Eprimo Study: New Solar Law Leads PV-Interested Consumers to Rethink Plans
A new study commissioned by German energy provider eprimo reveals significant shifts in consumer plans for photovoltaic (PV) systems following recent legislative changes. Only 20% of those previously interested in solar installations are sticking to their original plans, with most now focusing on increasing self-consumption.
A representative survey commissioned by eprimo, Germany's largest green energy discounter, indicates substantial impacts of the recent amendment to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG-Novelle) on private photovoltaic (PV) system acquisition plans. Merely 20% of respondents who had previously considered a solar installation are maintaining their decisions made before the "Solar Peak Law" (Solarspitzengesetz). The vast majority are adjusting their solar plans towards enhancing self-consumption.
The EnWG-Novelle, effective from 2025, limits feed-in from newly commissioned PV systems above 7 kWp to 60% of installed capacity. Additionally, the feed-in tariff is eliminated during periods of negative electricity prices, even for smaller systems. eprimo commissioned the survey, conducted by sd vybrant GmbH, to gauge the extent of these changes on consumers' intentions.
Results show that four out of five solar-interested individuals are modifying their plans. Specifically, 21% are now considering an additional electricity storage system. Another 20% of PV planners are unaffected in their purchase intent by the legal changes. 14% intend to invest on a smaller scale, while another 14% are postponing their investment. Only 7% are abandoning their plans entirely.
Furthermore, the study highlights that only about four in ten respondents can correctly estimate the costs of a PV system. While costs for rooftop systems are often underestimated, many respondents overestimate the price of balcony PV systems, despite significant price drops in recent years. For those stating they do not wish to acquire a solar system, costs are cited as the main reason in only 25% of cases. Instead, more than half (55%) identify living in a rental property as the primary obstacle.
"Many solar enthusiasts are questioning if PV is still worthwhile and therefore prefer to invest on a smaller scale, for example, in balcony PV. However, in combination with a storage system, rooftop PV systems remain recommendable," stated eprimo CEO Katja Steger. She added that balcony solar is virtually unaffected by the legal changes and has become even more attractive due to the enormous price reductions. "Many consumers have apparently not yet realized how inexpensive these have become." Steger also noted that many tenants seem unaware of their effective "right" to landlord approval for balcony power plants, a right in place since 2024.