Register PV system
Table of contents
Why do you have to register a PV system?
If a photovoltaic system is connected to the public electricity grid, it is theoretically possible for it to feed electricity into the public electricity grid. If this is the case, the photovoltaic system must be registered with the Federal Network Agency's Market Master Data Register (MaStR). This is because all electricity- and gas-generating systems and battery storage systems that are connected to the public grid are recorded there.
By registering the solar installation, supply and demand can be better estimated. This can help to better understand the expansion of renewable energies and further advance the planning of further expansion.
You must register your solar system here
In addition to the market master data register, there are other places where you must register your photovoltaic system. We would like to give you an overview of the respective contact points below.
Register a PV system with the Federal Network Agency
The most important step is to register with the Federal Network Agency's market master data register. If you register your PV system with the Federal Network Agency, you can do this directly online by first registering yourself on the website.
You can then register your solar system. Not only the operator's contact details are recorded, but also the location of the photovoltaic system and other technical data that apply to this specific PV system. The nominal output is particularly important here.
If you operate a battery storage system in addition to the PV system, you must register this separately with the MaStR. If you expand your photovoltaic system, you must also include this in the register.
If you want to register a PV system with the Federal Network Agency, you do not have to do this personally. If you purchase a solar investment from us, we at Solar Direktinvest will be happy to take care of the registration of your solar system. We can also assist you with the registration by telephone.
Registering a solar system with the tax office
If you buy a photovoltaic system, you must also register this solar system with the tax office, as the operation of your own PV system is considered a commercial activity and is generally subject to VAT.
When registering a solar power system with the tax office, but also if you have to make a tax declaration during the operation of a PV system, it is advisable to consult a tax consultant. They will provide you with detailed information on the various taxes that apply to the operation of the PV system and can also help you when you register your photovoltaic system with the tax office.
Registration of the PV system with the grid operator
Photovoltaic systems often produce more electricity than is needed for self-consumption at that moment. Other PV systems are designed for commercial use so that all the electricity produced is fed into the public grid. This feed-in must be reported to the local energy supply company before the PV system is installed, as the feed-in tariff is paid out via the same grid operator. In addition, the grid operator has the right to check the grid compatibility of the solar system.
When you register your photovoltaic system, you will receive approval for installation no later than 8 weeks later. During this time, a commissioning report will be created. This protocol must be sent to the grid operator together with the certificate from the Federal Network Agency.
Here too, we are at your side: if you purchase a solar investment from us, we take care of the entire registration process with the grid operator. So you don't have to worry about how to register your PV system.
Registration of solar system: Trade office
You must register your PV system with the trade office if you exceed a certain profit in a year. An annual sum of €24,500 currently counts here. If this amount is exceeded, you must register your solar system with the trade office by contacting the local trade or regulatory office.
Privately used photovoltaic systems will generally not reach this scale. However, the situation is different for commercially used PV systems, such as solar investments. Even if your solar system is located on a commercially used building, you must pay trade tax - regardless of the size of the system - and therefore register your PV system with the trade office.
Solar system registration: observe deadlines!
- Federal Network Agency
You have up to one month after commissioning your solar system before you have to register the PV system in the market master data register. However, it is also possible and recommended to register and log in before commissioning.
- Tax office
As a rule, you also have one month after commissioning the photovoltaic system to register it with the tax office. If you do not register the solar system in good time, you may be liable to a fine.
- Network operator
As the grid operator has 8 weeks to check the grid compatibility, you should register the solar system at least 8 weeks before you commission the PV system in order to obtain approval for construction in good time.
- Trade office
Since not every owner of a photovoltaic system has to register it with the trade office and the registration of the solar system depends on the yields of the PV system, no direct deadlines can be given here. Please enquire individually.
Other important points when registering a PV system
There are other aspects to consider when registering your PV system. For example, you must ensure that you always keep your data in the market master data register up to date. Extensions to the solar system, but also conversions from full feed-in to self-consumption or the installation of a battery storage system must be entered in the state register promptly and in detail. Even if the PV system is dismantled, this must be recorded in the MaStR so that the entry for the solar system can be deleted.
Of course, with the many places where you have to register your PV system and the different deadlines, it can easily happen that you miss the registration of your solar system. However, you should avoid this, as failure to register can result in fines of up to five figures. You may also miss out on the feed-in tariff if you do not register your PV system on time.
In principle, the various procedures for registering your PV system are free of charge. However, registering a solar system is time-consuming and can sometimes be very confusing if you are not familiar with such procedures. To save you this hassle, Solar Direktinvest will take care of virtually all the registration for you when you purchase a solar investment. In this way, you receive a turnkey PV system after purchase.
Checklist for registering a solar system
Before commissioning the solar system, you must register the PV system as follows:
- Application to the grid operator for commissioning your photovoltaic system
- Checking grid compatibility and approval by the grid operator
- Personal registration with the market master data register
- System installation and commissioning
After commissioning the solar system, you must register the photovoltaic system as follows:
- Complete registration of the solar installation and submission of the documents to the market master data register
- Transmission of the commissioning protocol and the MaStR registration certificate to the grid operator
- Register PV system with the tax office within one month of commissioning - also possible through a tax consultant
- You may also need to register your photovoltaic system with the trade office
Is it possible to operate a PV system without registration?
If you purchase a photovoltaic system for your own roof and use the PV system exclusively for yourself - i.e. if you do not feed any electricity into the grid - then you do not have to register the solar system with the tax office, as you will not receive any payments. This means you can operate the PV system without registering. Normally, however, it is not worthwhile not registering the solar system with the tax office, as it is hardly possible to consume 100% of the solar power yourself. If you did not feed your electricity into the grid, you would be missing out on money.
Photovoltaic systems that are used as stand-alone systems generally do not have to be registered with the grid operator and in the MaStR if they are not connected to the public grid. You can therefore also operate such a PV system without registration. This mainly includes small PV systems on boats, garden sheds or similar. However, as soon as you connect the solar system to the household grid, you must register the solar system. This is the case, for example, with balcony power plants and any other type of photovoltaic system on the roof or on an associated open space.
Register a PV system with Solar Direktinvest
If you purchase a photovoltaic direct investment from Solar Direktinvest, we will take care of most of the work for you when it comes to registering your PV system. We will be happy to discuss all the necessary registrations with you during the purchase process and explain the various registration steps to you.
With Solar Direktinvest as your partner, you not only benefit from the many advantages of a photovoltaic investment, but also from the fact that the registration of the solar system is handled by a professional in a timely manner.
- No problems with the solar system registration
- Various tax advantages, especially through IAB
- State-backed minimum remuneration
- All-round carefree package from Solar Direktinvest
- Operating time of up to 40 years possible
Contact us for your own photovoltaic system
If you would like to acquire your own photovoltaic system on a leased area, Solar Direktinvest is the right place for you. We will support you in your search for the right solar investment and in registering your PV system.
You can use the contact form below to send us a message with your request and your ideas for your own PV system. We will then contact you by telephone as soon as possible.
