German government revises plan to cut feed‑in tariff for small solar installations after backlash
Executive summary: German Economics Minister Reiche initially planned to abolish the feed‑in tariff for new small PV installations from 2027, but after criticism revised the plans to retain the subsidy. The decision affects the economic viability of residential solar projects and influences Germany’s ability to meet its 2030 renewable‑energy targets.
Who is involved: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (led by Minister Reiche), solar industry associations, residential PV owners, and grid operators.
Likely next: The revised draft will undergo further stakeholder consultation, with a final regulation expected in early 2027.
German Economics Minister Reiche initially proposed to eliminate the feed‑in tariff for new small‑scale photovoltaic installations starting in 2027. Following criticism from industry groups and consumer advocates, her ministry revised the proposal, keeping the subsidy in place. The adjustment aims to balance budgetary concerns with Germany’s renewable‑energy expansion goals. It signals that policymakers remain sensitive to backlash against abrupt cuts to solar support.
Timeline
- — Solarstrom: Reiche überarbeitet Pläne zum Förder-Aus für kleine PV-Anlagen (Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft)
Analysis — what this means
Sectors affected
- Residential photovoltaic (PV) installation sector
- Solar subsidy market
Regulatory implications
- Feed‑in tariff for new small‑scale PV installations retained under the existing EEG framework
Key entities
Sources
- Solarstrom: Reiche überarbeitet Pläne zum Förder-Aus für kleine PV-Anlagen — Der Spiegel — Wirtschaft