Solar grants and subsidies - national and local
This section provides you with an overview of current grants and subsidies. It is important to note that grants and subsidies can vary widely between individual Federal states and some municipalities offer special grants and subsidies. Our Subsidy information section lists over 550 grant/subsidy programs for solar thermal systems. Please remember that some grants and subsidies, e.g. those from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) are on condition that no other grants and subsidies may be applied for and claimed for the same system. This does not generally apply to low-interest loans from the Credit Institute for Reconstruction (KfW).
Solar thermal transfer and photovoltaics - different systems, different grants and subsidies
For solar thermal systems, a grant is generally available towards the cost of purchasing the system. Ongoing, yield-dependent subsidies are not available, because the energy is used by the owner.
A certain level of grant towards purchase costs is also available for photovoltaic systems. However, the most attractive aspect of a photovoltaic system is the feed-in tariff stipulated by the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) in the form of a feed-in tariff fixed for 20 years. For each kilowatt hour of electricity that you feed into the public grid, your local energy provider pays you an amount considerably above the current market price for electricity. You can buy back the electricity you need for your own use at a considerably cheaper price. Assuming a 20-year lifespan for your system, the feed-in tariff provides for a considerable return on your initial investment. Electricity can still continue to be sold after the 20 years have elapsed, although the tariff amount will need to be renegotiated.