The proposed reform of Germany's Renewable Energy Act (EEG) could hinder the expansion of private photovoltaic (PV) systems, according to an analysis by the think tank Agora Energiewende based on calculations from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE). The current fixed feed-in tariff for small rooftop PV installations up to 25 kilowatts would be abolished under the government’s draft law. Instead, households would need to sell excess solar power directly on the market or stop feeding it into the grid altogether. However, this shift risks creating high bureaucratic and financial barriers, making solar energy less viable for many homeowners. Small residential PV systems account for nearly a third of Germany’s solar electricity generation, but without guaranteed returns, their economic feasibility diminishes significantly. The study highlights hidden costs associated with direct marketing models, which could increase annual household expenses by up to €277 compared to the existing system. Additionally, opting out of feeding electricity into the grid would raise annual costs by €281–€333, leading to lost renewable energy potential and higher overall electricity costs
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced analysis of the proposed EEG reform, highlighting both the government’s plan and the potential negative impacts on private solar users. It cites independent research from Agora Energiewende and the Fraunhofer Institute, providing data on costs and implications without
