Weekly Solar Insights: UK Price Cap Rises, Germany's Feed-In Changes and Italy's Tax Bonus
Hello and welcome to this week's Solar Insights! Here is what matters for homeowners in the UK, Germany and Italy, in plain English and without the hype.
UK: the price cap edges up 4%
From 1 October, Ofgem's cap for a typical dual-fuel household rises to £1,723 a year, up 4%. The electricity unit rate stays at roughly 26p per kWh, because the government has removed the 5% VAT on household electricity until March 2027. Gas is what rose most (about 8.7% per kWh).
What it means for you: if you have solar, every kWh you use yourself avoids paying that 26p or so. Exporting earns much less under the Smart Export Guarantee, which is why using your own power matters more than selling it. Winter bills will still be there, but solar compounds savings across the whole year.
Germany: feed-in payments today, change tomorrow
For new systems up to 10 kWp that feed in their surplus, the payment is currently 7.70 cents per kWh (6.66 for 10 to 40 kWp), fixed for 20 years. The federal government has proposed ending fixed feed-in payments for new small systems from 2027, with owners selling power through a service provider instead. A transition period at a lower rate has been discussed. These are proposals, not final law, so check the latest status before deciding.
Also worth knowing: under the Solarspitzengesetz, new systems get no payment during hours when wholesale prices are negative, and those hours are added to the 20-year period. New systems without a smart meter are limited in how much they can feed in until one is installed.
What it means for you: if you were planning solar, the timing of your installation may affect your payment terms. This is a good moment to get real numbers rather than guess.
Italy: the tax deduction is the main incentive
In 2026 the main route is the renovation tax deduction: 50% on a primary residence and 36% on other homes, on up to €96,000 of spending, spread over ten years. The invoice discount ("sconto in fattura") was not extended for 2026. Remember the paperwork: a dedicated bank transfer and an ENEA filing within 90 days.
What it means for you: plan the payment method and documents before signing, so you do not lose the deduction on a technicality.
The simple takeaway
Prices, tariffs and rules are shifting in all three countries, but the basics stay the same: your roof, your usage and your local rates decide your result. If you would like to see your own numbers in a couple of minutes, try the free Solar Roof Planner below. No sign-up, no pressure.