Support
In almost all European countries there are now laws in place which are intended to support the development of renewable energy. The configuration of these laws differs widely in the individual countries.
The German Renewable Energies Law (EEG) intends to further develop energy generating systems which are generated from renewable sources.
Through this law network operators are obliged to accept and provide payment for electricity which is generated from renewable sources.
On 9 July the German Federal Council decided the amendment of the Renewable Energies Law (EEG).
With retroactive effect to 1st July 2010 it includes the following cuts of the feeding-in of solar electricity: PV-roof systems by 13 percent, open space system by 12 percent and conversion areas by 8 percent. From 1st October 2010 there is a furhter reduction
of the payment by 8 percent.
The rates of payment apply to the feeding-in of solar electricity are listed below:
| Year | up to 30 kW | 30-100 kW | 100-1000 kW | over 1 MW | Outdoors |
| 2009 | 43,01 | 40,91 | 39,58 | 33,00 | 31,94 |
| 30.6.2010 | 39,14 | 37,23 | 35,23 | 29,37 | 28,43 |
| ab 1.7.2010 | 34,05 | 32,39 | 30,65 | 25,55 | 25,02 |
| ab 1.10.2010 | 33,03 | 31,42 | 29,73 | 24,79 | 24,26 |
The payments for solar generated electricity are specified in the year of the system initialisation and apply for a period of 20 years plus the year of the system initialisation.
Low Interest Loans for Financing
Within the scope of its support programme, the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) (German Bank for Regeneration) is able to provide low interest loans for individuals and not-for-profit applicants. Business applicants are also eligible for low interest loans within the scope of the KfW Environmental Programme’s ERP Energy and Energy Saving Programme. Our experiences have demonstrated that local financial institutions frequently offer slightly better terms and conditions. A comparison of the offers and prices is worthwhile.
References:
