Rising energy costs and new legal requirements present challenges for property owners. But what if this is where an opportunity lies? This article shows you how the targeted use of renewable energies can not only reduce your operating costs by up to 50% but also sustainably increase the market value of your property.
Chat with ImmoGPT for free now.
With access to Google, BORIS, and Deep Research.
The topic briefly and concisely
Renewable energies increase property value and reduce operating costs by being independent of fossil fuels.
A 10-kWp photovoltaic system costs between 12,000 and 18,000 euros and is further supported by the removal of VAT.
Government grants covering up to 70% of the investment costs are available for replacing an old heating system with a heat pump.
Do you own a plot of land or property and are wondering how to secure its value for the future? The energy transition is no longer a distant prospect but an immediate economic reality. With the Buildings Energy Act (GEG), which has required the use of 65% renewable energy in new heating systems since January 2024, sustainable technologies are becoming the standard. For owners, this means a clear call to action: investing in renewable energy is not merely a cost factor but a strategic decision for value enhancement and risk minimisation. This guide provides you with a well-researched, data-driven overview of the most profitable options for your property.
The Economic Imperative: Why Renewable Energy is Now Worthwhile for You
The decision for renewable energy today is less a matter of ideology and more a question of economic sense. The CO2 price will rise to 55 euros per tonne by 2025, making fossil fuels noticeably more expensive. At the same time, the costs for solar technology and heat pumps have significantly decreased in recent years. Since the abolition of the EEG surcharge in July 2022, households are additionally saving 3.72 cents per kilowatt-hour of self-generated and consumed electricity.
This development makes independence from the public grid more profitable than ever. An investment in green technologies not only reduces your ongoing costs but also demonstrably increases the resale value of your property. The Building Energy Act (GEG) also stipulates that since 2020, more than half of all new buildings must be predominantly equipped with renewable energy sources, which diminishes the market value of older, non-renovated properties. To safeguard and enhance the value of your property, it is crucial to secure the right green funding now. Analysing the suitable technology is the first step.
Photovoltaics: Your land as a profitable power plant
Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the most accessible and economical forms of energy generation for private properties. The cost of a typical 10-kWp system for a detached house will range between 12,000 and 18,000 euros in 2025. You can expect a capacity of 150 to 200 watts per square meter of roof or open space. Since 2024, buyers have also benefited from a zero tax rate, reducing the acquisition cost by 19%.
The benefits go far beyond mere cost savings. You generate your own electricity and receive a government-guaranteed remuneration of up to 12.7 cents per kWh for surpluses fed into the grid. A PV system can shorten the payback period of your investment to less than 15 years and makes you less reliant on fluctuations in electricity prices. However, careful planning is crucial for success. You should consider the following points:
Site analysis: Is the roof orientation (south is optimal) suitable, and are there any shadows from trees or neighboring buildings?
System size: Are you covering only your own needs, or are you planning for full feed-in? A system for a heat pump requires about an additional 5-10 kWp.
Permits: Systems up to 30 kWp are simple to register, larger ones often require business registration.
Storage options: A battery storage system costs approximately 600 euros per kWh extra but significantly increases your self-consumption rate.
The right investment in photovoltaics starts with a precise analysis of the site and needs. Next, we consider heat generation, another key lever for value enhancement.
Geothermal Energy and Heat Pumps: Harnessing Efficient Heat from Below
Heat pumps are the key technology for the heating transition in the building sector. They use environmental energy from the air, water, or ground and convert it efficiently into heating energy. While an air-to-water heat pump, with initial costs between 10,000 and 20,000 Euros, is a popular option, ground source heat pumps offer even higher efficiency. The seasonal performance factor (SPF) of a ground source heat pump averages 4.1 in existing buildings, meaning that one unit of electricity generates 4.1 units of heat.
Although the investment costs for geothermal systems, including borehole drilling, are higher at up to 40,000 Euros, the operating costs are significantly lower. Compared to an air source heat pump, you can save around 420 Euros annually on electricity costs with a ground source heat pump. Government subsidies make the investment particularly attractive. You can receive up to 70% of the costs as a grant if you replace an old fossil fuel heating system and do not exceed certain income limits. A professional energy efficiency measures assessment helps in identifying the right technology for your property. To realise these benefits, you need to understand the legal framework.
Make optimal use of legal frameworks and funding opportunities
The Federal Government has set the course for the transition to renewable energies and supports property owners with a comprehensive package of funding and legislation. The Solar Package I, passed in April 2024, has significantly simplified the registration of PV systems. In parallel, the Building Energy Act (GEG) forces action: When replacing a heating system, 65% of the energy must come from renewable sources. Various instruments are available to finance this transformation.
The combination of grants and loans can reduce the initial investment by more than half. For example, the KfW Loan 270 supports PV systems, while the BEG funding subsidises heating system replacement. To obtain the maximum funding, you should proceed strategically:
Make use of an energy consultation: A subsidised energy consultation (up to a 50% grant) is often a prerequisite for further funding and helps with planning.
Check basic funding: There is a basic grant of 30% for heating system replacement.
Combine bonuses: A speed bonus of 20% (until the end of 2028) and an income bonus of 30% (for households with taxable income up to €40,000) can increase funding to up to 70%.
Submit applications on time: Applications must be submitted to the KfW or BAFA before commissioning the measures.
These regulations demonstrate the importance of climate protection in house purchasing and in the development of existing properties. The right strategy determines profitability.
Conclusion: Strategic value creation through green energy
The integration of renewable energy is more than just an ecological measure – it is a central pillar of modern real estate strategy. In the face of rising CO2 prices and stricter regulations, photovoltaic systems and heat pumps not only preserve the value of your property but also create new revenue potential. A 10 kWp PV system can pay for itself in less than 15 years, while heat pumps drastically reduce heating costs. Government subsidies of up to 70% significantly reduce the investment risk.
The key to success lies in a data-driven decision tailored to the specific conditions of your property. A well-founded Auctoa assessment can accurately quantify the value increases from such measures. Chat for free with our ImmoGPT now to analyze your individual opportunities. Act now to make your property future-proof and profitable.
erneuerbare-energien-nachhaltige-moglichkeiten-fur-ihr-grundstuck
Additional useful links
Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz provides a comprehensive dossier on the energy transition in the building sector.
Umweltbundesamt supplies data and indicators on the energy consumption of buildings.
Statistisches Bundesamt offers a presentation with current statistics on energy consumption and building inventory.
KfW provides a research report on the impact of their support programmes for energy-efficient construction and renovation.
Fraunhofer ISE publishes current facts and studies on photovoltaics in Germany.
Verbraucherzentrale provides information on grants for heating systems in existing buildings that use renewable energy.
FAQ
How quickly does a photovoltaic system pay for itself?
The payback period for a PV system is typically between 10 and 15 years. It depends on the purchase costs, the level of self-consumption, the current electricity price, and the feed-in tariff received.
Do I need planning permission for a solar installation on my property?
For rooftop systems, planning permission is generally not required. For open-space systems, it depends on the size and the federal state. It is always advisable to make an early inquiry to the relevant building authority to clarify the local regulations.
Can I combine photovoltaic systems and heat pumps?
Yes, the combination is ideal. The PV system provides the inexpensive electricity needed to operate the heat pump. This significantly reduces heating costs and maximises your energy independence. Plan for an additional PV output of 5-10 kWp for this purpose.
What is the difference between geothermal collectors and geothermal probes?
Ground heat collectors are laid horizontally at a depth of about 1.5 metres and require a large, unsealed area of land. Ground heat probes are inserted vertically into deep boreholes, which makes them more expensive, but they are also suitable for smaller plots and are often more efficient.
What happens if my heating breaks down before the municipal heating planning is completed?
If your heating system is irreparably damaged, there are transition periods. You may temporarily continue to install a fossil fuel heating system, but you must retrofit or replace it within a few years once the municipal planning is finalized.
How do I find out which measures are best suited for my property?
An individual renovation roadmap (iSFP), created by a certified energy consultant, is the best approach. It analyzes the condition of your property and provides specific, prioritized action recommendations. The consultation itself is government-subsidized.
