Fossil fuel prices hit a peak in 2008. For property owners in Berlin, this raises a practical question: does a photovoltaic system on your roof make financial sense? The new Berlin Solar Atlas provides an initial answer.
What the Solar Atlas shows
Berlin Partner, the city's marketing agency, has published the Solar Atlas as a digital map. It covers all rooftop surfaces in the city and rates them by solar exposure, pitch, orientation, and shading. Owners can check within a few clicks whether their building is suitable for an installation. The tool is free.
The economic background
Germany's Renewable Energy Act (Erneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz, EEG) guarantees photovoltaic operators a fixed feed-in tariff over 20 years. The electricity fed into the grid produces predictable revenue. For owners of apartments or apartment buildings, this is an additional income stream alongside rental income.
Where the potential lies
Large flat rooftops on residential blocks and commercial properties are particularly well suited for photovoltaics. But pitched roofs on apartment buildings in the outer boroughs can also be economically interesting. Homeowner associations and individual owners will find the data they need for an initial assessment in the Solar Atlas.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. The content does not replace individual consultation with a tax advisor or attorney. No liability is assumed for accuracy or completeness.
