“Penalized by fees”: Associations are up in arms against the planned solar surcharge

Anyone who owns a larger solar system will soon have to pay more for the electricity network - at least that's what the Federal Network Agency wants. This brings numerous associations onto the scene. They fear that solar expansion will be slowed down.

Households with a larger solar system will have to pay a higher basic price for the electricity network from 2029: Eleven associations from the energy, housing and real estate industries as well as the trades have now spoken out against these plans by the Federal Network Agency. This means significant disadvantages for the expansion of solar energy, according to a joint appeal.

The associations want to ensure that this so-called prosumer surcharge is not levied. It could significantly worsen the economic viability of existing and new solar systems and significantly slow down solar expansion, it is said.

The term prosumer is a new creation from the English terms “producer” and “consumer” and means electricity producers who also use part of their electricity themselves. Households that only operate a plug-in solar system, also known as a balcony power plant, should be exempt from the new regulation.

Associations: Base network charges on demand

“Anyone who invests in their own solar system or battery storage should not be penalized with additional fees,” explained the general manager of the Federal Solar Industry Association, Carsten Körnig. "Network fees should be based on how much demand is actually placed on the power grid - and not on whether someone generates solar power on their own roof."

In this context, the associations refer to a legal opinion that was commissioned by the Federal Association of the Solar Industry. Accordingly, the planned regulation violates, among other things, European law requirements for source-based network financing.

“The additional costs for these consumers will vary locally and are expected to be less than 100 euros per year,” the network agency announced in May. According to the associations, the surcharge can be up to 165 euros per year.

Surcharge also for existing systems

According to the associations, the surcharge should apply regardless of how much self-generated electricity is actually used and how much network capacity is used. Existing PV systems should also be recorded. The authority wants to set the new rules for the “General Electricity Network Fee System” (AgNes) this year. The reform should then apply from 2029.

With the new regulation, prosumers should be more involved in network financing, "since they can rely on supply from the network at all times," the Federal Network Agency explained its plans. Numerous other new regulations are planned for the Agnes reform.

Associations consider surcharges to be financial hurdles

Instead of prosumer surcharges, the associations are calling for a “fair and cost-based distribution” of network costs. If additional participation from solar system operators is necessary, this must be based on the feed-in capacity actually agreed. Existing solar systems should also enjoy grandfathering protection.

"Germany needs more solar roofs, battery storage and intelligent use of the power grid - no new financial hurdles for the modernization of our energy supply in the electricity, heat and mobility sectors," said Körnig.