Federal Cabinet approves tax bonus

The Federal Cabinet adopted the Action Programme Environment and Climate Change 2020 Bauministerin Dr. Barbara Hendricks and the NAPE (National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency) of Economy and Energy Minister Sigmar Gabriel on 3 December 2014. Both should save the climate objectives of the Federal Government in 2020.

The tax incentives for energy rehabilitation is seen by the government as a supplement to CO2 building renovation program (loans, grants) by opening another funding option. It will support measures to improve energy efficiency and use of renewable heat in residential buildings. The requirements for the tax deduction should be aligned with the CO2 building renovation program. Cornerstones of the tax incentives are:

     Funding of 1 billion euros per year
     Tax incentives for over ten years
     Promotion of owner-occupied housing
     Test order for the promotion of home ownership of rented, with the proviso that the tax incentive benefits the tenants and tenants
     Promote progression independently by deduction from the tax liability
     Promotion of individual measures and overall measures

To implement it says in the NAPE: "introduction from 2015 for a period of five years. In order to implement the Federal Government will shortly hold talks with the countries, to meet with the aim of the end of February 2015, final decision. "

Berlin, 17.10.2014

KfW also now promoting electric mobility

As of 10.01.2014 the KfW under the KfW promotes environmental program to purchase commercial electric and hybrid vehicles and the construction of charging stations for electric vehicles.

With the funding up to 100% of the eligible investment costs can be financed.

KfW promotes the KfW-Environment program the purchase of commercial electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles powered by natural gas or biomethane as well as light vehicles. The construction of charging stations for electric vehicles and refueling stations for hydrogen, you can finance this program.

Berlin, 15.10.2014

The EEG apportionment falls next year to 6.17 cents per kilowatt hour. The announced today that transmission system operators and the Federal Network Agency. Federal Minister Sigmar Gabriel welcomed this development: "The initial decrease in the EEG apportionment shows that we have successfully broken through the cost dynamics in recent years the EEG This helps to stabilize electricity prices for consumers.." 

But as it comes to this development? The TSOs buy the electricity generated by the operators of renewable energy plants. This current, so it puts the EEG fixed, must be bought primarily by the network operators. For pay the network operator to the generators a fee. The amount of compensation is also enshrined in the EEG and depends on how the electricity was produced, ie wind, solar or biomass. 

To the bought electricity sell the network operator on the power exchange. The proceeds they receive, depends on the current price on the stock exchange. Since the current price on the stock market is currently very low, the revenue does not cover the expenses, network operators and the purchase of electricity from renewable sources. This difference must be covered by the EEG surcharge. 

To set the EEG surcharge, create the transmission system operator together with renowned research institutes a forecast of their expected expenditure and revenue. The Federal Network Agency will check that the legal provisions have been complied with. 


Expectations for 2015 

For next year, expect the four transmission system operators, 50 Hertz, Amprion, TenneT and EnBW, that they have to pay the operators of renewable energy plants about 23 billion euros for the electricity generated. The proceeds from the sale of the electricity market estimate it at about 1.8 billion euros. This results in a total sum of 21.2 billion euros, which must be financed through the EEG surcharge. 

In determining the annual allocation but also the state of the EEG account until the end of September plays a role. This account records all cash inflows and outflows, the network operator. Assigns this account surplus or deficit - such as less or more electricity was generated from renewable energy sources and remunerated than initially expected - is considered in the recalculation of the EEG apportionment this too. On September 30, 2014, a positive EEG account balance was recorded. This reduced the forecast for 2015 levy amount to more than 1.3 billion euros and thus allows an easy reduction of the EEG apportionment. 

At the same time the new regulations in the EEG in 2014 are the right steps to avoid the costs continue to rise. Medium to long term, the reform will thus lead to a more cost-effective renewable energy annex. This will slow the rise of the EEG apportionment at least.

Berlin, 01.09.2014

EU seal for vacuum cleaner 

When buying a vacuum cleaner is to you in the future easier to see whether the device is a power guzzler. Much like refrigerators and washing machines also get vacuum cleaners at the store from September to a label, from which one can see at a glance the central data such as power consumption, suction power and volume. To save energy, also applies to new sucker an upper limit of 1600 watts. For the consumer initially but probably changes little: Vacuum cleaners, which are put on the market before 1 September may continue to be sold - even without energy label and watt ceiling.

Berlin, 06.05.2014

Since 1 May 2014, the Energy Saving Ordinance ( EnEV) 2014 applies .
The most important changes .

new buildings
New residential and non-residential buildings must demonstrate a lower 25% annual primary energy demand than before as from 1 January 2016. For the structural insulation requirements have been tightened by about 20 % (as of 1 January 2016 ) . For residential buildings, there is a simplified detection method (model building process EnEV Easy) . As of January 2021, the then expected stricter EU low-energy building standard will apply to new buildings, for building authorities already in 2019 (see EU Buildings Directive ) . The guideline values ​​for residential and non-residential buildings to be published by the end of 2018 , the . Authorities for building by the end of 2016.

old buildings
Outdated oil and gas boiler installation year to 1985 , which are therefore older than 30 years have taken 2015 out of service and replaced with new fuel efficient boiler models. Heating systems were installed after 1 January 1985 must be replaced after 30 years. Exceptions to this rule are low temperature and condensing boilers . Also exempt from the obligation to exchange are the owners of boilers in one-and two -family dwellings who lived up to the date of 1 February 2002 in her home. If they sell their house , the new owner must then install a new heating system within two years .

Tighter insulation regulations apply for floors adjacent to an unheated attic. If this is not the minimum energy (DIN 4108 Thermal protection and energy economy in buildings , old EnEV) meet , they must be insulated by the end of 2015. The Energy Saving Ordinance 2014 is also considered satisfied if the roof is insulated above or meets the requirements of the minimum thermal protection. Exceptions to the rule are again homeowners who lived up to the date of 1 February 2002 in her home.

energy Performance Certificate
The appearance of the energy certificate changes , so that buyers or tenants can better assess how much energy their house or apartment. In addition to the well-known green - to - red scale for the energy characteristics , there are also new efficiency classes for new identity cards. As with refrigerators and clothes dryers the scale of A + ( less energy efficient) to H ( high consumption) . These characteristics apply to newly issued energy certificates , existing remain valid.

Sellers and landlords must already show the energy certificate in the future if tenants visit the new apartment . If, for lease, purchaser or tenant will receive the document in the original or as a copy. The main energy characteristics of the energy performance certificate must also be already known in the real estate ad .

Berlin, April 11, 2014

Solar power systems are prepared for even more stable networks

More than 400,000 photovoltaic systems get in this year, a free update - affected plant operators are encouraged to participate

The retrofitting of solar systems for change of 50.2 Hz cutoff frequency gets going . The previously prescribed uniform cut-off can lead to instabilities in the German power grid. " Is almost completed the retrofit of large photovoltaic systems. A variety of smaller , distributed systems across the country is now, however, was yet to come , " said Philipp Vohrer , Managing Director of Renewable Energy Agency . Until the end of May 2014, the second wave of 50.2 Hertz Umrüstaktion of around 90,000 medium-sized plants between 30 and 100 kilowatt peak (kWp ) will be completed , and the rest by the end of the year. A total of over 400,000 PV systems must be retrofitted in Germany . Most of them are in Bavaria and Baden- Württemberg . Small installations under 10 kilowatt peak since 2012 and commissioned installations are excluded from the Umrüstpflicht .

By when must who retrofit ?
Photovoltaic plants with an installed capacity of more than 100 kWp (commissioned after 30.4.2001 and 1.1.2012 )
(completed except for a few cases) until 31.8.2013
Photovoltaic plants with an installed capacity of more than 30 kWp (commissioned after 30.4.2001 and before 1.1.2009 )
until 31.5.2014
Photovoltaic plants with an installed capacity of more than 10 kWp (commissioned after 31.8.2005 and before 1.1.2012 )
until 31.12.2014

Berlin, 19.12.2013

"If you're upgrading to a heating with renewable energies is known, can save a lot of money over the years. What is less well known that the shift to more environmentally friendly heat possible during the heating season is also in the middle, "says Philipp Vohrer, Managing Director of the Agency for Renewable Energies, firmly. Since the subsidy funds for the running year are not yet empty, Spontaneous could even through a grant from the state market incentive program are so pleased Vohrer on. The grant application must be submitted here after commissioning of the new heater. Heat changers have switched earlier this year on an eco-heating, their funding applications can now submit more quickly at the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).

Berlin, 16.12.2013

Policy changes in 2014

As of January 2014 comes a revised funding guidelines for highly efficient cross-cutting technologies in power . Apart from minor editorial changes following important changes were introduced :

Changes in the individual measures :

· Start of production of lighting systems based on LED technology and the promotion of daylight-dependent control and regulation (limited to 2014 )

· Lowering the minimum investment volume to 2,000 euros

Changes in the systemic optimization:

· Recording the promotion of all kinds of heat recovery systems

· Clarification that in the context of systemic optimization of any type can be promoted by compressors

· Equipment for refrigeration , components and systems of the refrigerant circuit and coolant lines for water and brine are no longer supported

     Clarification that complete production lines , machines or machine systems in which individual eligible cross-cutting technologies and their energy efficiency can not be shown separately , are not eligible for funding

More generally applicable changes:

· The use of subsidized loans (KfW or Landesbanken ) for the remaining financing of an action is allowed from January 2014 , if the total of loans, grants or allowances does not exceed the sum of the expenses.

In addition, within the framework of policy change and the sheets shall be revised. In particular, the energy efficiency values ​​for air compressor be adapted and expanded to include a performance component. In the future , the efficiency values ​​in the form of the specific power consumption for smaller compressors are therefore less demanding than for larger compressors.

Berlin, 07.11.2013

50 % more advice grant for Berlin apartment buildings by the end of the year

 

In Berlin, homeowners are assisted in energy upgrades with that project ENEO , a program of the Investment Bank Berlin in cooperation with the Berlin Energy Agency . Be subsidized opinions and advice for energy optimization of residential buildings.

Owners of residential properties with up to 30 units can benefit from an increased until 31.12.2013 50% subsidy for receipt of applications. Requires the report includes a total refurbishment to KfW Efficiency House . In addition to property owners of large apartment buildings can benefit from smaller apartment buildings of higher grants currently also one- and two-family homeowners and owners. For example , there are 1-2 units for the grant of up to 500 euros a special bonus of 250 euros again , for 3 to 10 units 750 € + 325 € special bonus .

 

The subsidy amount is calculated according to the number of residential units in the building as well as the actual cost of the report . Basis of the respective net costs for creation of energy report . The grant is paid in two parts. The first half of homeowners received after the creation of energy followed by personal opinion and advice in ENEO , the second half after reacting at least one recommended in the energy report measure . Are the net costs of the evaluation is less than the subsidy , the subsidy will be reduced .

07.11.2013

New interest rates in the KfW program " Renewable Energy "

 

KfW matched the 31.10.2013 to the interest rates in the renewable energy programs. The support program is aimed primarily at businesses and municipalities . Depending on the project can be funded either part of the program "Standard" or "Premium" into consideration. If the use of renewable energy for electricity generation or electricity and heat production plans meet the program part " default " to invest in the use of heat from renewable sources , the program part "Premium" .

 

Renewable Energy - Standard

The part of the program allows low-interest financing of projects that use renewable energy to generate electricity and to heat and power generation in combined heat and power plants . Is a prerequisite for the promotion, that at least a portion of the stream is fed into the public grid. Any size company can use APR credit depending on the classification in credit and collateral classes from 1:41 %. For photovoltaic systems and the installation of stationary battery storage systems in combination with photovoltaic systems , the separate parts of the program are 274 and 275

 

Renewable Energy - Premium

This part of the program , KfW , especially businesses and communities to invest in larger facilities for the use of renewable energies in the heat market. Depending on the applicant are in the program section from various credit offers effective interest rate of 1.10%. In addition to the low interest KfW loan , repayment additional grants for particularly worthy of support systems are funded by the BMU . Small and medium enterprises can also the so-called " KU " window to receive special discounts . Among the projects supported include : large-scale solar panel installations , large plants for combustion of solid biomass renewable energy heating systems , biogas lines for non- upgraded biogas , large heat storage , heat pumps, and large CHP plants.

 

Other funding opportunities of KfW and waistband

If the proposed facility does not meet the "premium" demands on technology and size , they can be possibly through the program part "standard". There namely also for heat generation plants , heating and cooling systems as well as heat and cold storage will be encouraged provided that they are powered by renewable energy.

Smaller renewable energy heating systems and solar thermal systems will also be encouraged and subsidized through the BAFA ( Federal Office of Economics and Export Control ) . The remaining funding can be covered here on the " Supplementary Credit " in the KfW program "Energy Efficient Refurbishment " . Photovoltaic systems for private self-use in one- and two-family houses , KfW in the programs "Energy Efficient Refurbishment - Credit " and "Energy Efficient Construction " .

Energy Saving Ordinance 2014

Berlin, 21.10.2013

On 16 October 2013 , the federal government has decided to amend the Energy Conservation ( Energy Saving Ordinance ) in 2014 and it applied the changes required by the Federal Council . After the Energy Saving Ordinance 2014 has run through the national procedure , a notification of the new regulations by the EU is now required . With its entry into force is therefore expected until early summer 2014.

The intensification of the energy savings falls in the submitted draft milder than was actually intended for the update. The plan was a 30% increase in the requirements. The result is not even the half of it, and it applies only for new buildings. Which is so important for the energy transition housing stock is not considered.

Innovations of the draft Energy Savings Ordinance Overview

The requirements of the standard of efficiency of new buildings be increased from 2016 to 25% ( primary energy ) and 20% ( thermal insulation of the building envelope ) .

The requirements for existing buildings remain on the state of the Energy Saving Ordinance , 2009, no tightening of the requirement levels , no retrofit requirements .

In real estate ads to future energy parameters are specified , if a house or an apartment is sold or rented. The values ​​are to be specified instead of the current per area per building area .

The energy certificate is submitted at a future visit to the purchase or rented and handed over to the buyer or tenant in the contract.

The obligation for display energy certificates in public buildings is extended to smaller buildings frequented by the public . This concerns for example Department stores , movie theaters and schools. In addition, it shall also apply to some not officially used buildings such as Hotels , stores and restaurants.

At the request of the Federal Council the duty to replace old boiler is expanded ( vintages older than 1985 , or older than 30 years).

Inspectors to better monitor with independent samples , the energy certificates and reports on the inspection of air conditioning systems than before. A right of access to housing , it will not happen.

The detection method for new residential buildings ( with " Energy Saving Ordinance easy" or the model building process) easier .