Can I share solar power with neighbours or join an energy community in Germany?
Energy sharing lets households use power produced by a shared installation, a neighbour or a community project. Whether and how it works depends on the national rules.
📜 The rules in Germany
Energy sharing and communities
Since 1 June 2026 you can share electricity from a renewable plant with others over the public grid within your grid operator's area (§ 42c EnWG); from 1 June 2028 also with directly adjacent grid areas. Grid operators must make this possible.
- You need two contracts: a sharing contract with the plant operator (with an allocation key and price) and a contract for the remaining electricity with a supplier of your choice. Billing uses 15-minute values, so usually a smart meter is needed. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- The Bundesnetzagentur warns that some suppliers may not offer a remaining-electricity contract, or only at higher prices. It suggests using a sharing service provider who handles the arrangements with the grid operator. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
- Plant size limits: up to 30 kW for a plant of a household, up to 100 kW for a multi-unit building run by its residents. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
🪜 Step by step
- See what the rules allowThe options in Germany are listed below: sharing in one building, within a local area, or through an energy community.
- Find a project or partnersAsk your municipality, housing association or building owners whether a project exists or is planned.
- Check the meter and the contractSharing usually needs a smart meter and registration with the grid operator. Your normal supply contract continues for the rest of your use.
- Read the terms before you joinCheck the cost, how shared power is divided, and how you can leave.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Do I have to own solar panels?
No. In many schemes you can take part as a member or user without owning an installation.
Does my supplier stay the same?
Usually yes. The shared power is counted first and your supplier provides the rest.
Who registers the sharing?
Normally the grid operator or the body named on this page. Ask them before you start.
📎 Sources
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.