What does it mean to be able to "deduct photovoltaics from tax" in 2025?
Photovoltaics tax deductible, Since the Annual Tax Act 2024 apply to all PV systems that as of January 1, 2025 go into operation, the following key points:
- Income tax exemption für Anlagen bis 30 kWp je Wohn‑ oder Gewerbeeinheit (§ 3 Nr. 72 EStG n. F.). Haufe.de News and expertise
- 0 % Umsatzsteuer auf Kauf & Montage nach § 12 Abs. 3 UStG (gilt seit 2023, weiterhin ohne Befristung). Haufe.de News and expertise
- Keine Gewerbe‑ und IHK‑Pflicht für befreite Kleinanlagen.
- Attachments über 30 kWplinear AfA 5 % p. a. auf 20 Jahre (§ 7 EStG). Haufe.de News and expertiseHaufe.de News and expertise
Photovoltaics tax deductible
Do I have to use my photovoltaic system tax return still specify?
≤ 30 kWp (commissioning 2025 ff.)
- Einmalige Anzeige beim Finanzamt („§ 3 Nr. 72 EStG greift“) genügt.
- Keine Einträge in Anlage G/EÜR oder USt‑Voranmeldung.
> 30 kWp
- Gewinnermittlung (Anlage G + EÜR) und pv‑anlage in steuererklärung weiterhin nötig.
- AfA in Anlage AV, ggf. Umsatzsteueroption prüfen.
Step-by-step - how to secure all benefits
- 0 %‑Kaufrechnung mit Hinweis auf § 12 Abs. 3 UStG.
- Entry in the Market master data register (innerh. 4 Wochen).
- Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung → Kleinunternehmerregel & § 3 Nr. 72 ankreuzen.
- Netzbetreibervertrag abschließen.
- Erste Steuererklärung:
- ≤ 30 kWp → keine PV‑Angaben.
- > 30 kWp → Gewinn, AfA etc. eintragen.
- Laufende Jahre: Nur Großanlagen melden.
How does depreciation work with > 30 kWp?
- 5 % lineare AfA = 20‑jährige Abschreibung. Haufe.de News and expertiseHaufe.de News and expertise
- Monthly approach in the first year.
- Sonder‑AfA (§ 7g IAB) derzeit nicht explizit auf PV anwendbar – politische Diskussion abwarten. (Stand April 2025).
Zero tax rate - Maximum cost savings
- Gilt für Module, Speicher, Wechselrichter, Montagesysteme.
- Voraussetzung: Anlage auf/für Wohn‑, öffentl. oder gemeinnützige Gebäude.
- Altanlagen (Kauf ≤ 2022) können Vorsteuererstattung beantragen – Aufwand abwägen. Haufe.de News and expertise
FAQ about "photovoltaics tax deductible"
Question | Short answer |
---|---|
Interest deductible despite tax exemption? | Only for > 30 kWp (taxable profits). |
30 kWp subsequently exceeded? | Exemption no longer applies from the following year. |
KDV (VAT) on own consumption? | Small business: no. Standard taxable person: 19 % VAT on own consumption. |
Buy more memory later? | Possible; new invoice required for 0 % purchase. |
ROI & amortization - tax boosters
- 0 % Umsatzsteuer ⇒ 10 kWp‑Projekt spart ≈ 3 600 €.
- Income tax exemption ⇒ Netto = Brutto, weniger Bürokratie. Haufe.de News and expertise
- AfA reduziert Steuerschuld bei großen Gewerbedächern.
- KfW‑Kredit 270 (Konditionen 2025 noch in Prüfung) mindert Zinslast – Details abwarten.
Common errors & solutions
Error | Consequence | Fix |
---|---|---|
Memory purchased without 0 % note | +19 % Costs | Request credit note/rebill |
Depreciation recognized for tax-exempt investment | Tax office demands correction | Depreciation only with tax liability |
Small business → standard taxation changed without calculation | VAT on own consumption | Calculate the change beforehand |
Sample case 2025
Scholz family (12 kWp + 10 kWh storage, net 27 800 €):
- 0 %‑Rechnung, MStR‑Eintrag (15.04.2025).
- Steuererklärung 2025 ohne PV‑Anlage.
- Ersparnis (MwSt + Bürokratie) → Break‑Even in 5,8 Jahren.
When is consulting worthwhile?
- Anlagen > 30 kWp, Mieterstrom, Gewerbestandorte
- Kombi PV + Wärmepumpe/E‑Mobilität
- Komplexe Eigentümergemeinschaften
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Can I install a photovoltaic system private tax deductible?
For systems ≤ 30 kWp that go into operation from 2025, the full income tax exemption applies (Section 3 No. 72 EStG) - a classic "deduction" is therefore not applicable. Only from > 30 kWp can you claim costs via depreciation (5 % linear, 20 years).
How is a photovoltaic system installed in the Tax return taken into account?
- ≤ 30 kWp: Einmalige Anzeige genügt, in den Folgejahren keine Eintragungen.
- > 30 kWp: Gewinnermittlung (Anlage G + EÜR) + Anlage AV (AfA) bleiben Pflicht.
Can I as a private individual Depreciate PV system?
Yes, but only if the system is taxable (> 30 kWp or old system without exemption). Then the straight-line depreciation of 5 % p.a. applies.
Can the Acquisition of a PV system tax-deductible?
Not for exempt small systems; instead, you save thanks to 0 % Value added tax immediately up to 19 % investment costs. For large systems, depreciation counts as a current operating expense.
Is a PV system a Energy measure?
Yes - it increases the energy efficiency of the building and can therefore be relevant for certain subsidy programs (e.g. KfW 261/262) or for the "energy-efficient renovation" § 35c EStG. However, a specialist company must confirm the installation for tax deduction according to § 35c.
Can I claim the costs of a photovoltaic system as Energy-efficient refurbishment tax deductible?
Only if all § 35c requirements are met (building ≥ 10 years old, specialist contractor certificate, subsidy not already claimed elsewhere). In practice, the 0 % purchase variant is usually chosen.
What are the special tax considerations for PV systems? note?
- 30 kWp‑Grenze pro Wohn‑/Gewerbeeinheit
- Marktstammdatenregister‑Pflicht
- Wahl Kleinunternehmer vs. Regelbesteuerung
- AfA‑Berechnung nur für steuerpflichtige Anlagen
Is a PV system a renewable energy?
Yes - solar power counts as renewable energy in accordance with Section 3 of the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG).
SED-Solar GmbH - Your 360° partner
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(As of April 22, 2025; does not replace individual tax advice).