Older PV systems: What to do when the EEG subsidy ends?

Your Photovoltaic system is turning 20 this year and falling out of the 20-year EEG subsidy? What are your options then and how to find out which one is profitable?

Your Photovoltaic system, which feeds electricity into the grid, is turning 20 this year. The question that often arises is: How can it continue - and is it worth it to keep operating it at all? Solar systems that have been in operation since 2004 will no longer receive subsidies under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) as of the end of 2024. The Consumer Center Brandenburg points this out.

This means that you can continue to feed electricity from your U20 Photovoltaic system into the grid after 2024. However, you will no longer receive the subsidy at the previous rate. This is currently 50 cents per kilowatt-hour for systems that were first put into operation in 2004.

After 2025, the grid operator will pay for the fed-in electricity the so-called Market Remuneration for Solar - minus a levy that the grid operators use to cover the costs of marketing solar power. The Market Remuneration for Solar fluctuates annually. In 2023, it was 7.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, and according to consumer protection organizations, it is expected to be significantly lower in 2024. The difference is considerable.

What other options are there?

If your old system remains connected, so that the entire solar power flows into the grid, you will receive the market remuneration for the entire generated power volume starting in 2025. Another option: consume at least part of the solar power produced by your Photovoltaic system yourself. "The appeal lies in the fact that you consume less expensive electricity from the grid in this way," says Jens Krumnow, energy advisor at the Consumer Center Brandenburg.

However, it is essential to check the cost-benefit of switching to self-consumption in each individual case. The corresponding conversion is usually associated with effort and costs for older systems.

To be able to prioritize consuming solar power yourself, your Photovoltaic system must be connected to the consumer counter. The Consumer Federation points this out on its website. These are electrical works that must be carried out by a professional service provider and, according to consumer protection organizations, cost at least 200 euros in the simplest case. If the conversion is associated with a more extensive modernization of the electrical installation, it can also be significantly more expensive.

However, there is good news for all those who do not consume all the electricity from their system: For the surplus electricity that you feed into the grid, you will also continue to receive the connection fee, i.e., the Market Remuneration for Solar minus the cost allowance.

According to the Consumer Federation's calculation examples, the savings in electricity costs combined with the surplus fee can make the continued operation of even smaller Photovoltaic systems economically viable. Provided there are no fundamental modernizations of the electrical installation, such as the consumer counter, for example.

What should be considered before making a decision?

Have a professional check your Photovoltaic system thoroughly before making a decision about whether you want to continue operating it. This expert can assess the mechanical and electrical safety and performance of your Photovoltaic system. According to the Consumer Center Brandenburg, such a check costs approximately 250 to 300 euros.

Those who want to check if it is worth continuing to feed electricity into the grid or switching to self-consumption and using part of it in the household, can also use the online calculator of the German Solar Energy Society (DGS). It is free and determines the economic viability of a 20 kWp PV system for self-consumption.

What should be done if the system is no longer to be operated?

If your old photovoltaic system has significantly lost power, there are expensive repairs or it can no longer be technically operated, then you can certainly replace your old system with a new one. "New solar modules generate up to twice as much power on the same area as the old ones. This is particularly profitable with a high electricity consumption or a large roof area," says Jens Krumnow.

After a swap, you will receive the EEG feed-in tariff for your new system, which is valid at the time of commissioning - and for another 20 years plus the year of commissioning. For example, systems up to 10 kWp, which are commissioned before July 31, 2024, receive 12.87 cents per kWh for full feed-in into the grid. The feed-in tariff for systems larger than 10 kWp is 10.79 cents per kWh. The consumer center federation provides more information on its website.

It is important to note, however, that the feed-in tariffs for photovoltaic systems that go online decrease by 1% every six months compared to the previous value. The consumer portal "Finanztip" points this out. The next time this will be the case is on August 1, 2024. The new rates will then again apply to systems that are commissioned before January 31, 2025.

Your old solar modules can be taken to the local recycling center like an old television - and for free. However, you will have to arrange for transportation yourself. Functioning old modules can also be installed on the balcony or garage roof, or in the garden, weekend house, or RV.

A tip from the consumer protection association: Do not put pressure on yourself when making a decision about what to do with your 20 kW system. You can take your time to consider your options and implement them when it makes sense. If you don't do anything at first, it will remain at full feed-in - and you will continue to receive a fee for it.

With the Renewable Energies Act (EEG) changes, consumers of solar systems installed before 2004 might face higher electricity price for fed-in electricity after 2025.
Consumers considering renewal of their Photovoltaic system can leverage renewable energies like solar energy to save electricity and money.
Tests conducted by professionals and utilization of consumer advisors can help consumers determine the economic viability of continuing solar system operation or upgrading to renewable energies.
Solar energy tests and system modernizations could involve expenses of up to 200 euros for minor electrical works and more for extensive installations.
Consumers can benefit from the market remuneration for extra solar energy that is fed into the grid, even with system modernizations or replacements, while following the Regenerative Energies Act guidelines.