My electrician says my new 8 kW system in Germany must cap feed-in at 60 %. Is that forever, and is it 60 % of the inverter? Could I just fit a bigger inverter?

Plain explanation

Under EEG 2023 §9 (2), new systems with a feed-in tariff and under 25 kW (and 25 to under 100 kW) must limit the active power they feed into the grid to 60 % of the installed power, at the point where the system connects to the grid. 'Installed power' means the module power, so a bigger inverter does not change the cap. It is not forever: the rule applies until a smart metering system (iMSys) and a control device are installed and the grid operator has successfully tested that it can control the system. Because the limit is at the grid connection point, power you use in the house or put into the battery does not count against it, so with self-consumption, a battery or an east/west roof the real loss is usually small. Plug-in solar devices up to 2 kW of modules and 800 VA of inverter power are exempt, and systems commissioned between 1 Jan 2023 and 24 Feb 2025 are not covered (EEG §100 (3b)). Not legal advice: your grid operator's technical connection rules set the exact way the limit is applied.

Steps from the source

1. Size the cap from kWp: 8 kWp × 60 % = 4.8 kW at the grid connection point
2. Set a dynamic export limit with a CT/smart meter at the grid point, not a fixed inverter power cap, so self-consumption and battery charging are not cut
3. Ask the metering operator when the iMSys and control box will be fitted; the 60 % rule ends after the grid operator's first successful control test
4. Don't mix it up with §14a EnWG, which is about controllable loads such as heat pumps and wallboxes

"… am Verknüpfungspunkt dieser Anlagen mit dem Netz jeweils die maximale Wirkleistungseinspeisung auf 60 Prozent der installierten Leistung begrenzen."

Word for word from the source.

Source

Where installers ask this

• Einspeisebegrenzung 60% (r/DeutschePhotovoltaik)
• photovoltaikforum.com/thread/262793-einspeisebegrenzung-60-prozent/

General guidance based on the manufacturer's manual or the named source. Always follow the current manual for your exact model and your national code. DC and AC electrical work is for qualified installers only. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any brand named; trademarks belong to their owners.