The simplified grid connection procedure for PV roof systems up to 500 kWp with a maximum feed-in of 270 kilowatts was approved by the Federal Cabinet on September 13, 2023. For such systems, there will then be Faster network commitments give. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection hopes that the amendment to the Electrotechnical Properties Verification Ordinance (NELEV) will result in a certification procedure that is suitable for mass production. Experts expect the amendment to come into force before the end of 2024. Announced in spring 2023, the Reform no longer distinguishes between low-voltage and medium-voltage systems. It dispenses with the time-consuming individual certification of such photovoltaic systems. It is now sufficient to submit the certificates for the individual components of the system. The BMWK expects the largest increase to be in the segment up to 500 kWp. For this reason, it has placed particular focus on this in the new regulation of the certification procedure.
NELEV amendment as part of the 2023 EnWG amendment and the solar package
The NELEV amendment with the simplified grid connection procedure was developed in cooperation with the Federal Network Agency and the solar industry. It is part of a new Energy System Requirements Ordinance (EAAV), the planned amendments to the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) and the Solar package of the BMWK. In order to allow 500 kWp systems to be approved at an accelerated rate, it was also decided to extend the possibility of temporarily increasing the utilization of the extra-high voltage grid in accordance with Section 49b EnWG.
Online certificates database for components
In the course of this simplified certification procedure in accordance with NELEV, only systems below 135 kWp have benefited to date. A number of VDE guidelines, such as VDE-AR-N 4110 and VDE-AR-N 4105, are now being revised at full speed and an online register for component certificates is being set up. The aim is to reduce additional and time-consuming individual inspections by grid operators prior to grid connection to a minimum. In future, it will be sufficient to send the certificate number of the inverter installed in your system to the grid operator. Overall, the simple digital transmission of the standard certificates will reduce the effort and costs of a PV rooftop system up to 500 kWp with a maximum feed-in of 270 kilowatts.