Rückspeisung

Rückspeisung is the process of feeding electricity produced at a consumer site or by decentralized generation into the public electrical grid. It is the counterpart to self-consumption (Eigenverbrauch) and local storage, and it is commonly used in German-speaking energy contexts to describe the injection of surplus power from, for example, roof-top photovoltaic systems or small decentralized plants into the distribution or transmission network.

An injection into the grid is typically measured by a bidirectional or second meter that records the amount of power exported. The remuneration for Rückspeisung depends on the regulatory framework in place. In many systems, exported electricity is paid for through feed-in tariffs or a market premium, or it is credited under a net metering or similar scheme that offsets consumer electricity use. The exact rules, eligibility, and rates vary by country and program and can change over time. In Germany, policies around renewable energy support have evolved from fixed tariff schemes toward market-based mechanisms and premiums intended to integrate decentralized generation more directly into wholesale markets.

Rückspeisung supports the deployment of renewable energy and offers flexibility for grid operation by providing additional supply when needed. It also presents challenges for grid management, including ensuring voltage control, avoiding congestion, and covering associated balancing costs. For individual producers, the economics of Rückspeisung depend on the chosen compensation mechanism, grid charges, and the cost of self-consumption. Overall, Rückspeisung is a key element in the broader shift toward decentralized energy systems, policy-driven incentives, and the pursuit of energy independence.