The federal government is providing 271 million euros for the “first funding call” – but you have to be quick to have a chance. Here you will find important key data regarding the funding and preparation tips.
A total of around 600 million euros will be available in 2023 for funding the construction of photovoltaic systems. This was announced by Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) and Finance Minister Magnus Brunner (ÖVP) on March 15 following the Council of Ministers meeting. The submission in the so-called first funding call is possible from March 23rd. The measure is intended to help cover 100 percent of electricity consumption from renewable energies by 2030. In 2022, PV systems with an output of over 1000 megawatts were installed for the first time, it was an Austria-wide expansion record. This means that more electricity can be produced in a year than the city of Salzburg consumes in a year. Even 2200 megawatts were funded. The expansion was thus above the plan laid down in the Renewable Energy Sources Expansion Act (EAG).
The government now wants to follow suit. According to the Ministry of Climate Protection, 271 million euros are available in the first round of funding from March 23 to April 6. The dates of the other “funding calls” are June 14 to 28, August 23 to September 6 and October 9 to 23.
Which PV systems are funded?
There is a fixed subsidy rate for category A and B PV systems (up to 20 kWp). Categories C (>20-100 kWp) and D (>100 kWp) also fall into the 271 million euro subsidy, but these are used almost exclusively by companies.
Kilowattpeak (kWp) is a measure of the output of a photovoltaic system. On average, a 1 kWp photovoltaic system can generate around 1000 kWh per year.
Where does the application for funding have to be submitted?
Applications can be submitted from March 23, 5 p.m., to April 6 online via the website:
Applications will be processed in the order in which they were submitted. In other words, whoever is (faster) has the best chance of receiving a grant. The OeMAG handles the subsidies in accordance with the Green Electricity Act.
First, a ticket must be drawn, the completion of the application is only possible from the following day.
What is new compared to last year’s funding is:
– Private builders can apply for funding for the first time following the work has started or when it has been settled.
– A complete application for funding must only be submitted before the system is commissioned for the first time, but a funding commitment is not required for commissioning either.
– The period until the photovoltaic system has to be put into operation has been extended to 24 months.
– Private individuals who apply for a classic roof system with an output of up to 20 kilowatts and who do not qualify for funding under the Renewable Energy Sources Expansion Act will also be automatically forwarded to the climate and energy fund funding channel. For the forwarding, only a check mark has to be set at this point in the funding application, the persons will then be contacted automatically.
How high are the grants for private individuals?
For small PV systems (up to 10 kWp) you get 285 euros per kWp. The following applies: the smaller the system, the more expensive the installation and the higher the subsidy.
For larger PV systems (between 10 and 20 kWp), the subsidy is 250 euros per kWp.
According to information from the ministry, it is difficult to estimate how many people will receive funding, since it depends on the size of the facility.
Salzburg also has a funding campaign:
The state’s energy department grants a subsidy for the construction of photovoltaic systems for private households and farmers with an output of more than 1 kWp on or on buildings, with a maximum of 20 kWp being funded. Extensions of existing collector areas or dual-axis photovoltaic systems with a maximum of 2 kWp are also funded. Funding is in the form of a non-repayable direct grant. The subsidy is limited to a maximum of 35 percent of the total gross investment costs relevant to the subsidy according to the statement or according to the maximum subsidy rates according to the AGVO (Regulation (EU) No. 651/2014). Applications can only be submitted online via the website:
