Future-proof with repowering

Full §14a compliance with KOSTAL inverters

Replace inverters now and secure future benefits

Repowering with KOSTAL - grid-compliant and future-proof with §14a EnWG

Imagine this: Your PV system is producing electricity, your battery storage system is charged, your electric car is parked at the wallbox - and yet the power grid is in danger of collapsing. Sounds far-fetched? In times of electromobility, heat pumps and decentralised energy generation, this is precisely the challenge that grid operators need to actively address.

To achieve this, the legislator has introduced a regulation in Section 14a EnWG that is relevant for many households with PV systems. The good news: by repowering your system - i.e. replacing the old inverter with modern KOSTAL technology - you can make your home grid-compliant, future-proof and tariff-ready.

What does §14a EnWG regulate? A simple explanation

The energy transition is increasing the proportion of electrical consumers that require a lot of power - for example, when you charge your electric car, operate a heat pump or fill your battery storage unit. To ensure that the electricity grid remains stable even in times of high utilisation, the legislator has created clear rules in Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). These ensure that grid operators can cushion peak loads without affecting your everyday life.

Section 14a EnWG regulates how so-called controllable consumption devices in private households may be connected to the electricity grid. This refers to devices such as:

Wallboxes for electric cars
heat pumps
Battery storage units

The output of these devices can be reduced briefly when the grid load is high in order to reduce the load on the grid. For you as the system operator, this means

No switch-off, but intelligent power adjustment
Generally no loss of comfort, as the control system ensures that your appliances continue to run
Advantages for you, e.g. through lower grid charges or preferential grid connection

Both sides benefit from this regulation: The grid operator gains more flexibility to secure the power supply, and you as the operator reduce your costs and actively contribute to the stability of the power grid - without sacrificing the convenience you are used to.

Why does this affect your existing PV system?

The electricity grid and legal requirements are constantly evolving. Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) in particular brings with it new technical requirements for the intelligent integration of modern consumers such as wallboxes, heat pumps and battery storage systems into the grid. However, many photovoltaic systems installed before 2020 do not yet fulfil these requirements - often without the operators being aware of it.

Many PV systems were installed before 2020 - at a time when these requirements did not yet exist. The problem:

Old inverters do not support digital control
Retrofitting is often not possible or economically unattractive
New consumers such as wallboxes cannot be connected without further ado

This is where repowering comes into play: With a modern inverter from KOSTAL, you can bring your system into the technical present - and be prepared for the requirements of the coming decades.

Replacing an inverter is not only an investment in efficiency and yield, but also in future-proofing. You avoid technical hurdles when expanding your system, benefit from all the legal advantages and remain flexible for new technologies - from electric cars to intelligent energy management.

Technically ready for §14a

If you want to combine your photovoltaic system with powerful consumers such as a wallbox, heat pump or battery storage system, you must ensure that the entire system fulfils the current grid requirements. The background to this is Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG), which stipulates how these devices can be controlled automatically when required in order to reduce the load on the electricity grid. The good news: with modern technology, this is now possible without complications - and even brings you tangible benefits.

For a PV system to be operated with controllable loads in accordance with §14a, it must fulfil certain requirements:

Connection to a smart metering system (iMSys)
Integration with a home energy management system (HEMS) or direct grid operator connection
Support of EEBUS protocols or use of an alternative control box
Possibility of load limitation or control if required

KOSTAL inverters such as the PLENTICORE G3 or the PIKO CI G2 / CI 100 already fulfil these requirements today - without additional devices, without effort.

Being grid-compliant is not a disadvantage - on the contrary. It brings you a whole range of practical advantages:

Priority grid connection when registering new consumers
Access to discounted grid charges
Utilisation of dynamic electricity tariffs for further savings potential
Future-proofing for storage, wallbox or heat pump

With a grid-compliant inverter, you are not only investing in the safety and efficiency of your PV system, but also in your financial future. You automatically fulfil all legal requirements, benefit from attractive discounts - and are technically well equipped for the next decades of energy transition.

Ready for repowering: KOSTAL PLENTICORE inverters

Why repowering is the key

Section 14a of the Energy Industry Act deals with a key question: how can large electricity consumers such as wall boxes, heat pumps or battery storage systems be integrated into the grid in such a way that they can provide short-term relief when utilisation is high - without affecting users' everyday lives? The principle is simple: they give the grid a little flexibility, receive discounts in return and remain supplied with electricity at all times.

Many end customers ask themselves: Does §14a mean that my electricity will be switched off? The answer is no. The law only allows controllable consumers such as your wallbox or heat pump to be temporarily reduced if necessary. The household itself remains supplied at all times.

Example:

Instead of charging at 11 kW, your electric car only charges at 4 kW for a short time - the car is still charged, just a little slower.
The heat pump heats up a few minutes later as soon as the grid is stable again.

The advantage: your appliances support the grid - without you realising it. This is because many existing inverters cannot be integrated into a smart grid. This means

No §14a control possible
No access to new tariffs
No smart grid connection for new consumers

Only by repowering - i.e. replacing the inverter - will your system become grid-compatible and controllable. It is then ready for whatever comes next: storage, e-car, dynamic tariffs, smart home.

§14a-compliant = ready for the future

An inverter is the centrepiece of your PV system. And with a modern device from KOSTAL, you can turn it into a real energy centre for your home.

Germany is digitising its power grid - and anyone modernising their PV system today should actively take this step. A KOSTAL inverter provides the ideal basis for this: it enables intelligent grid communication, flexible load management, automatic consumption optimisation and seamless integration into home energy management systems (HEMS).

§Section 14a-compliant technology is a real opportunity: you retain your full comfort, benefit from attractive tariffs and make your system fit for the coming decades - technically, economically and ecologically.

Repowering makes your system fit for the grid

Repowering is always worthwhile in technical, economic and ecological terms. It makes your PV system grid-ready, increases the yield and optimally prepares you for modern tariff models, storage solutions and electromobility - naturally with full grid conformity in accordance with §14a EnWG. Don't wait until outdated technology slows you down: contact a certified KOSTAL installer now and have them check how a modern inverter can make your home future-proof.

Have your repowering potential checked now and make your home future-proof - with KOSTAL.repowering brings more yield and more options, flexibility and control. And by connecting to a HEMS, you can realise the full potential of your PV system: today, tomorrow and for many years to come.

Have your repowering potential checked now and get started with smart energy management - with KOSTAL.