In Germany, PV systems must generally be registered. You can only operate a PV system without registration in exceptional cases. You can find out in which cases the bureaucratic effort is not necessary here.
First things first
PV system without registration?
You may operate a PV system without registration if it is not connected to the power grid.
What penalties are threatened?
If you operate a PV system without registration, you face a fine of up to €50,000.
operation without feed-in meter
If you operate a PV system without a feed-in meter, the electricity meter will run backwards. This is considered a criminal offense.
Where do I register photovoltaics?
PV systems connected to the grid must be registered with the Federal Network Agency, the grid operator and the tax office.
Can I operate a PV system in Germany without registering?
In Germany, a PV system can be operated without registration if it is not connected to the general supply grid. This is the case with so-called PV stand-alone systems. If a grid connection is available, the system operator and the solar system must register.
The registration of the PV system is independent of whether you feed the surplus self-generated solar power into the grid or not. The decisive factor is the power connection.
If you operate a PV system connected to the grid without registering it, the electricity meter will turn backwards when feeding in electricity. Turning the electricity meter backwards is considered a criminal offense in Germany, punishable by a prison sentence of two to five years or a fine.
Therefore, you must register the PV system with the grid operator before you start the installation and feed-in meter install. The PV system must also be reported to the Federal Network Agency and the tax office after completion, otherwise a fine will be imposed.
Compare photovoltaic offers now and save 30%!
Take 60 seconds and fill out a short form. We will connect you with up to five verified specialist companies in your region. The comparison is free and non-binding.
What penalty is threatened for operating a PV system without registration?
You must register the PV system within one month of commissioning. Late registration will result in a reduction in the feed-in tariff. If you do not register the PV system at all, this is considered an administrative offence. In such cases, you will be fined up to €50,000 under Section 95 of the Energy Industry Act.
Where else do I have to register a PV system?
After commissioning the photovoltaic system, you must register it with the Federal Network Agency. The operator and the system are registered there in the market master data register. If the PV system is connected to the public power grid, you must also register it with the grid operator and the tax office.
Federal Network Agency
The Registration with the Federal Network Agency consists of entering the essential data of the PV system into the Market Master Data Register (MaStR). Registration is carried out by the operator or an authorized person. According to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), every system that is connected to the public grid must be registered.
network operator
To install a PV system, you must register it with the local grid operator. The operator will carry out a grid compatibility check and check the electricity meter within eight weeks. You may only install the photovoltaic system once you have received approval. It is recommended that you submit the application at least eight weeks before the start of installation. For PV systems under 10 kWp, there are usually no problems with registration.
In order for the grid operator to pay you the feed-in tariff, you must register the PV system with the grid operator within one month of commissioning. Confirmation from the Federal Network Agency and the commissioning protocol are required for this.
tax office
Register your solar power system with the tax office within the first month after commissioning. This is required by law, because operating a PV feed-in system makes you a business owner for tax purposes. Feeding electricity into the grid and receiving compensation for it are considered a sale for tax purposes.
Since January 1, 2023, the simplification regulation has been in effect, which exempts PV systems with less than 30 kWp from income tax. This applies retroactively from January 1, 2022 for existing systems. You still have to register the system with the tax office, but your profits from the feed-in tariff are no longer taxed.
trade office
PV systems with an output of less than 30 kWp for private use are exempt from trade tax due to the simplification regulation. However, if your solar system is installed on a commercially used building, it must be registered with the trade office regardless of its size and yield.
