The implementation of photovoltaic projects on commercial properties not only offers the potential to reduce energy costs in the long term, but also opens up opportunities for attractive returns and makes a decisive contribution to sustainability. In this article, our Managing Director Alessandro Mauri answers the key factors that are important for companies when planning and implementing photovoltaic systems.

How can a photovoltaic project be successful?

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When planning photovoltaic systems, there are various aspects to consider that influence the success of the project:

Type of company: The nature of the company determines the tax and operational framework conditions of a project. A distinction is made as to whether it is a commercial company, such as a logistics company, or an asset-managing company, such as a real estate company.

‍PV system implementation models: As a first step, companies should decide what role they would like to play in relation to the photovoltaic project. Some prefer to simply lease their roof space and leave the installation and operation of the system to third parties. 

Others want to invest in the PV system themselves without taking over its operation. A third option is to invest directly in the system and operate it yourself.

‍Utilizationand marketing models for solar power: There are various options here that should be weighed up depending on the company's needs and objectives:

☀️ Full feed-in: Simple and less complex. Here, all of the solar power generated is fed into the public grid and remunerated in accordance with the EEG, direct marketing or via other channels. The advantage here is the uncomplicated implementation, while the disadvantage is the low remuneration. In addition, solar power fed into the grid is often not counted towards the sustainability of the building.

☀️ Self-consumption with surplus feed-in: In this model, part of the electricity generated is consumed directly on site, while the electricity that is not consumed in the building is fed into the grid. This model is particularly attractive for companies with their own electricity consumption, as it enables them to significantly reduce their electricity costs. 

Solar power that is used directly on site is cheaper than electricity from the public grid, as there are no taxes, levies, charges and grid fees. It is particularly worthwhile in 2024, as grid fees, which account for around 20 % of electricity costs, will rise again this year. One disadvantage, however, is that this model can only be implemented by companies that are either long-term tenants or owners of the building.

☀️ Direct delivery with surplus feed-in: This model is particularly suitable for tenancies if the building owner does not have any significant electricity consumption. It offers a more economical alternative to full feed-in, as solar electricity prices for direct delivery to the building are generally higher than the feed-in tariff.

However, this model is associated with additional expense and complexity, especially if several consumers are to be supplied. Companies that opt for this model should take into account the corresponding energy industry obligations (see below).

Obligations and potential risks for companies and real estate companies

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For real estate companies, it is important to choose an implementation model that does not entail any tax risks in order to avoid the income from the photovoltaic system leading to a trade tax burden on rental income. 

All companies that market solar power to third parties are required by law to fulfill energy industry obligations. These include reporting obligations in relation to the Market Master Data Register (MaStR), registration as an electricity supply company with the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and registration as a small supplier with the main customs office.

How to exploit the full potential of a photovoltaic system

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For companies, it is generally most advantageous to invest directly in a PV system and operate it themselves. The solar power generated is primarily used to cover the company's own electricity consumption in order to avoid expensive grid electricity and save on electricity costs. However, there are also situations in which such an investment may not make financial sense for a company. For example, if an investment in the company's core business would generate a higher return than the PV system. 

In this case, it makes more economic sense to lease the roof area to an external contractor. This option allows the company to benefit from the advantages of the PV system without investing directly in it - lower electricity costs and a contribution to sustainability.
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For real estate companies, on the other hand, it often makes the most sense to invest in the PV system themselves and then lease it to an external operator. This model enables the real estate company to benefit from the financial returns of the system, especially if these are structured on a performance-related basis. At the same time, the risks and obligations associated with operating the system and marketing the solar power are assumed by the external operator. 

Leasing the roof area is only an attractive option if liquidity bottlenecks or fund guidelines prevent direct investment in PV systems. 

For real estate companies with very large portfolios, it can make sense to operate the systems themselves, but only if they are willing to build up their own expertise and resources in this area. This makes the operation of PV systems and the marketing of solar power a strategic decision.

Conclusion

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The implementation of photovoltaics requires careful consideration of various factors. Companies that decide to do so benefit from significant financial and ecological added value.

With our experience from over 180 commercial photovoltaic projects, we are happy to assist companies and real estate companies with comprehensive advice on suitable implementation and marketing models. We then not only coordinate the smooth installation of the PV system, but are also happy to take on the specific obligations and regulatory requirements associated with the operation and marketing of solar power - so that our partners can concentrate on their core business.