Renewable energy sources are currently becoming extremely popular in Germany. Due to the government's environmentally friendly activities, more and more people are choosing to install domestic photovoltaic installations.
Many entrepreneurs from the European Union are also considering the possibility of operating in Germany. This is primarily made possible by the principle of freedom to provide services, which is one of the fundamental principles of the European Union.
Who can operate a photovoltaic panel installation business in Germany?
As we mentioned in the introduction, in principle, services in Germany in the form of the installation of photovoltaic panels for the proverbial "Müller" can be carried out by any entrepreneur with a registered business within the European Union. Unfortunately, there are a number of regulations that need to be taken into account when considering starting a photovoltaic business in Germany.
The requirements relate to the following:
- Certification of photovoltaic panels.
- Requirements for panel installation workers.
- Acceptance of connections
- Industry affiliation
In the remainder of this article, we will try to discuss the points mentioned succinctly.
Certification of photovoltaic panels
In Germany, the most common safety indicator is the so-called DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm). Photovoltaic installations need to meet the relevant standards in the following categories:
Performance and power tolerance:
Panel performance
The DIN standard specifies minimum performance requirements for photovoltaic panels. The nominal power of the panels must be in accordance with the manufacturer's declaration, and the power tolerance should not exceed the specified percentage range. This means that the panels should have a minimum efficiency in line with the manufacturer's stated values.
Durability and weather resistance
The DIN standard also includes requirements for the durability and weather resistance of photovoltaic panels. The panels should be resistant to moisture, water, temperature changes, corrosion, as well as UV radiation. It is also required that the panels undergo appropriate tests, such as mechanical overload tests, vibration and structural strength.
Electrical safety
Electrical safety is a key aspect in photovoltaic panels. The DIN standard requires panels to meet certain electrical safety standards, such as protection against electric shock, lightning resistance, short circuit protection, etc. In addition, the panels should be designed and manufactured according to electrical safety standards.
Fire resistance and fire safety
The DIN standard also specifies requirements for the fire resistance and fire safety of photovoltaic panels. The panels should have an appropriate fire resistance class and be resistant to the spread of fire. In addition, they should comply with the regulations for the installation of photovoltaic panels in buildings to ensure the safety of users and firefighters in the event of a fire.
The most common DIN standard relating specifically to photovoltaic panels is
DIN EN 62446 or the VDE0100 standard.
Photovoltaic panels put into circulation in Germany must also comply with VDE 0126 standards and, in addition, with the WEEE2/ 2012/19/EU Directive of 4 July 2012 on waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Requirements for panel installation workers
In the photovoltaic sector, it is undoubtedly necessary to have the qualifications associated with the electrical engineering profession. It is this qualification that enables the photovoltaic panels to be connected independently to the grid, which is undoubtedly a critical part of the installation process.
Unfortunately, the mere possession of an electrical licence, e.g. a so-called SEP issued in Poland, is not sufficient for it to be recognised in Germany. The profession of electrical engineer is a regulated profession in Germany and is subject to registration with the HWK, the German Trade Licensing Office. Therefore, if you wish to engage in the installation of photovoltaic panels in Germany as a partnership, limited liability company or sole proprietorship (Gewerbe), you must register with the relevant Chamber of Commerce for your first contract in Germany. In order to do so, however, it is necessary to recognise the qualification or so-called Anerkennung. This involves the competent German authority comparing your qualifications and professional experience with the requirements in Germany. The procedure takes up to three months and is carried out by the relevant professional recognition authority in the respective state.
If a legal entity applies for registration with the Handwerkskammer, it must designate a qualified person. This will usually be a member of the board of directors or a so-called technische Betriebsleiter, i.e. a technical manager with a foremen's licence or equivalent in terms of experience and knowledge.
It is worth mentioning that, when installing photovoltaic panels, other qualifications such as working at height qualifications may be required.
A company intending to provide panel installation services in Germany from the position of a Polish company should also have a proven track record in Poland of at least 12 months in the last 10 years prior to the application.
Connection of the installation to the electricity grid
The connection to the electricity grid to the operator's network can only be carried out by a person who is qualified to do so and is on a special list . Most often, electricity suppliers have a list of electricians who can take over a photovoltaic installation. Sometimes, however, operators agree to allow an electrician from outside the list to take over the installation if he or she has the relevant certificate This is, however, very rare and only happens in isolated cases.
Industry affiliation - Elektrohandswerk
Finally, it is worth mentioning the employer's obligations arising from his company's qualification in a specific industry. Photovoltaic panel installation companies usually belong to two industries - the electrical engineering industry and the construction industry. Belonging to a specific industry depends on the type of work carried out by the company. However, let us focus on entrepreneurs involved in the installation of domestic installations.
Belonging to a particular branch, involves a subsequent obligation to comply with the relevant branch regulations. In the case of the installation of domestic photovoltaic installations, the entrepreneur will be obliged to register with the Elektrohandwerk. Very often, however, this is an individual matter related to the business method of the entrepreneur in question and requires careful analysis.
An entrepreneur deciding to open a GmBH company in Germany may face other obligations that are not mentioned in this article. In fact, a large part of the requirements, may depend on the form of the chosen business.
If, as an entrepreneur, you feel lost in the maze of industry regulations and do not know what obligations you need to fulfil when entering the German market, we encourage you to contact us. We would be happy to talk to you about new opportunities and prospects for your business.
