Knowledge Hub
Specialized articles & knowledge about energy
Current articles on RE projects, battery storage systems, photovoltaics, as well as technical, regulatory, and economic developments.
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Distribution network operators (VNB) in Germany – tasks, functions & structure
They operate the high-, medium-, and low-voltage networks that bring electricity to households, businesses, and industry over the final kilometers. This article explains the tasks, structure, and legal framework of the 846 VNB in Germany and shows what this means for companies with PV systems and battery storage.
What are VINK (fully integrated network components)?
What exactly distinguishes a fully integrated grid component (VINK) from a grid booster – and why are grid operators not allowed to simply operate battery storage systems themselves? The article sets out the legal framework and shows what significance it has for storage operators and the battery storage market.
Location selection for battery storage
Choosing the right location significantly determines the feasibility, timeline, and cost-effectiveness of a battery storage project. What requirements apply to grid connection, planning regulations, fire safety, and insurance coverage—and what criteria can lead to exclusion?
Grid fees for battery storage: exemption, AgNes reform and costs from 2029
The planned AgNes reform will impact the economics of new battery storage starting in 2029. Our overview shows which deadlines apply for grid protection, how high future network fees could be, and what project developers should pay attention to now.
LCOE vs. LCOS: Power generation costs & storage costs cannot be directly compared
Quick overview Declining costs for renewables: The cost of electricity generated from renewable energy sources is falling in the long term, and in many markets it is now below the cost of conventional energy sources.
Energy data management (EDM) vs. energy management system (EMS)
What are the differences, what obligations exist for companies, and what decisions must be made? This article clarifies the terminology and provides clarification.
Voluntary Standard (VS): This changes compared to VSME
The new Voluntary Standard (VS) replaces the VSME and, with the Value Chain Cap, creates for the first time a binding upper limit for sustainability data that CSRD-compliant companies may require from business partners. Find out what changes for companies with up to 1,000 employees and what impact the new rules will have from 2027.
MiSpeL regulation decided: What battery storage systems in industry and commerce are now allowed
Boundary option, lump-sum option, deadlines and special cases: What the new storage regulation of the Federal Network Agency for Industry, Commerce and Co-Location means.
FID for battery storage: The AgNes deadline for net charging fee exemption
The planned AgNes reform sets a strict FID deadline and specific verification criteria. The article shows which orders and contractual obligations are required for this, which deadlines apply and which questions remain open.
Plant summary according to EEG Section 24 – What is changing as of 2027?
It can have significant consequences for open-space PV systems: from the obligation to tender to the loss of eligibility for remuneration. The government draft for the EEG 2027 is now intended to provide greater legal certainty, particularly regarding privileged and non-privileged systems.
Marktlokation vs. Messlokation: What applies to PV systems & battery storage systems?
What is the difference, and what do PV and BESS operators need? The article explains the most important terms and shows why the MaLo/MeLo structure is crucial for metering concepts, balancing, and the economic management of PV systems and BESS.
What is Market Coupling? Market Coupling & Cross-Border Electricity Trading at a Glance
Brief overview of functionality, the CACM Regulation, and consequences for electricity prices, cross-border electricity trading, and BESS.
AgNes Deadlines 2027/2029: What applies to battery storage systems now
The time pressure is mounting: investment decisions, proof of implementation, and grid connection must be completed by 2027 and 2029, respectively, in order to secure the 20-year grid fee exemption. Our overview shows why the grid connection in particular is becoming the critical bottleneck – and how Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs) can help.
What are VINK (fully integrated network components)?
What exactly distinguishes a fully integrated grid component (VINK) from a grid booster – and why are grid operators not allowed to simply operate battery storage systems themselves? The article sets out the legal framework and shows what significance it has for storage operators and the battery storage market.
Location selection for battery storage
Choosing the right location significantly determines the feasibility, timeline, and cost-effectiveness of a battery storage project. What requirements apply to grid connection, planning regulations, fire safety, and insurance coverage—and what criteria can lead to exclusion?
Grid fees for battery storage: exemption, AgNes reform and costs from 2029
The planned AgNes reform will impact the economics of new battery storage starting in 2029. Our overview shows which deadlines apply for grid protection, how high future network fees could be, and what project developers should pay attention to now.
LCOE vs. LCOS: Power generation costs & storage costs cannot be directly compared
Quick overview Declining costs for renewables: The cost of electricity generated from renewable energy sources is falling in the long term, and in many markets it is now below the cost of conventional energy sources.
MiSpeL regulation decided: What battery storage systems in industry and commerce are now allowed
Boundary option, lump-sum option, deadlines and special cases: What the new storage regulation of the Federal Network Agency for Industry, Commerce and Co-Location means.
FID for battery storage: The AgNes deadline for net charging fee exemption
The planned AgNes reform sets a strict FID deadline and specific verification criteria. The article shows which orders and contractual obligations are required for this, which deadlines apply and which questions remain open.
AgNes Deadlines 2027/2029: What applies to battery storage systems now
The time pressure is mounting: investment decisions, proof of implementation, and grid connection must be completed by 2027 and 2029, respectively, in order to secure the 20-year grid fee exemption. Our overview shows why the grid connection in particular is becoming the critical bottleneck – and how Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs) can help.
PV and BESS Operator Models: Overview for Commercial & Industrial
Purchase, Contracting, PPA, or CPFS: There are now numerous operating models for PV systems and battery storage available to commercial and industrial companies. This article highlights the key differences, opportunities, and risks – and explains when a combined PV+BESS solution is particularly worthwhile.
MiSpeL 2026: Regulation enters into force on October 1st and what does that mean for BESS projects?
MiSpeL is considered one of the most important regulatory advances for storage in Germany. In practice, it is now crucial when the new rules will come into effect and be usable.
Energy Strategies for Data Centers: 100% – Renewables Will Be Mandatory Starting in 2027
Time is running out: The new regulations present data centers with enormous challenges while simultaneously opening up great potential for savings. Read our article to find out which energy strategies really work now.
Battery recycling for BESS: EU Battery Regulation & recycling targets up to 2030 at a glance
Battery recycling is becoming mandatory: The EU Battery Regulation is making the end-of-life of BESS a planning topic already today.
Cybersecurity for BESS & PV Inverters: 3 EU Regulatory Frameworks with an 80 % Market Share in China
NIS-2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and potential manufacturer restrictions are fundamentally changing the requirements for PV systems and battery storage. Our article explains which regulatory developments operators and investors should be aware of now.
Plant summary according to EEG Section 24 – What is changing as of 2027?
It can have significant consequences for open-space PV systems: from the obligation to tender to the loss of eligibility for remuneration. The government draft for the EEG 2027 is now intended to provide greater legal certainty, particularly regarding privileged and non-privileged systems.
PV and BESS Operator Models: Overview for Commercial & Industrial
Purchase, Contracting, PPA, or CPFS: There are now numerous operating models for PV systems and battery storage available to commercial and industrial companies. This article highlights the key differences, opportunities, and risks – and explains when a combined PV+BESS solution is particularly worthwhile.
PV systems over 20 years old: What happens after the end of EEG 2023 funding?
For more than 66,000 PV systems, EEG funding alone will expire in 2026 – but that by no means spells the end. This article shows what options operators of commercial post-20-year PV systems now have and why direct marketing, self-consumption, storage, and repowering should be re-evaluated.
Energy Strategies for Data Centers: 100% – Renewables Will Be Mandatory Starting in 2027
Time is running out: The new regulations present data centers with enormous challenges while simultaneously opening up great potential for savings. Read our article to find out which energy strategies really work now.
Photovoltaics on lightweight halls: Technology, structural analysis & mounting
Large roof areas, flexible use, but often limited load-bearing reserves: Photovoltaics on lightweight halls place special demands on planning and fastening. We show which roof types are suitable and what operators must consider when retrofitting PV.
Cybersecurity for BESS & PV Inverters: 3 EU Regulatory Frameworks with an 80 % Market Share in China
NIS-2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and potential manufacturer restrictions are fundamentally changing the requirements for PV systems and battery storage. Our article explains which regulatory developments operators and investors should be aware of now.
Lightweight modules for low load capacities
Here's how to make photovoltaic systems work even on low-slope roofs. In this article, we'll explore the technology, applications, and cost-effectiveness.
Agnes Interim Report 2026: What industrial customers need to know now
The Federal Network Agency presented the preliminary interim status on the reform of the general network charge system for electricity (AgNes) on May 27, 2026. It is not yet the final draft decision, but it is a clear signal of where things are heading. We were there—and explain what the planned changes specifically mean.
Nationwide Solar Mandate from 2027: What § 106 GModG Means for Commercial Properties
Between ESG pressures, renovation obligations, and rising energy costs, photovoltaics are becoming a regulatory standard for commercial real estate. § 106 GModG introduces a nationwide solar obligation for the first time starting in 2027 - with far-reaching consequences for owners, project developers, and asset managers.
BAFA Federal Funding EEG: What You Need to Know for PV and BESS Projects
The funding program “Federal Funding for Energy and Resource Efficiency in Business” (EEW) offers companies substantial grants for energy management systems and efficiency measures – including for PV and BESS projects. The current overview (as of April 1, 2026) provides the binding definitions and requirements.
Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs): Flexible Grid Connections Explained Briefly
They significantly accelerate the grid connection of PV and storage projects and reduce costs. In return, operators forgo guaranteed capacities and bear curtailment risks. The article explains how FCAs work and what is economically important.
Degradation of PV systems: Actually much lower than long assumed
A recent long-term study by the BTU Cottbus shows that the actual power output degradation of PV systems – at around 0.6% per year – is significantly lower than is often assumed. For operators and investors, this means higher electricity yields over the entire lifespan of the system and noticeably better profitability for their projects.
Distribution network operators (VNB) in Germany – tasks, functions & structure
They operate the high-, medium-, and low-voltage networks that bring electricity to households, businesses, and industry over the final kilometers. This article explains the tasks, structure, and legal framework of the 846 VNB in Germany and shows what this means for companies with PV systems and battery storage.
What are VINK (fully integrated network components)?
What exactly distinguishes a fully integrated grid component (VINK) from a grid booster – and why are grid operators not allowed to simply operate battery storage systems themselves? The article sets out the legal framework and shows what significance it has for storage operators and the battery storage market.
Location selection for battery storage
Choosing the right location significantly determines the feasibility, timeline, and cost-effectiveness of a battery storage project. What requirements apply to grid connection, planning regulations, fire safety, and insurance coverage—and what criteria can lead to exclusion?
LCOE vs. LCOS: Power generation costs & storage costs cannot be directly compared
Quick overview Declining costs for renewables: The cost of electricity generated from renewable energy sources is falling in the long term, and in many markets it is now below the cost of conventional energy sources.
Energy data management (EDM) vs. energy management system (EMS)
What are the differences, what obligations exist for companies, and what decisions must be made? This article clarifies the terminology and provides clarification.
Marktlokation vs. Messlokation: What applies to PV systems & battery storage systems?
What is the difference, and what do PV and BESS operators need? The article explains the most important terms and shows why the MaLo/MeLo structure is crucial for metering concepts, balancing, and the economic management of PV systems and BESS.
What is Market Coupling? Market Coupling & Cross-Border Electricity Trading at a Glance
Brief overview of functionality, the CACM Regulation, and consequences for electricity prices, cross-border electricity trading, and BESS.
Gross final energy consumption (GFEC) in Germany: Definition, current figures & development
It has been on a long-term decline in Germany, while the share of renewable energy rose to 23.8 % in 2025. This overview shows why electricity, heating, and transportation are making completely different kinds of progress and what significance this development has for the energy transition and businesses.
Gross electricity generation (GEG) in Germany: Definition, current figures & development
It has decreased significantly in Germany since the record year of 2017, while renewable energies now account for more than half of generation. This overview shows how the electricity mix is changing, why wind and PV are increasingly shaping the generation side, and why this is increasing the need for flexibility.
Gross electricity consumption (BSV) in Germany: definition, current figures & development
It currently stands at around 526 TWh in Germany – while the share of renewable energy has reached a new record high of 55.1 %. This overview shows how electricity consumption is evolving, why it is likely to rise again in the future due to electrification, and what role this plays for PV and battery storage.
Primary Energy Consumption (PEC) in Germany: Definition, Current Figures & Development
It has fallen significantly in Germany since 1990, but has recently stagnated at around 2,930 TWh. This overview shows what is behind the metric, how it is calculated, and why the statutory 2030 target is at risk despite falling energy consumption.
Germany's energy balance: PEV, BEEV, BSV & BSE at a glance
Four key figures that depict the German energy balance from different perspectives – yet are frequently confused. Our overview shows the differences, connections, and why the right key figure is crucial for PV and BESS projects.
Grid fees for battery storage: exemption, AgNes reform and costs from 2029
The planned AgNes reform will impact the economics of new battery storage starting in 2029. Our overview shows which deadlines apply for grid protection, how high future network fees could be, and what project developers should pay attention to now.
Energy data management (EDM) vs. energy management system (EMS)
What are the differences, what obligations exist for companies, and what decisions must be made? This article clarifies the terminology and provides clarification.
Voluntary Standard (VS): This changes compared to VSME
The new Voluntary Standard (VS) replaces the VSME and, with the Value Chain Cap, creates for the first time a binding upper limit for sustainability data that CSRD-compliant companies may require from business partners. Find out what changes for companies with up to 1,000 employees and what impact the new rules will have from 2027.
MiSpeL regulation decided: What battery storage systems in industry and commerce are now allowed
Boundary option, lump-sum option, deadlines and special cases: What the new storage regulation of the Federal Network Agency for Industry, Commerce and Co-Location means.
FID for battery storage: The AgNes deadline for net charging fee exemption
The planned AgNes reform sets a strict FID deadline and specific verification criteria. The article shows which orders and contractual obligations are required for this, which deadlines apply and which questions remain open.
Plant summary according to EEG Section 24 – What is changing as of 2027?
It can have significant consequences for open-space PV systems: from the obligation to tender to the loss of eligibility for remuneration. The government draft for the EEG 2027 is now intended to provide greater legal certainty, particularly regarding privileged and non-privileged systems.
AgNes Deadlines 2027/2029: What applies to battery storage systems now
The time pressure is mounting: investment decisions, proof of implementation, and grid connection must be completed by 2027 and 2029, respectively, in order to secure the 20-year grid fee exemption. Our overview shows why the grid connection in particular is becoming the critical bottleneck – and how Flexible Connection Agreements (FCAs) can help.
GHG quota for electric trucks: Save twice as much with an electric fleet & PV system
The operation of electric trucks offers several economic levers at once: GHG quota, toll exemption, and cheap PV electricity can significantly lower operating costs. Especially for heavy electric trucks, the GHG quota will become even more attractive starting in 2027 – with an crediting factor of 4 and substantial additional revenue potential.
Electricity tax for companies: rates, exemptions & reliefs in an EU comparison
It is anchored in every company's balance sheet – yet the amount and relief options vary considerably across Europe. The comparison shows where Germany stands with its standard rate and the reduced industrial tariff within the European environment and which exemptions are relevant for companies.
PV systems over 20 years old: What happens after the end of EEG 2023 funding?
For more than 66,000 PV systems, EEG funding alone will expire in 2026 – but that by no means spells the end. This article shows what options operators of commercial post-20-year PV systems now have and why direct marketing, self-consumption, storage, and repowering should be re-evaluated.
EEG 2027 & Grid Package: Cabinet Decision on the Refinancing Contribution (CfD) at a Glance
As of August 12, 2026 | This article is based on the cabinet decision on the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG 2027) and the grid package dated July 29, 2026. The legislative process has not yet been completed; details are subject to change in the further course of the procedure.
AgNes Draft Determination 2026: The Network Fee Reform from 2029 at a Glance
Things are getting serious for battery storage systems: The draft AgNes regulation provides for new capacity fees – while at the same time the clock is ticking for the 20-year exemption. Anyone planning a new storage system will likely have to make the final investment decision before January 1, 2027.
GHG quota for electric trucks: Save twice as much with an electric fleet & PV system
The operation of electric trucks offers several economic levers at once: GHG quota, toll exemption, and cheap PV electricity can significantly lower operating costs. Especially for heavy electric trucks, the GHG quota will become even more attractive starting in 2027 – with an crediting factor of 4 and substantial additional revenue potential.
Cybersecurity for BESS & PV Inverters: 3 EU Regulatory Frameworks with an 80 % Market Share in China
NIS-2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and potential manufacturer restrictions are fundamentally changing the requirements for PV systems and battery storage. Our article explains which regulatory developments operators and investors should be aware of now.
Why flexibility is becoming mandatory for companies in the energy sector
Rising energy costs, new grid fees, and stricter regulatory requirements are fundamentally changing the rules of the game for businesses. Learn why flexible energy systems with PV, battery storage, and EMS are becoming the key strategy for economic success.
ESG Scoring and Rating of Real Estate – Methods, Standards & New Requirements
A high ESG score increases market value and improves financing conditions. Decision-makers are specifically optimizing the “E” criteria today through PV systems, battery storage, and energy management systems (EMS), as these technologies reduce CO₂ emissions and simultaneously provide the data transparency necessary for reporting.
Hellbrise (bright breeze) as a risk to grid stability?
To make productive use of the oversupply of onshore wind power, large-scale battery storage, sector coupling, and flexible loads (demand-side management) are essential. Instead of curtailing generation, these technologies enable surpluses to be converted into hydrogen, heat, or mobility, thus stabilizing the power system during generation peaks.
DIN V 18599 for building planning with modern energy systems
The standard assesses complex interactions between zones, technology, and self-consumption of solar power in commercial properties. It forms the legal basis for energy certificates and is essential for securing funding through proven efficiency targets.
Modern hall heating: reduce costs, increase efficiency
Infrared indoor heating systems heat surfaces directly rather than the air, which minimizes energy loss and reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 70%. With an efficiency of 93%, these systems can be ideally combined with PV systems to provide sustainable heating for workspaces on an as-needed basis without incurring additional grid costs.
Efficiency through modern energy management systems (EMS)
A cloud-based EMS bundles all energy flows on a central platform and automates the creation of ESG and CSRD reports at the push of a button. It flexibly controls sectors such as e-mobility and heating systems, optimizes the most cost-effective energy mix, and secures additional revenue for companies in the capacity market through intelligent load shifting.
Successful Energy Concepts for Businesses: Reduce Costs, Secure Energy, Plan for the Future
A successful energy concept combines energy efficiency, PV self-generation, and battery storage into an economic control tool. By reducing base load and intelligent load management, companies permanently lower their costs, CO₂ emissions, and dependence on volatile electricity prices.
Sector Coupling – for interconnected energy systems in companies
Through power-to-heat, battery storage, and intelligent charging management, companies convert volatile energy into usable heat or motive power. A central energy management system (EMS) dynamically controls these sectors, avoids expensive peak loads, and thus permanently reduces energy costs by a multiple.
Depot charging - e-mobility for commercial vehicles
Depotladen leverages idle times at central base stations to charge commercial vehicle fleets cost-effectively through intelligent load management and dynamic tariffs. This significantly reduces operating costs compared to diesel, avoids the CO₂ truck toll, and improves the ESG balance through the integration of PV electricity and battery storage.
"Utilization instead of curtailment 2.0" to avoid grid bottlenecks
Starting in October 2024, the two-year pilot phase of “Utilize Instead of Curtail 2.0” will commence, making surplus electricity from renewable energies usable for sector coupling and storage. The goal is to avoid costly curtailments without losing sight of the necessary grid expansion.
Overview of reforms starting in 2027
Our downloadable white paper explains which three key reforms will change the economic framework for PV and battery storage projects in Germany starting in 2027 – and why January 1, 2027, will become a crucial deadline for many companies. Learn which deadlines already apply, how the new CfD funding and the grid fee system will specifically impact your financial feasibility calculations, and how to secure your grid connection despite full queues.
PV roofs & solar carports for companies
Whether for fleet protection or innovative Agri-PV: Our whitepaper offers you a well-founded compendium on the potentials and financing of solar canopies. Secure your free download now and discover how to transform unused areas into lucrative power plants and optimally utilize government grants.
Suitable commercial and industrial roofs for PV systems
From the right roof shape to considering wind and snow loads: Our guide offers informed decision-making assistance for companies on their way to their own rooftop solar system. Learn how an independent roof inspection ensures planning security and transforms unused industrial areas into lucrative energy sources.
E-mobility & charging infrastructure as an opportunity for companies
In this whitepaper, learn how the combination of e-mobility and photovoltaics can massively reduce your transportation costs and strengthen your independence from volatile energy markets. From the GHG quota to practical steps for your own charging infrastructure, the guide offers valuable insights for a future-proof fleet strategy.
