Shedding Light on the Solar Peak Act: Changes for Photovoltaic System Owners
Solar panel proprietors control their renewable energy generation setups
Get ready, folks who own private photovoltaic systems! The Solar Peak Act, in effect since the end of February 2025, is shaking up feed-in rules for solar energy. Here's what you need to know as a PV owner.
The Solar Peak Act aims to evenly distribute solar power throughout the day in the power grid, eliminating the “peak power” at midday by introducing new regulations for PV systems.
Regulations Shift for PV Owners
Newly installed photovoltaic systems with a capacity of seven kilowatt-peak (kWp) or more must be equipped with an intelligent metering system (iMSys) and a technical device to control the system to feed in unlimited electricity. Until this technology is in place, the feed-in capacity is initially limited to 60 percent of the rated power. Systems under seven kWp are permanently limited, even after installing an intelligent metering system.
Moreover, new systems with two kWp or more will not receive any feed-in remuneration if the wholesale electricity price is negative. This has occurred for around 500 hours out of a total of approximately 1600 sunny hours in 2023. The lost remuneration is paid out with a delay of 20 years.
Criticism and Opportunities
The German Solar Energy Association (SFV) has voiced concerns about these changes, claiming that the feed-in limitation can lead to significant energy losses. They argue that the limitation applies even when there is no local network overload and is not based on the actual network situation on site.
On the other hand, some industry companies view the newly regulated remuneration as an opportunity for consumers. CEO of the Allgäu-based company Sonnen, which produces intelligent storage systems, states, "The new law rewards the right time to feed electricity into the grid, not just the quantity. For households, this means: Intelligent energy management and a storage system are now an absolute necessity, as those who don't have one will lose money."
Smart Meters: The Key to Flexibility
The installation of a smart meter is a prerequisite for direct marketing, which could offer savings or income opportunities. Currently, Germany lags behind other European countries in smart meter adoption, with only a two percent share. The first recipients of the smart meter rollout are expected to be network operators, with the requirement to equip all new installations with them by the end of 2026.
For existing systems, the Solar Peak Act should not have a significant impact if owners utilize the new opportunities offered by the law to offset restrictions. By investing in energy management systems, self-consumption, and storage, households can counteract the 60% rule and potentially generate more income.
- The Community policy should address the need for widespread adoption of smart meters in Germany to facilitate direct marketing and maximize savings or income opportunities.
- Employment policy in the health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and personal-finance industries could be boosted by the increased focus on intelligent energy management and storage systems.
- The intelligent metering system (iMSys) and control devices for photovoltaic systems, as mandated by the Solar Peak Act, fall under the renewable-energy industry.
- The finance industry should prepare for potential new investment opportunities arising from the adoption of energy management systems and storage solutions by households.
- Due to the Solar Peak Act, the energy sector will witness a shift in focus from simply generating solar power to managing its distribution effectively throughout the day.
- The technology sector plays a crucial role in developing intelligent metering systems and control devices that meet the requirements of the Solar Peak Act.
- Critics of the Solar Peak Act argue that the 60% feed-in capacity limitation can lead to energy losses, especially when there is no network overload.
- The travel industry could benefit from the increased implementation of solar energy and smart energy management systems, leading to a more sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
- The Solar Peak Act encourages households to adopt a lifestyle focused on energy efficiency, self-consumption, and responsible energy management, promoting the overall health-and-wellness of the community.
