Since May 13, 2025 supports North Rhine-Westphalia Company through again PV subsidy programs. Both specific investments in systems without EEG remuneration as well as preparatory studies and consulting services for larger solar park projects can be subsidized. This provides companies with specific opportunities to drive forward investments in renewable energies, reduce operating costs in the long term and position themselves independently of volatile electricity prices.
1. PV support program for systems outside the EEG
A central funding program is aimed at companies that want to set up photovoltaic systems outside of the traditional EEG remuneration. Specifically Floating photovoltaic systems - i.e. installations on bodies of water such as quarry ponds - and Agri-photovoltaic systems in which photovoltaics is combined with agricultural use. The prerequisite is an installed capacity of at least 100 kWp. The systems may not receive any subsidies under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) during their entire operating life.
Funding is provided for expenditure on key system components, including photovoltaic modules, inverters, substructures, installation services, cabling and the grid connection. The funding is provided as partial financing. Companies can up to 25 % of the eligible investment costs as a grant, up to a maximum of 1,000,000 euros per project. Projects are selected on a case-by-case basis by the approval authority. The basis is a meaningful project description.
Applications are submitted online via the NRW funding portal. It is important to note that the funding decision must be received before the start of the measure - a premature start to the project will result in exclusion from the funding. The project may only be commissioned and implementation started after a positive decision has been made. The funding measure can be applied for until June 30, 2027.
2. PV support program for consulting services for expansion
In addition to direct investment funding, the state of NRW also supports Preparatory planning services. Companies can receive grants for feasibility studies, potential analyses, economic feasibility studies or environmental assessments that are carried out in connection with the construction or expansion of Ground-mounted photovoltaic systems resp. Solar parks are available. Grid connection inspections, preliminary structural investigations or services to support construction management procedures are also eligible for funding.
These services must be provided by external, qualified and independent consultants. Consultants are considered qualified if they have worked in the field of industrial or energy industry systems in the last two years and can provide appropriate references. Only one grant is possible per grid connection and location.
For companies, the subsidy amounts to up to 70 % of the eligible consultancy costs, up to a maximum of 35,000 euros. This funding is also granted on a pro rata basis and must be applied for before the services are commissioned. Once the measure has been completed, the proof of use can be submitted, whereupon payment will be made. The funding measure also runs until June 30, 2027.
Submit applications for PV subsidy programs in good time
For companies in NRW, it is worth taking a closer look at the current PV subsidy programs. Anyone who wants to implement innovative system types without EEG remuneration or carefully prepare larger PV projects receives effective financial support via the state funding. In both cases, the following applies: the funding application must be submitted and approved in good time before implementation can begin.
The programs therefore not only offer an opportunity to reduce costs, but also a structured entry into a sustainable and independent energy supply.