Before you can generate and feed electricity into the grid with a PV system, you must register it. Otherwise, you could even face penalties in the worst case scenario. But don't worry. In this article, we explain exactly where and when you need to register your PV system in 2024. 

First things first

Where do I register photovoltaics?

You must register your PV system with the Federal Network Agency, the grid operator and the tax office. 

tax office

You have one month after commissioning to register your photovoltaic system with the tax office.

Federal Network Agency

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.You must enter your PV system in the market master data register with the Federal Network Agency within one month of commissioning. 

PV possible without registration?

The operation of a PV system without registration is only possible for stand-alone systems that are not connected to the public electricity grid. 

Where do I have to register a PV system?

After commissioning, you must register your PV system with the Federal Network Agency. This agency also registers the operator and system in the market master data register. If the PV system is connected to the public grid, you must also register it with the grid operator and tax office.

The table below provides an overview of all registration offices and their corresponding deadlines:  

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Can I operate a PV system without registering? 

In 2024, you only need to register a PV system connected to the general grid. This registration requirement is waived if the photovoltaic system is not connected to the public grid. This is the case with so-called stand-alone systems. 

Can I register the PV system myself? 

You can register your PV system yourself. However, we recommend that you seek assistance from a specialist company when registering with the grid operator. Specialist companies are familiar with the registration process and guarantee compliance with the relevant deadlines. 

Register your PV system with the Federal Network Agency

Registering a PV system with the Federal Network Agency essentially involves entering the solar system's master data into the Market Master Data Register (MaStR). Registration is performed either by the operator themselves or by an authorized representative. Every system connected to the public grid is subject to registration under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).

What deadlines do I have to observe?

You have one month after commissioning your PV system to register it with the Federal Network Agency. Failure to register on time may result in a reduction in your feed-in tariff. In the worst case, you could even face a five-figure fine under Section 95 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

How do I register the photovoltaic system with the Federal Network Agency?

Registration of the PV system with the Federal Network Agency takes place online via the web portal. Before you can register the photovoltaic system, you must register as a system operator in the Market Master Data Register (MaStR). Only then can the system be registered. The register records general and technical data, as well as information on the type of power generation and grid connection.

Register your PV system with the grid operator

Before installing a PV system, you must submit an application for a grid compatibility assessment to your local grid operator. The operator has eight weeks to complete the grid compatibility assessment and check the electricity meter. Installation of the photovoltaic system is only possible after approval has been granted. Therefore, please submit this application at least eight weeks before the start of installation. Registration for PV systems under 10 kWp is rarely problematic. 

The PV system must be registered with the grid operator within one month of commissioning. For this purpose, the confirmation from the Federal Network Agency and the commissioning report must be submitted.

Can I register a photovoltaic system without an electrician? 

You can register a photovoltaic system with the grid operator without an electrician. However, it's much easier if you entrust it to your solar installer. They will ensure that the registration process is completed on time. 

Why is approval from the network operator important?

Approval from the grid operator is required for grid stability and security. The grid compatibility assessment ensures that the power grid can handle the additional load caused by the feed-in of solar power. 

In addition, approval is crucial for the payment of the feed-in tariff. Only if an appropriate feed-in meter is installed can the grid operator determine the exact amount of electricity fed into the grid.

How do I register the photovoltaic system with the grid operator?

To register your photovoltaic system with your local grid operator, please contact the operator directly. Depending on the grid operator, this registration can be done by phone, email, or through the web portal.

Register your PV system with the tax office

You must register your solar system with the tax office within the first month of commissioning. This is required by law because operating a PV feed-in system makes you a business owner for tax purposes. Feeding electricity into the public grid and the associated remuneration are considered a sale to a third party for tax purposes.

The simplified regulation came into effect at the beginning of 2023. Since then, no income tax has been levied on solar power fed into the grid for systems under 30 kWp. This also applies retroactively to existing systems from January 1, 2022. You must still register the system with the tax office, but your profits from the feed-in tariff are not taxed.

How do I register the photovoltaic system with the tax office?

To register your PV system with the tax office, you will receive a tax registration questionnaire. The questionnaire contains two important points.

• Determining whether they are subject to VAT or are exempt from VAT as small businesses;
• The choice between "accrual or actual taxation." We recommend choosing actual taxation, as VAT is only due upon receipt of the advance payment from the network operator. If accrual taxation is selected, the advance payment must be made if the network operator defaults.

After the tax office has processed the questionnaire, the new business tax number will be sent, which the network operator needs for the advance payments.

Is photovoltaics possible without tax office? 

If you connect your system to the public grid and generate profits through feed-in tariffs, you must register your photovoltaic system with the tax office. So-called stand-alone systems, which are not connected to the grid, are exempt from registration. These do not generate profits from generating solar power.

Report PV system to the trade office

You must register a business for the PV system if it has a capacity of more than 30 kWp or if it is installed on a commercial building. The 30 kWp limit only applies to single-family homes. For multi-family homes, a business must be registered if the nominal capacity is 15 kWp or higher.

When do I have to pay trade tax?

You are subject to trade tax if your profit from the feed-in tariff exceeds €24,500 annually. However, it is unlikely that a private solar system in your home will reach this profit.

How do I register the PV system with the trade office?

In most cities and municipalities, it's possible to register a business with a photovoltaic system online. To do so, you'll need to fill out a business registration form. You'll receive a registration confirmation within three days—usually from the tax office, to which your data has been passed.

How much does it cost to register a PV system? 

Registering a PV system is free of charge. Fees only apply if you commission a specialist company or tax advisor to register the system. Indirect costs arise when registering a PV system if the installation of a bidirectional meter is required. Depending on the grid operator, you may have to pay this fee once or monthly.

Can I expand a PV system without registering?

For the Expansion of a PV system You will need approval from the grid operator. Therefore, you must report any expansion to them. You should also update the technical data of the PV system in the market data register and inform the tax office about the expansion.