New Electricity Act: How to Maintain the Economic Viability of Existing Photovoltaic Systems

From feed-in remuneration to self-consumption optimisation 

In recent years, the economic performance of many PV systems has been largely driven by feeding surplus electricity into the public grid. Fixed or relatively stable feed-in tariffs ensured predictable revenue streams and attractive returns - even for assets with low on-site consumption. 

The new Electricity Act introduces a structural shift: feed-in remuneration will increasingly be linked to market prices. While grid operators remain obliged to take off surplus solar power, compensation will be based on quarterly average market prices. Minimum remuneration levels will continue to apply, but at a comparatively low level - often insufficient, particularly for larger systems, to cover full production costs. 

Implications for existing PV systems 

For many existing installations, this results in significantly higher revenue volatility. Fluctuating market prices translate into less predictable income streams, while additional regulatory requirements come into play. 

Systems with low self-consumption ratios are particularly exposed - for example in multi-family residential buildings or commercial properties where consumption patterns do not align with generation profiles. 

Without storage solutions or intelligent energy management, a substantial share of the electricity produced is exported to the grid and will, going forward, be remunerated at lower and more volatile rates. 

Returns under pressure – but with clear optimisation levers 

Despite these challenges, the new regulatory framework does not undermine the fundamental viability of PV systems. Rather, it shifts the value creation logic - from pure generation to active energy management. 

A key lever is the systematic increase of self-consumption. Models such as ZEV (self-consumption associations), virtual ZEV structures, and local electricity communities (LEG) enable the local distribution and monetisation of solar power within a building, across a site, or even at municipal level. 

This allows electricity to be supplied directly to end users at more attractive and stable price levels - largely decoupled from wholesale market volatility. 

LEG models, in particular, open up new opportunities: they enable local direct sales of solar electricity without full market liberalisation, provided certain regulatory conditions are met (e.g. same municipality and same distribution grid operator). In addition, participants benefit from reduced grid usage charges, further improving overall system economics. 

Strategic relevance for real estate portfolios 

Energy is increasingly evolving into a strategic management dimension for real estate portfolios. Existing PV systems should no longer be assessed in isolation, but in an integrated context - including EV charging infrastructure, heat pumps and potential storage solutions. 

Key parameters such as self-consumption rates, load profiles, storage potential and eligibility for ZEV or LEG models are becoming critical - both at asset and portfolio level. 

At the same time, battery storage and flexibility solutions unlock additional revenue streams. These include peak shaving, grid-supportive operation, and participation in flexibility and ancillary services markets. 

However, these approaches require a coordinated and intelligent control of generation, storage and grid interaction. 

A structured energy management approach not only stabilises financial performance but also contributes to grid stability and supports the achievement of ESG targets. 

Future profitability depends on intelligent local energy use 

The new Electricity Act significantly increases the need for action regarding existing PV systems. Declining and more volatile feed-in tariffs make one thing clear: future profitability will no longer be driven by grid export, but by the intelligent, local utilisation of energy. 

Self-consumption, local energy models and flexible system integration will be the key drivers of stable and sustainable returns. 

In short, energy is transitioning from a by-product to a strategic value driver within real estate portfolios. Owners who proactively analyse and optimise their existing systems will be well positioned to generate long-term value under the new regulatory framework.