Photovoltaic Funding Austria 2026: Federal Grants, State Subsidies, Tax Exemptions & Feed-in Tariffs

Austria has set ambitious climate targets: 100% renewable electricity by 2030. To achieve this goal, the state provides substantial funding for the expansion of photovoltaic systems. In 2026, households, businesses and agriculture alike benefit from a multi-tier support system that significantly reduces investment costs and secures attractive feed-in remuneration.

The most important federal funding for photovoltaics in Austria is administered through OeMAG (Ökostromabwicklungsstelle Austria GmbH). The Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) provides fixed market premiums that raise the feed-in tariff to a guaranteed level. The current 2026 tariffs give system operators predictable income for 13 years.

Applications are submitted directly through the OeMAG online portal. Important: funding is quota-based. Once the annual budget is exhausted, applications are placed on a waiting list. Submit your application early – ideally as soon as your system is approved and before construction begins.

In addition to feed-in tariffs, the federal government offers direct investment grants for PV systems through the Climate and Energy Fund. These are paid as non-repayable subsidies and directly reduce acquisition costs. For 2026, the following grants are available for private individuals:

• PV system (without storage): €250 per kWp, maximum €5,000 per system
• PV system with battery storage: €350 per kWp, maximum €7,000 (PV + storage combined)
• Battery storage retrofit: €200 per kWh usable capacity, maximum €2,500
• Eligible: Systems up to 20 kWp on residential buildings
• Prerequisite: Grid connection approval from the network operator

In addition to federal funding, all nine Austrian provinces offer their own support programs. These vary considerably in amount, conditions and available budget. The combination of federal and state funding can reduce the investment cost of a photovoltaic system by 30–50%.

Note: State subsidies change annually and are often quota-limited. Check the current conditions directly with your provincial government or the relevant energy institute. The figures given are indicative for 2026 and may have changed.

One of the most significant benefits for photovoltaic operators in Austria is the extensive tax exemption on feed-in revenues. In force since 2022 and continuing in 2026: income from feeding self-generated electricity into the grid is fully exempt from income tax up to an annual turnover limit of €12,500 – provided the installed capacity does not exceed 35 kWp.

• Income tax exemption: Up to €12,500 annual revenue from feed-in
• Capacity limit: Maximum 35 kWp installed capacity
• VAT: Small business regulation applies up to €35,000 annual turnover
• Obligation: Exceeding the thresholds must be reported to the tax office
• Self-consumption: Fundamentally tax-free (no turnover)
• Applies to: Natural persons, not corporations (GmbH etc.)

For a typical household with 5–10 kWp, this means: all feed-in revenues (at 7.67 cents/kWh and 2,000 kWh feed-in ≈ €153/year) are completely tax-free. Even with larger systems of 30 kWp and 10,000 kWh feed-in (≈ €767/year), you remain well below the threshold.

Beyond the OeMAG feed-in tariff, system operators in Austria have several options for marketing their surplus electricity. Choosing the right model can significantly impact the economics of the system.

Option 1: OeMAG Market Premium (Subsidized Feed-in Tariff)

The guaranteed OeMAG tariff of 7.67 cents/kWh (up to 10 kWp) for 13 years provides planning certainty. Ideal for system operators who prefer a stable, guaranteed return and want to avoid market fluctuations.

Option 2: Market-Based Feed-in

Those not billing through OeMAG can market their electricity directly on the market – either through their energy supplier or an energy community. Energy supplier remuneration prices were between 5 and 10 cents/kWh in 2025. In favorable market conditions (summer months with high PV production), this can be more attractive.

Option 3: Renewable Energy Community (EEG)

In a Renewable Energy Community (EEG), prosumers can sell their surplus electricity directly to neighbors or other members. Grid charges for communally used electricity are reduced – a significant advantage over standard feed-in.

The funding process may seem complex at first glance, but with the right preparation it is manageable. Here is the typical sequence for a subsidized photovoltaic system in Austria:

• 1. Get quotes: Compare at least 3 quotes from certified PV installers
• 2. Grid application: Apply to the network operator for feed-in permission (form E01/E02)
• 3. Apply for state subsidy: Application at the provincial authority (before or shortly after installation, depending on the province)
• 4. Apply for OeMAG funding: Through the OeMAG portal – after grid approval, before commissioning
• 5. Federal investment grant: Through the Climate and Energy Fund – application after commissioning
• 6. Installation: By certified electrician and installer
• 7. Network operator acceptance: Commissioning and meter change by network operator
• 8. Tax office notification: If the tax-free thresholds are exceeded

To illustrate the economics of a typical rooftop system, here is a concrete example for Vienna (5 kWp, south-facing, 30° tilt):

With rising electricity prices and higher self-consumption (e.g. through battery storage or an electric vehicle), the payback period shortens further. Those who self-consume 70% instead of 50% pay back in around 4.5 years.

• ❌ Applying for funding after installation: Many subsidies (especially state ones) must be applied for BEFORE installation – afterwards it's too late!
• ❌ Forgetting the OeMAG application: Without the OeMAG tariff, you often only receive market prices far below the guaranteed feed-in rate
• ❌ Overlooking grid approval: Without the network operator's approval, feeding in is not permitted – fines possible
• ❌ Ignoring tax reporting obligations: If thresholds are exceeded (35 kWp / €12,500), the tax office must be informed
• ❌ Choosing the cheapest installer: Only certified installers qualify for funding – check their credentials

2026 offers Austrian households and businesses ideal conditions for entering photovoltaics: falling module prices, attractive federal funding with guaranteed feed-in tariffs for 13 years, supplementary state subsidies and extensive tax exemption on feed-in revenues make investment in solar power more attractive than ever. A typical 5 kWp system pays for itself in under 6 years and then generates positive returns for over two decades.