☀️ Peak sun hours in Germany
Germany's sun is modest — roughly 2.7 to 3.3 peak sun hours. The south (Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg) is best; the north lower. Output is still very usable across the year.
| Region | Approx. peak sun hours (annual avg) |
|---|---|
| Bavaria & the south | ~3.0 – 3.3 |
| Central Germany | ~2.8 – 3.1 |
| Rhineland & west | ~2.7 – 3.0 |
| North & coast | ~2.6 – 2.9 |
Use your local figure in the solar panel calculator and the energy production calculator. Background: peak sun hours by location.
⚡ Electricity prices in Germany
German households pay among the highest electricity prices in the world — roughly €0.30 to €0.40 per kWh. That is the whole reason German solar makes sense: every self-generated kWh avoids a very expensive grid unit, so even modest sun pays off.
💸 Incentives & net metering
Germany's EEG feed-in tariff (Einspeisevergütung) guarantees a set payment for each kWh you export for 20 years, and since 2023 home PV systems benefit from 0% VAT. Together with high electricity prices, these make the payback reliable. Feed-in rates are adjusted periodically, so check the current figure.
💰 System cost & payback in Germany
Systems run roughly €1,300–€1,800 per kWp; many Germans add a battery:
| System size | Approx. cost | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kWp | ~€7,000 – 10,000 | Typical home |
| 5 kWp + battery | ~€11,000 – 16,000 | Store day power for evening |
| 10 kWp | ~€13,000 – 18,000 | Large home / high usage |
Work out your own numbers with the ROI calculator and the bill savings calculator, or design the whole system with the system report builder.
💡 Local insight: Germany
Germany is the clearest example that solar is an economic decision, not a weather one: with some of the world's highest power prices plus a 20-year feed-in tariff and 0% VAT, systems typically pay back in about 9–12 years and then run for well over two decades. Batteries are popular for using more of your own generation, though they lengthen payback.
🧰 Solar tools
Plan your system with these:
- Solar panel calculator — how many panels for your usage and sun hours.
- Solar bill savings calculator — how much you'll save.
- ROI calculator — payback period.
- Battery calculator — if you want backup.
- Full system report — design the whole system in one page.
Related reading: do solar panels work in winter, how long do solar batteries last, and how many panels to run a house.
❓ Frequently asked questions
How many peak sun hours does Germany get?
About 2.7 to 3.3 — highest in Bavaria and the south, lower in the north. Modest, but the economics still work well.
Is solar worth it in Germany?
Yes — it's one of the world's biggest solar markets. Very high electricity prices, the EEG feed-in tariff and 0% VAT give a typical payback of about 9–12 years.
What is the EEG feed-in tariff?
Germany's Einspeisevergütung guarantees a fixed payment for each kWh of solar you export to the grid for 20 years. Rates are adjusted periodically.
How much do solar panels cost in Germany?
Roughly €1,300–€1,800 per kWp, so about €7,000–€10,000 for a 5 kWp system, more with a battery. Get local quotes.
Note: German electricity prices, the EEG feed-in tariff and VAT rules change over time. These figures are approximate, for planning only — verify with installers and current EEG rates.