Vienna supports European components with a grant

The Austrian Minister of Economic Affairs is now taking action. He has finally signed and published the regulations for a subsidy that will give investors in solar power systems a bonus if they build their systems with European components.

The basis for this was a National Council resolution in July 2024, which was pushed forward by Leonore Gewessler, then Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection. At that time, the parties in parliament agreed that investors in solar systems should receive compensation if they build with modules and inverters manufactured in Europe, which are generally more expensive than those of competitors from the Far East. However, concrete implementing regulations have so far been lacking.

Austria introduces bonus for European solar products

Ten percent for each component

The recently amended EAG Investment Grants Ordinance for Electricity provides the specific regulations. Investors receive a ten percent investment subsidy if they build with modules produced in Europe. If they use power electronics manufactured in Europe, they also receive a ten percent bonus in addition to the investment subsidy. This allows them to receive a total bonus of up to 20 percent. This can only be increased by a further ten percent if additional storage produced in Europe is also installed. This regulation will apply for the first time in the next funding round, which begins on June 23, 2025.

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Solar cells are left out

However, the European origin of the components must be proven. This is done through a relevant conformity assessment body. The WEEE processing agency will compile a list of manufacturers who submit proof of conformity assessment body. This proof must demonstrate that the manufacturing steps specified in Annex 1 of the regulation were carried out in Europe. For the modules, this primarily concerns assembly and testing. The individual components of the panels, especially the solar cells, obviously do not have to come from Europe.

Storage with European battery cells receives bonus

This is different with inverters. Here, the assembly of the circuit boards must also take place in Europe. Naturally, the subsequent production steps, from final assembly to final testing and packaging, must also be located in Europe. The bonus for energy storage systems is only available if the battery cells also come from Europe. Furthermore, all further production steps must take place in Europe: from the manufacture of the battery module including the battery management system, to the assembly of the hardware including assembly, cabling, programming, and embedding of the battery cells, to final assembly and final testing.

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Announce changes immediately

Manufacturers must provide this proof and submit it to the WEEE settlement office in German or English. They must also notify this office immediately of any changes to the information.