Installing a photovoltaic system (PV system) offers homeowners and businesses the opportunity to generate environmentally friendly electricity and reduce energy costs in the long term. Despite the many advantages, the initial investment for purchasing and installing a PV system can be a financial challenge. To overcome this hurdle, there are a variety of funding options and financing models in Germany that make purchasing and installation much easier. In this guide, you will learn more about the various funding programs and financing solutions available to you.
1. Funding options for photovoltaic systems
The German state and the federal states offer a variety of funding programs to support the expansion of renewable energies. These programs aim to reduce investment costs and increase the economic benefits of photovoltaic systems. Below we present the most important funding options:
a) KfW fundingThe Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) is one of the central institutions that supports the energy transition in Germany. It offers low-interest loans and some grants for the installation of photovoltaic systems.
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Program 270: Renewable energies - standard This program offers low-interest loans for the construction of photovoltaic systems, which are available to both private individuals and companies. The loan can also be used to purchase and install electricity storage units, which further optimizes the use of your own solar power. Full repayment of the loan can be arranged flexibly and over the long term, which allows financial relief over a long period of time.
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Program 430: Energy-efficient renovation - investment grant As part of the energy renovation of buildings, the KfW program 430 also offers investment grants for photovoltaic systems. These subsidies can be claimed in particular if the installation of the PV system is part of a comprehensive energy renovation.
The Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) guarantees operators of photovoltaic systems a remuneration for the electricity fed into the public grid. This feed-in tariff guarantees a fixed remuneration per kilowatt hour (kWh) fed in over a period of 20 years.
- Self-consumption model: Operators can also use the electricity generated themselves and only feed the surplus electricity into the grid. Although the remuneration rates have fallen in recent years, the model can still be attractive in conjunction with the use of self-generated electricity, especially if electricity prices continue to rise.
In addition to nationwide funding, the individual federal states also offer special programs to support photovoltaic systems. These programs vary depending on the federal state and can include grants for installation, electricity storage or consulting services. It is advisable to find out about the current offers from the regional energy agencies or the state funding institutes.
2. Financing options
In addition to government subsidies, there are various financing models that allow you to tailor your investment in a photovoltaic system to your individual financial situation.
a) Loans from banks and financial institutionsMany banks and savings banks offer special loans for photovoltaic systems, which are often linked to funding programs such as the KfW program. These loans are characterized by low interest rates and flexible repayment terms. When choosing a loan, you should pay attention to the term, repayment options and possible special repayment rights to ensure that the loan meets your needs.
b) Leasing and contractingLeasing and contracting are alternative financing models that allow you to use a photovoltaic system without having to buy it outright.
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Leasing: With a leasing contract, the system is financed by a provider and rented to you for a set period of time. You pay a monthly leasing rate and can decide after the contract expires whether you want to take over the system or extend the contract.
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Contracting: With the contracting model, an external provider takes over the financing, operation and maintenance of the system. You either receive the electricity generated at a fixed price or pay a monthly fee. The advantage of contracting is that the operator bears all costs and risks, while you can benefit from the savings.
If you have sufficient equity, you can also finance the system entirely from your own resources. This has the advantage that you have no interest or repayment obligations and immediately benefit from the savings from using solar power. The combination with the above-mentioned subsidy programs, in particular the feed-in tariff and the KfW subsidies, makes self-financing particularly attractive.
3. Tax advantages
Operators of photovoltaic systems can benefit from various tax advantages. For example, both private individuals and companies are exempt from VAT under certain conditions when they buy and install a system. In addition, investment costs, interest on loans and operating costs can be deducted from taxes, which makes the investment even easier.
Conclusion
Installing a photovoltaic system is not only a contribution to environmental protection, but also a worthwhile investment. Thanks to the numerous funding programs and financing options, the initial costs do not have to be an obstacle. Find out early on about the funding and financing solutions that are right for you in order to exploit the full potential of your photovoltaic system. Regardless of whether you use government subsidies, low-interest loans or alternative financing models - thorough planning and advice are the key to success.