Using solar power to counter the German gas levy

German companies really don’t have it easy at the moment. After corona lockdowns and supply bottlenecks, it is now primarily the war in Ukraine that is making “business as usual” impossible and causing balance sheets to go awry. Most recently, a survey by BVMW (German Association of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses) revealed that almost three quarters of German companies are suffering from the rising energy prices. Around two-fifths even see their existence.1

From October, most companies will have to pay an additional gas surcharge. This is intended to protect importers who until recently have relied on Russian gas and now have to buy expensive gas elsewhere to insolvency. How exactly the gas levy will be implemented and which companies will benefit from it is currently still the subject of heated debate. Markus Jerger, chairman of the BVMW warns that the levy could further worsen the precarious situation of many SMEs. “And it is to be feared that the gas levy will continue to rise after the regular evaluations.” 2

Despite all the uncertainties of the energy market, one thing can be said for sure: In the medium term, electricity will remain expensive. Companies would be wise to become more independent from the open energy market. For this, photovoltaics on the company roof is one of the simplest and most effective options. The good news: There is a whole range of smart financial solutions out there for companies reluctant to invest in their own system.

Particularly easy and low-risk: ENVIRIAs Energy-as-a-Service concept. In this model, ENVIRIA takes over the financing, installation and even the operational management of a solar power plant on the customer’s company roof. The customer pays a fixed fee for the use of the plant and in return saves between 20 and 60 percent on their monthly electricity bill for every kilowatt hour of green electricity generated. Not to mention the positive effects on the ESG rating and the company image, which could represent a competitive advantage when recruiting young talents. You can find out more about how the model works here.

One company that has already gone down this path is Maja furniture factory in Bavaria, which produces high-quality furniture for IKEA and other international companies. For this customer, ENVIRIA installed a high-performance rooftop solar system while also adapting the electrical infrastructure on site. With ENVIRIA as the sole point of contact in all phases of the project, Maja had hardly any additional organizational work on their hands: While work on the roof proceeded quickly and professionally, the employees inside the factory could continue to concentrate on their demanding core business.

Today, the company produces not only furniture but also a great deal of energy, most of which it consumes itself. As a result, it has significantly reduced its energy costs – and doesn’t have to worry quite as much about the developments in the electricity market.