Increasing value through photovoltaics: opportunities after the EEG reform
The 2021 reform of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) offers property owners new opportunities to reduce their ancillary costs and increase the attractiveness of their properties at the same time. Photovoltaic systems in particular will benefit from the changes and incentivise investment in renewable energy - both for homeowners and landlords of apartment blocks.
The advantages for homeowners
There is good news for property owners who operate a photovoltaic system. Solar systems up to 30 kilowatt peak (kWp) and with a maximum self-consumption of 30 megawatt hours (MWh) per year are exempt from the EEG levy. This means savings of 6.5 cents per kilowatt hour. With an average consumption of 3,000 kWh per year, a household saves around 195 euros. The innovations also facilitate the use of solar power for electric cars and heat pumps.
However, the guaranteed feed-in tariff no longer applies to older photovoltaic systems that are no longer subsidised under the EEG. Here, owners should check whether it is worth converting or expanding the system.
The neighbourhood solution for landlords
The reform makes it possible to use solar power not only in the producing building, but also in neighbouring buildings. The so-called tenant electricity model creates benefits for landlords and tenants alike:
- Landlord: Additional income from the sale of solar power.
- Tenant: Lower electricity costs thanks to locally generated solar power.
The so-called neighbourhood solution promotes the use of solar energy for entire residential areas. Experts believe that electricity capacities from solar systems could almost double by 2030. In addition, tenant electricity is to be exempt from trade tax, which will further improve economic efficiency.
What does this mean for your property?
Photovoltaic systems can not only reduce running costs, but also increase the attractiveness and value of your property. In apartment buildings in particular, the neighbourhood solution offers great potential to increase demand and secure stable rental income in the long term.
