PV system is in full swing? ⚡💸 This is how you make your excess energy into cash (and avoid unnecessary costs 💡💰)

Published on: January 29, 2025 / update from: January 29, 2025 - Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

PV system is in full swing? This is how you make your excess energy into cash (and avoid unnecessary costs) - Image: Xpert.digital

Direct marketing instead of feed-in tariff: How to maximize your solar yield

Optimize photovoltaics: Use income from direct marketing clever

The direct marketing of excess solar power offers private households with photovoltaic systems (PV systems) an interesting alternative to classic feed-in tariffs. But how exactly does direct marketing work, which requirements must be met and when is this model really worth? In the following we examine these questions comprehensively and provide an overview of the most important aspects, opportunities and challenges.

Fundamentals of the direct marketing of PV electricity

One of the central possibilities for PV system operators is to feed the self-generated electricity, which is not used in the household, either via the statutory feed-in tariff into the network or to sell it via direct marketing on the electricity exchange. This can be particularly attractive for newer systems, since the feed -in remuneration rates have decreased continuously in recent years.

Direct marketing is a model in which excess solar power is conveyed to the energy market via specialized companies. This opens up the possibility of generating higher income to the operators, but also harbors additional requirements and costs.

How does direct marketing work?

Contrary to the name "direct marketing", private PV operators cannot act on the stock exchange independently. Instead, they work with so -called direct marketers. These companies decrease the excess energy, act on the electricity exchange and pay the PV operators a monthly remuneration, minus a service commission.

The remuneration depends heavily on the type of direct marketing:

Funded direct marketing: This model is aimed at systems that still fall under the promotion of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). It is based on the so -called market premium model.
Other direct marketing: This model is relevant for operators whose EEG funding has already expired.

The market premium model in detail

The market premium model is state funding that ensures that direct marketing is at least as lucrative as the feed -in tariff. The decisive factor here is the so -called "value to be created", which is usually 0.4 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) above the feed -in tariff.

If the stock market market value for solar power falls below the fixed feed -in remuneration, the market premium compensates for the difference. This offers protection against price fluctuations on the electricity exchange and makes direct marketing calculating even in times of low market prices.

Requirements for direct marketing

In order for a PV system to be suitable for direct marketing, both legal and technical requirements must be met:

1. Registration with authorities and network operators

The PV system must be registered with the Federal Network Agency and the responsible network operator.

2. Treaty with a direct marketer

The operator concludes a contract with an approved direct marketer, which then registers the system for the energy trade.

3. Intelligent measuring system (smart meter)

A so -called smart meter is essential to digitally capture the generation of electricity every 15 minutes and automatically transmit to the direct marketer.
The installation of a smart meter is mandatory for systems over 7 kW of power or power consumption of more than 6000 kWh a year.

4. Optional: remote control

For systems with an output of over 25 kW, there is the possibility of remote control. This serves to stabilize the power grid with an oversupply of solar power.

Revenue and costs of direct marketing

The income from direct marketing vary greatly and depend on the market development and the performance of the PV system. The following factors play a role in this:

1. Market prices for solar power

The market value solar, which reflects the average stock exchange price, is subject to strong fluctuations. While he was 39.91 cents per kWh in August 2022, he fell to only 7.53 cents per kWh until August 2023.

2. Costs for direct marketers and technology

Direct marketers usually charge a commission of 0.1 to 0.3 cents per kWh or a monthly flat rate of around 50 euros.
Depending on the installation, a smart meter either costs up to 30 euros or causes annual operating costs of 20 to 50 euros.

3. Initial investments and running costs

Some providers require a setup fee of around 200 euros. A comparison of the conditions is therefore essential.

When is direct marketing worthwhile?

Direct marketing is particularly interesting for newer PV systems that are affected by the currently low feed-in remuneration rates. A basic requirement is that at least half of the solar power generated is sold so that the additional costs are covered.

One guideline is that the multiple proceeds from direct marketing should be at least 3 to 4 cents per kWh over the feed -in tariff in the long term. In times of low stock market prices - as is currently the case - the funded direct marketing can only offer slightly higher income.

For old systems, the EEG funding of which expires after 20 years, the feed-in at market prices is often more lucrative than other direct marketing. By 2032, such systems may feed electricity into the network at an annual market value of a maximum of 10 cents per kWh.

Opportunities and risks of direct marketing

Direct marketing offers some advantages

Higher flexibility: operators can react to market opportunities and potentially achieve higher income.
Protection by market bonus: The market premium model protects against losses from low stock market prices.
Tax exemption for income of smaller systems: income from the sale of solar power has been tax -free since 2023.

However, there are also risks

Fluctuating market prices: Without EEG funding, low prices can drastically reduce income.
Additional fixed costs: Costs for technology and direct marketers can reduce profitability.

Provider of direct marketing

The number of providers in the area of direct marketing is growing steadily. There are now numerous options, especially for smaller systems with an output of 5 to 50 kW. These include:

Energy suppliers: Many municipal utilities and national providers have corresponding programs on offer.
Wholesale: These are often also aimed at larger PV systems.
Platforms: Energy-as-a-service providers offer innovative and often flexible solutions.

A comparison of the different providers is recommended because commissions and additional costs vary greatly. Many companies provide online computers to make potential proceeds and costs transparent.

Direct marketing of solar power: Optimally use opportunities for PV systems

The direct marketing of solar power is a promising option that opens up additional sources of income from PV systems. In particular, income remains stable due to the market premium model, even if the stock market price drops. For old systems after EEG funding, direct marketing must be enjoyed with caution, since stronger fluctuations can occur here.

With the continued expansion of renewable energies, the role of direct marketing will develop. In particular, innovative approaches such as bundling systems in virtual power plants could become more important in the future.

The decision for or against direct marketing should be based on a well-founded cost-benefit analysis. If you want to react flexibly to market opportunities, you will find an exciting way to maximize the benefits of your own PV system in direct marketing.

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Konrad Wolfenstein

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PV system is in full swing? This is how you make your excess energy into cash (and avoid unnecessary costs)