Grid feed-in

Grid feed-in

Grid feed-in describes the process in which electricity from a decentralized generation system — such as a photovoltaic system or a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) — is fed into the public electricity grid. The injected energy then becomes available to the wider electricity market.

How it works

Electricity generated as direct current (DC) is converted into grid-compatible alternating current (AC) via a feed-in device such as an inverter, and then supplied to the grid.

A dedicated meter records the amount of electricity fed in (kWh).

Depending on the system and regulatory framework, grid feed-in may occur:

• under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG)
• through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
• in combination with self-consumption and remuneration

Feed-in can occur continuously, time-controlled, or dynamically controlled in response to grid signals.

Typical applications

• PV systems on commercial rooftops or ground-mounted sites feeding electricity into the grid
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) operating in front-of-the-meter configurations for electricity trading
• Feeding surplus electricity from self-consumption systems into the grid
• Energy communities or tenant electricity models with grid export
• Participation in renewable energy auctions or direct marketing schemes

Key figures

• Feed-in volume (kWh): amount of electricity supplied to the grid over a given period
• Feed-in tariff (ct/kWh): remuneration for electricity supplied under EEG or PPAs
• Grid connection capacity (kW): maximum technically permitted feed-in power
• Feed-in limits: possible caps defined by the grid operator
• Metering concept: separate measurement of electricity consumption and feed-in

Summary

Grid feed-in is a central element of decentralized energy systems. It allows self-generated electricity to be used economically — whether through statutory remuneration, direct marketing, or flexible market-based business models.

For companies, grid feed-in becomes particularly valuable when electricity surpluses occur or storage systems participate in electricity trading markets.

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