Delays in solar systems: The grid is overwhelmed. Customers are waiting for compensation!

Delays in solar systems: The grid is overwhelmed. Customers are waiting for compensation!

With the energy transition, the boom in solar systems in Germany is gaining momentum. But while more and more people are opting for their own photovoltaic system, there are significant problems with the connection processes, which result in delays. This was reported recently MDR. Many operators in particular who put their systems into operation a few years ago are faced with the challenge of still having to wait for the feed-in tariff.

Mitnetz Aktiengesellschaft, which manages an extensive power grid in eastern Germany, is currently struggling with an IT conversion. According to press spokesman David Köster, this change will lead to delays in connection processes. The reason for this is not only high numbers of transactions, but also often missing documents from customers. The new IT systems for measurement concepts, energy data management and billing are scheduled to be fully introduced from summer 2024. Until then, many connection processes have to be reworked manually, a task that can only be managed by IT experts.

Who pays if it doesn't work?

What happens if payments are delayed? Those affected are usually left without compensation, even if they are entitled to the feed-in tariff, which applies retroactively from the day their solar system goes into operation. Engineer Bernd Jung and his neighbor Manfred Jenning are just two examples of many; Jenning has not received compensation for almost three years, despite being entitled to 7.94 cents per kilowatt hour. Of course, such residues raise questions.

According to the legal regulation, network operators, such as Mitnetz, must pay the feed-in tariff without being asked as soon as they become aware of the payment obligation. Operators of photovoltaic systems are entitled to immediate and priority purchase of all electricity offered for feed-in. The Solar system portal However, emphasizes that the network operator is also at a disadvantage if incorrect or missing documents are provided. A choice of network operator is not available, which places an additional burden on customers.

A look into the future of solar energy

The necessary adjustment of the IT infrastructure comes at a time when more and more people are investing in renewable energies. In 2023, 15,000 balcony power plants were registered - by the end of the previous year there were already 30,000. The number of solar systems rose by almost 20 percent to more than 110,000 in the same period. The growth is encouraging, but the challenges that come with the rapid changes should not be underestimated.

But what does the situation look like for new system operators? Operators of new photovoltaic systems do not receive any EEG remuneration for their electricity if market electricity prices are negative. The option to make a voluntary change is available to existing system operators, who could benefit from an increase in remuneration. Energy experts report that a compensation mechanism is planned to ensure that these operators do not suffer from negative prices.

In summary, the energy transition brings with it both opportunities and challenges. The number of solar systems is constantly growing and with it the challenges for network operators and operators alike. It remains to be hoped that the IT changeover will be completed as quickly as possible and that the affected consumers will soon receive the compensation they are entitled to.