovoltaic systems fall under regular EEG support rates.
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Degression mechanism: To maintain market incentives while ensuring cost-efficient grid integration, a degressive support mechanism is anchored in the law.
For PV systems feeding energy into the public grid, support remains attractive despite the reduction, as compensation rates remain stable over a longer period. From the end of January 2024, certain aspects of support will be suspended to allow adjustment to market developments.
Future of Feed-in Tariffs for Photovoltaic Systems
The development of feed-in tariffs for 2024 marks a turning point in renewable energy support, particularly for photovoltaics. Regulations are subject to adjustments that are crucial for operators of existing and new systems.
Feed-in Tariffs After 20 Years
After 20 years, the feed-in tariff previously regulated under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) no longer applies. System operators must therefore consider alternative compensation methods such as direct marketing of their generated energy. Experts recommend timely consideration of new business models to ensure profitable operation after 20 years.
Additional Important Aspects of Feed-in Tariffs for Photovoltaics
Photovoltaic Systems from 100 Kilowatt Peak
In Germany, photovoltaic systems from 100 kilowatt peak (kWp) must observe direct marketing requirements. This means that operators of systems this size do not receive compensation through fixed feed-in tariffs but must sell their generated electricity directly on the electricity market. Direct marketing allows participation in the market premium model to receive a premium in addition to the market price.
Federal Network Agency Tender Procedures
For larger systems, specifically from 750 kWp for rooftop systems and 500 kWp for ground-mounted systems, participation in the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) tender procedure is required. Here, compensation for solar power is determined through a competitive process where the lowest bid wins.
For 2026 the Federal Network Agency lowered the maximum bid values: for ground-mounted systems the ceiling is 5.79 to 5.90 cents per kilowatt hour depending on the auction date, and for rooftop systems 10.00 cents per kWh. Competition is intense: the auction round of 1 March 2026 was clearly oversubscribed, with awards between 3.99 and 5.10 ct/kWh and a volume-weighted average of 4.94 ct/kWh. These values represent the maximum applicable value, the highest amount operators can receive as compensation for their fed-in electricity.
It's important to understand that the applicable value is not equivalent to the feed-in tariff. The feed-in tariff was a fixed amount paid for each kWh fed in, regardless of market price. In contrast, the applicable value is a maximum value within the market premium model, which must be viewed in combination with achieved market returns.
Project Marketing via PPAs (Power Purchase Agreement)
Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are long-term contracts between electricity producers and consumers that establish conditions for electricity purchase and sale. PPAs are often used for marketing large-scale renewable energy projects as they provide financial security for operators and allow buyers to meet their energy needs with renewable energy, often at a fixed price.
In the context of photovoltaic systems, PPAs serve to regulate solar power generation and sales over a fixed period. They offer an alternative to direct marketing through the spot market and the market premium model by representing a direct agreement between producer and consumer. This can be particularly attractive for large systems, as PPAs typically provide greater planning security regarding income, which in turn can facilitate project financing and realization.
PPAs can take various forms, from physical PPAs where electricity is actually transported from producer to consumer, to virtual or synthetic PPAs where physical electricity delivery isn't required but instead financial settlements are made based on electricity price developments.
For operators of solar systems over 10 MW, PPAs can therefore play an important role in securing system profitability while contributing to stabilizing and increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.