Feed-in Tariff
Legally guaranteed remuneration for solar electricity fed into the public grid, governed by the EEG.
Also known as: EEG Feed-in Tariff, FIT
What Is the Feed-in Tariff?
The feed-in tariff is the amount that photovoltaic system operators receive for every kilowatt-hour of solar electricity fed into the public grid. It is regulated by the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) and is guaranteed for 20 years from commissioning.
Current Tariff Rates
Since the EEG 2023, the following approximate rates apply for new systems (as of 2024):
| System Size | Surplus Feed-in | Full Feed-in |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kWp | 8.1 ct/kWh | 12.9 ct/kWh |
| 10—40 kWp | 7.0 ct/kWh | 10.8 ct/kWh |
| 40—100 kWp | 5.8 ct/kWh | 10.8 ct/kWh |
The tariff rates decrease semi-annually by 1% (degression).
Surplus Feed-in vs. Full Feed-in
With surplus feed-in, self-consumption is prioritised and only the excess is fed into the grid. With full feed-in, all generated electricity is fed into the grid, which provides a higher tariff per kWh. Since 2023, operating both models in parallel on a single roof has been possible.
Practical Tip
Given declining tariff rates and rising electricity prices, maximising self-consumption is more profitable than full feed-in in most cases. An individual profitability calculation helps make the optimal decision.
Related Terms
EEG (Renewable Energy Sources Act)
German law promoting renewable energies -- governs the feed-in tariff for solar electricity, among other things.
Full Feed-in
Operating model where all generated solar electricity is fed into the public grid -- with a higher tariff per kWh.
Surplus Feed-in
Operating model where solar electricity is primarily self-consumed and only the surplus is fed into the grid.
Self-Consumption
Share of self-generated solar electricity consumed directly in the household rather than fed into the grid.
Grid Operator
Company that operates the local electricity grid and is responsible for grid connection and feed-in tariff payments.