Vienna photovoltaic budget 2025: demand breaks all records!

Vienna photovoltaic budget 2025: demand breaks all records!

The photovoltaics boom in Vienna can no longer be stopped. How MyDistrict reported, the funding budget for photovoltaic systems will already be completely exhausted in 2025. Over 3,800 funding applications were submitted with a total of 15 million euros, covering a total output of around 33 megawatt peak (MWp). This demand is a clear sign that more and more Viennese are relying on solar energy.

The great popularity of photovoltaic systems has led to the installed capacity in Vienna increasing from around 50 MWp to almost 280 MWp in recent years. There are currently 14,779 PV systems in operation, which can supply over 80,000 households with environmentally friendly electricity. These systems alone achieve CO₂ savings of 64,000 tons per year. Systems with an output of around 52 MWp have already been installed, particularly on urban properties.

Funding and future planning

Particular attention is paid to the “Vienna Renewable Plan”, which is intended to promote the further expansion of photovoltaics in the city. The possibility of expanding existing systems is also welcomed. The average system size in multi-story residential buildings has grown from 13.1 kWp to 20.8 kWp. The City of Vienna is also planning new urban funding models for photovoltaic projects and will strengthen advisory services for homeowners and companies.

The trend towards electricity storage is particularly noteworthy. Demand from private households has increased by over 32%, while companies have even recorded an increase of more than 170%. This shows that the Viennese have a good knack for sustainable energy solutions.

Tax framework conditions

With the changes in the Budget Restructuring Measures Act (BSMG 2025), the zero tax rate on photovoltaic modules will be extended until the end of 2025, but this only applies to contracts that were concluded before March 7, 2025. Applications for funding for photovoltaic systems that do not fall under the sales tax exemption can be submitted within the framework of the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG). All of these measures are important in order to further advance the energy transition in Austria.

Success figures and trends

A look back at the last few years shows how rapidly photovoltaics have grown in Vienna. According to a city report, the cumulative number of subsidized photovoltaic systems has increased 87 times since 2005. The cumulative performance has also increased by an incredible 340 percent. The districts of Donaustadt, Liesing and Simmering top the list with the highest cumulative PV system performance. This positive development is also supported by the sharp drop in average gross costs for the installation of photovoltaic systems, which have fallen eighteen-fold since 2005.

In summary, it can be seen that the trend towards using solar power in Vienna is unbroken and that the city is on the right track with its commitment to renewable energies. With this energy offensive, it remains to be seen what new opportunities future funding models will offer. A monitoring dashboard keeps those interested up to date on the current status of the photovoltaics offensive wien.gv.at is to be read.