More self-consumption, less grid dependency: What is meant by zero feed-in of solar power?
Rising energy costs, uncertain grid feed-in conditions and the desire for true independence make PV zero feed-in one of the most exciting concepts for homeowners. The idea is simple: your solar power stays entirely with you. No supply to the public grid, no dependence on feed-in tariffs - instead, maximum self-sufficiency and full cost control.
A zero feed-in system uses the PV electricity generated directly in the household or stores it for later. This allows you to cover most of your energy requirements yourself - from the base load to the heat pump and electric car.
At a glance: What makes PV zero feed-in worthwhile
- Maximum self-sufficiency: Your solar power stays completely in the house - no feeding into the grid.
- Lower electricity costs: Use self-generated electricity instead of buying expensive grid electricity.
- Independence: Less dependence on energy suppliers and fluctuating electricity prices.
- Future-proof: Ideal for electric cars, heat pumps and increasing electricity requirements.
- Sustainability: 100% own solar power, efficiently used without losses.
- Smart energy management: Intelligent control via Victron GX devices ensures precise regulation.
Simply explained: This is what zero feed-in means for photovoltaics
The idea of PV zero feed-in is as simple as it is ingenious: everything generated by your photovoltaic system stays in your home. You use the electricity directly for your appliances or store it in a battery for later - for example, for the evening when the sun has long since set.
The special thing about this is that, unlike a conventional feed-in system, no surplus energy is released into the public grid. Your zero feed-in system ensures that your own consumption is the main focus and that your photovoltaic power is not lost. A widespread misconception is that a zero feed-in system is a stand-alone system. This is not true. Your system remains connected to the public grid. The difference is that you draw power from the grid when required, but do not feed anything into the grid. This gives you the flexibility of the grid connection - without giving up your self-supply.
Voltsmile goes one step further here: the sets for zero feed-in combine powerful storage units with Victron Energy inverters that have been developed precisely for this operation. The result: maximum self-sufficiency, precise control and technology that adapts seamlessly to your needs.
You can find a ready-made set here:
Voltsmile cabinet bundle 30kWh 15kVA Multiplus II
Your benefits of a PV system with zero feed-in: smart savings and more sustainable consumption
Why should you opt for a zero feed-in system instead of feeding your electricity into the public grid? It's simple: the advantages are obvious.
Your most important advantages at a glance
- Cost savings: Use all your solar power yourself and drastically reduce your electricity bill.
- Independence: Make yourself less dependent on energy suppliers and fluctuating electricity prices.
- Sustainability: 100% of your green electricity stays with you - without any detours.
- Future-proof: Perfect for supplying consumers such as heat pumps or electric cars directly from your PV system.
💡 Benefit from tax advantages
Since 2024, 0% VAT has applied to PV systems and home storage systems for private customers in Germany. This means that anyone who invests in a Voltsmile zero-emission system today will not only save on operation, but also directly on the purchase.
The components of a zero feed-in system
For a zero feed-in system (PV) to function reliably, a perfectly coordinated interaction of solar modules, storage and intelligent control is required. This is precisely where the Voltsmile sets come into their own: they combine high-quality batteries with the tried-and-tested Victron Energy inverters for zero feed-in and turn individual components into a complete system.
Core components of a zero-feed system: what's inside
| Component | Function | Recommendation / Shop highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Solar modules | Generate solar power, the basis of every PV system | Discover solar modules in the store |
| Power storage (e.g. Voltsmile, Pylontech, Liontron) | Stores surplus electricity for the evening and night hours | Voltsmile storage in the store |
| Victron MultiPlus II inverter | Heart of the zero feed-in: Converts electricity & prevents feed-in to the grid | MultiPlus II in the store |
| Victron GX device (Cerbo GX, Color Control GX) | Control center: monitors energy flows & precisely regulates zero feed-in | GX devices in the store |
| External energy meters (Victron ET112, Carlo Gavazzi EM24) | Measure consumption & generation, transmit data to the GX device | Energy meters in the store |
Why Voltsmile sets are the right choice:
- Everything from a single source: storage system, inverter and control unit perfectly matched - everything runs like clockwork.
- Preconfigured: Many systems are already prepared for zero feed-in - this means less work for the installer.
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Safe & scalable : The storage system is modularly expandable and can therefore grow with your requirements and consumption.
- Long-term investment security: Future-proof thanks to the integration of e-mobility or heat pumps.
💡 Tip: Use the product configurator in the store to put together your individual zero-emission system with the right Victron components - ideal for single-family homes, commercial or off-grid applications.
Legal matters & registering your solar system with energy storage
Even if no electricity is fed into the grid with zero feed-in (PV), there are legal requirements that you must comply with. These ensure the operation of your system and are a prerequisite for registering with the grid operator.
You must observe the following
- Market master data register (MaStR): Every photovoltaic system - even with zero feed-in - must be registered with the Federal Network Agency.
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Grid operator notification: Inform your grid operator about the operation of your system. In most cases, a bidirectional meter is mandatory in order to record possible minimum energy flows. Also clarify whether the zero feed-in must be verified for each phase or for all three phases together. The requirements may vary depending on the grid area.
- VDE-AR-N 4105 standard: Compliance with this standard is crucial for Victron systems. The appropriate grid code ("Germany VDE-AR-N 4105 2018-11 internal NS protection") ensures that your system operates in compliance with the grid.
- Mandatory installation by a specialist company: Even if Voltsmile sets are preconfigured, the AC-side installation may only be carried out by qualified electricians.
Why grid operators can insist on zero feed-in
Grid operators have the task of keeping the voltage and frequency in the distribution grid stable. If a large number of PV systems feed into the grid at the same time, this can lead to local problems, including
- Grid overload: in rural regions with weak lines, local grids are often not designed for many households feeding in solar power at the same time. This can cause cables and transformers to run hot and voltages to rise.
- Voltage increase: The feed-in increases the voltage in the low-voltage grid. If the voltage is too high, PV inverters switch off automatically in accordance with the standard.
- Backflow into the medium-voltage grid: If an entire village feeds into the grid at midday, the surplus flows "backwards" upwards - there is also a risk of stability problems there.
Because grid expansion is expensive and time-consuming, many grid operators rely on operating specifications instead:
- Zero feed-in: PV systems are not allowed to feed into the grid, only self-consumption.
- Feed-in limitation: e.g. max. 70 % or 50 % of the generator output may be fed into the grid.
- Controllable systems: Grid operators can regulate the system remotely.
With new battery storage systems in particular, some grid operators are now demanding zero feed-in directly if the grid in the region is already "full" - to avoid additional load.
Voltsmile & Victron make it easy
- Voltsmile sets with Victron MultiPlus II inverters are already prepared for use as zero-feed systems.
- Using a Victron GX device (e.g. Cerbo GX), you set the "Grid Setpoint" to zero - so no energy is fed into the public grid.
- External meters such as Victron ET112 or Carlo Gavazzi EM24 ensure precise control and make your system eligible for approval.
For whom is zero feed-in worthwhile?
A zero feed-in system is not a must for everyone - but for some it is a real game changer. In short: If you prefer to use your solar power yourself instead of giving it to the grid, you've come to the right place.
💡 Perfectly suited for:
| User type | Advantage of zero feed-in |
|---|---|
| Households with high self-consumption | Electricity stays in the house, electricity bill drops noticeably |
| Owners of storage units, electric cars or heat pumps | Targeted use of electricity - store during the day, charge car in the evening |
| Users with a focus on independence | Less dependence on the power grid, full control over self-consumption |
| Future-oriented households | Smart energy management for new consumers such as e-mobility or heat pumps |
Our tip:
Voltsmile sets with Victron components can be tailored precisely to your needs. The storage system, inverter and GX device work hand in hand - so you get the maximum benefit from your PV system without having to worry about technical details.
💡 Use PV cleverly:
- Select storage to match your consumption
- Activate control via Victron GX device
- Discover ready-made Voltsmile sets directly in the store or configure them individually
Zero feed-in pays off: why you should act now
With zero feed-in, you retain full control over your solar power. No feeding into the grid, no unnecessary losses, but maximum self-sufficiency - exactly what counts these days.
Voltsmile sets with Victron components provide the perfect combination of storage, inverter and smart control. Everything is optimally coordinated, pre-configured and future-proof. Whether electric car, heat pump or simply the highest possible self-consumption - you are ideally equipped.
The advantages of buying via the store:
- 0% VAT for private customers
- Financing options for your system
- Advice from experts included
- Fast shipping and ready-to-use kits
💡 Take action now:
- Discover products: Directly to the Victron and Voltsmile sets
- Plan your individual solution: Use the product configurator for your perfect system.
- Request advice: The experts will help you with selection, configuration and registration.
Get the most out of your PV system with Voltsmile & Victron Energy - smart, safe and future-proof. Your solar power, your rules.