EEG 2026 & Feed-in Tariffs: All Current Rates & Regulations at a Glance

At the beginning of 2026, important amendments to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) will come into force. For investors and climate-conscious families, it is crucial to understand how the updated tariff rates, reporting obligations and market rules are changing. The EEG 2026 amendments affect both new and existing systems — from small residential rooftops to larger commercial projects. Particularly relevant are the updated feed-in tariffs, adjustments introduced by the Solar Package 2, and the upcoming rules on direct marketing. Anyone planning a project now should be aware of the new framework.

Feed-in Tariffs from 2026: Current Rates

A central element of the reform is the remuneration for electricity fed into the grid. The feed-in tariff table for 2026 shows that rates continue to differentiate between full feed-in and surplus feed-in systems. For homeowners and small-scale operators, the tariffs remain attractive, even though they have been slightly adjusted to market developments.

The key principles include:

• higher remuneration for full feed-in systems,
• stable but slightly reduced rates for surplus feed-in,
• special bonuses for certain system sizes and configurations,
• clear differentiation between installations up to 10 kWp, up to 40 kWp, and above.

This structure ensures that both private households and investment-oriented projects remain economically viable, regardless of how much electricity is self-consumed or exported to the grid.

Legal Changes: What Solar Package 2 Means for System Owners

Solar Package 2 introduces several reforms intended to accelerate the expansion of solar energy. These include faster approval processes, simplified grid-connection procedures and additional support for tenant electricity models. Particularly important is the extension of specific benefits for small rooftop systems, making it easier for families to enter the PV market.

At the same time, the package introduces more precise technical requirements. Operators must ensure their systems comply with the latest grid standards. For investors in large-scale projects, the clarified land-use regulations are especially valuable, as they provide planning certainty and promote expansion in rural regions.

Direct Marketing Obligation: When It Applies from 2026

For larger photovoltaic systems, the obligation to sell electricity via direct marketing is becoming increasingly relevant. Above a certain output threshold, system operators must sell their electricity directly on the market instead of relying solely on fixed feed-in tariffs. This requirement is designed to strengthen the market integration of renewable energy and may allow higher revenues when electricity prices on the exchange rise.

For small residential systems, little will change: they can continue to receive feed-in tariffs without entering the direct marketing regime. Investors, however, will benefit from newly implemented digital processes that simplify market access and reduce administrative costs.

What System Owners Need to Know Now

With the new EEG amendments coming into effect, several aspects require particular attention:

• regular review of billing statements from grid operators,
• early planning for systems exceeding the direct marketing threshold,
• taking advantage of new support schemes for rooftop and ground-mounted installations,
• technical adjustments in line with Solar Package 2,
• considering tariff categories when calculating project profitability.

These steps help make full use of the new EEG framework and avoid unpleasant surprises.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a binding offer. The content provided does not replace individual consultation. For a specific quote or personal assessment, we recommend arranging a direct consultation.