Feed-in Tariff Made Simple: What Do You Get for Your Electricity – and Where?
Your own solar system on the roof – for many, this is already a reality.
But what actually happens to the excess electricity that you don’t consume yourself?
This is exactly where the feed-in tariff comes into play.
What is the feed-in tariff?
The feed-in tariff is the amount of money you receive when you feed self-generated electricity – for example from a photovoltaic (PV) system – into the public power grid.
This essentially makes you an energy provider yourself, and you get paid a fixed amount per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity that you supply.
Calculate your annual heating savings
Who pays me for my electricity?
You have several options to “sell” your excess solar power – depending on which model works best for you:
|
Option |
Description |
|
Grid operator |
The standard model – you feed your electricity into the public grid and get a fixed tariff per kWh. |
|
Energy community |
Sell electricity to neighbors or friends – local, sustainable, and often more profitable. |
|
21energy Heating systems |
Use the electricity yourself – and turn it into heat and income through Bitcoin mining. |
How much is the feed-in tariff?
In Austria, the amount you earn from feeding electricity into the grid depends on the current market price and your grid operator. According to the ORF report (July 2025) on the new Electricity Industry Act (ElWG), the following changes apply:
- Market-based tariff: No more fixed rates – the price depends on the electricity market.
- Peak capping: If you feed in a very high amount of electricity, your payment per kWh may be reduced beyond a certain limit.
- Grid fees for feed-in: You now have to pay network charges for feeding electricity into the grid – reducing your overall earnings.
Quelle: ORF-Bericht zum ElWG 2025
Tips: How to Make the Most of Your PV Power
Your solar system is running – but what should you do with the excess electricity? Here are smart strategies to get more out of your solar power:
-
Maximize self-consumption
Use as much power as possible directly in your home – for example, run the washing machine, water heater, or heating system during the day when the sun is shining. -
Use the 21energy heating system
With the 21energy Ofen Pro, you convert surplus power not only into heat, but also into income through Bitcoin mining. This way, you stay independent from fluctuating feed-in tariffs. -
Join or create an energy community
Sell your electricity locally to neighbors or friends – sustainable, transparent, and often more profitable. -
Check for subsidies
Many regions offer financial support for PV systems and battery storage – it's worth looking into local incentive programs.
Example Calculation: What’s in It for You?
Let’s say your photovoltaic (PV) system generates around 5,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. You use 2,000 kWh directly in your home, leaving a surplus of 3,000 kWh. Now the question is: How can you make the most of that surplus energy?
Option 1: Feed into the public grid
If you feed the 3,000 kWh into the grid at a current tariff of around €0.08 per kWh, you'll earn approximately €240 per year. However, this amount may be reduced due to network fees or future price fluctuations.
Option 2: Use it with the 21energy Ofen Pro
Alternatively, if you use your surplus power directly with the 21energy Ofen Pro, you convert it not only into heat, but also into Bitcoin.
At an average return of €0.288 per kWh, your 3,000 kWh could be worth €864 per year.
Try it yourself with the PV Calculator!
Conclusion: Feed into the grid or use it yourself?
The feed-in tariff can still be a nice bonus, but due to new regulations (e.g. grid fees, volatile prices), it’s becoming less predictable and less profitable.
Using your own solar power directly is often the smarter choice today – especially with innovative solutions like 21energy. Their systems don’t just heat your home, they also generate passive income through Bitcoin mining.
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