1. Fraunhofer is developing a new method for precisely recording self-consumption

A research team from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has presented an analysis method that reflects the actual internal consumption of PV systems much more precisely than previous models. The study is based on data from the market master data register and feed-in information from the transmission system operators. For the first time, this creates a complete picture of how solar power is used in everyday life in German households.

The method also shows which technical features, system structures and regional differences Own consumption influence. The new data provides important information for storage planning, network development and future funding instruments.

2. Own consumption is increasing rapidly: big jump between 2022 and 2024

The results speak for themselves: internal consumption has increased significantly in a short period of time. In 2023, households used 8.20 terawatt hours of self-generated solar power, and in 2024 it was already 12.28 terawatt hours.

Tobias Reuther from the Fraunhofer Institute ISE: “In 2024, self-consumption was 12.28 terawatt hours. With almost 60 terawatt hours of solar power fed in, this corresponds to a share of 17 percent.”

The sharp increase shows how quickly direct consumption is spreading and what influence it now has on the entire electricity system. This development suggests that technical advances, falling storage prices and the increasing coupling of electricity, heat and mobility are already having measurable effects.

More and more households are using PV systems in combination with battery storage or heat pumps, which further increases their own consumption. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that self-used solar power not only reduces costs, but also makes a noticeable contribution to grid stability. This dynamic is likely to continue in the coming years as more and more new and existing buildings rely on integrated energy systems.

3. Why self-consumption relieves the burden on households and strengthens the network

Using solar power yourself reduces energy costs and at the same time relieves the burden on the power grid. Because the electricity is consumed where it is generated, line losses and load peaks are reduced. Battery storage, heat pumps and charging stations for electric cars in particular increase self-consumption and improve security of supply.

Modern energy management systems also make it possible to flexibly adapt consumption times to PV generation. This makes usage more efficient and results in additional relief for the network infrastructure.

4. New database makes future energy planning easier

The researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have structured the German PV inventory into 44 groups based on year of construction, performance and technical characteristics. This detailed breakdown enables more accurate forecasts and supports decisions on storage requirements, network expansion and regional support measures.

With this transparency, investments can be planned more specifically and measures to stabilize the grid can be better managed. The analysis thus forms an important building block for reliable energy planning in the coming years.

5. Own consumption as a stable factor in the energy transition

The increasing self-consumption shows how naturally photovoltaics are now used in everyday life in Germany. Less network utilization, lower costs and more independence strengthen the energy transition in the long term.

It also shows that private investments in PV systems and storage are becoming increasingly systemically relevant. If more and more households structure their consumption flexibly and use energy locally, a resilient foundation will be created for a decentralized, climate-friendly energy system.