The most important facts about photovoltaic subsidies for agriculture in Austria   

Climate change, economic uncertainty and rising costs, especially for energy - farmers are facing many challenges right now. But thanks to a combination of photovoltaic and energy storage, farms can now successfully protect themselves against high energy costs and possible power outages by increasing their energy self-sufficiency. This makes their own farming more sustainable both ecologically and financially. 

The Austrian federal government has recognised the need to support farms in this step and has announced a new subsidy of 100 million euros. In this article we explain what it is all about and what you should pay attention to. 

Who is eligible for subsidies?

People who run an agricultural and forestry undertaking and possess the corresponding agricultural and forestry business information system number ("Land- und forstwirtschaftliche Betriebsinformationssystem-Nummer" - "LFBIS-Nummer") have the opportunity to apply for the photovoltaic and storage subsidy.

What is subsidised?

Several measures to increase the energy self-sufficiency of farms and agricultural undertakings are promoted. Special focus is placed on:  

• new PV systems in combination with energy storage systems that have an emergency power function. This enables an uninterrupted power supply even in the event of a power outage.
• the retrofitting of existing systems with emergency power storage.  

When are subsidies available?

The programme call "Security of supply in rural areas - energy self-sufficient farms" („Versorgungssicherheit im ländlichen Raum – energieautarke Bauernhöfe“) started on 15.02.2023 - there is enough time until 2025 for planning and submission.

How much is the storage & PV subsidy for self-sufficient farms in 2023?

The amount of the subsidy depends on the energy measures implemented on the farm. A maximum of 250,000 euros can be granted per farm.

How do I submit my application for PV subsidies for farms?

The application for subsidies has to be submitted online at lw.klimafonds.gv.at. The subsidy programme comprises 4 modules (A, B, C or D), which are explained in more detail in the next section. Depending on the measures taken by the agricultural undertakings to become more energy self-sufficient, the application must be submitted for one of these modules.

Application for module A, B or C BEFORE implementation of the measure:

1. Preparation of all necessary data and documents for the application. 
   Details of the applicant and the undertaking:
   
   - Details of an authorised representative
   - Information on the project  
   - Technical data of the measure for more energy self-sufficiency 
   - Project costs 
   - Amount of subsidy required 
    
2. Electronic application via lw.klimafonds.gv.at for the respective module
   
   
3. The complete application documents will be checked and evaluated by the staff of the "Kommunalkredit Public Consulting GmbH" (KPC). If further information is needed to evaluate your project, a request for additional information will be issued. 
   
   
4. Once the project assessment has been completed, you will receive a funding agreement. By signing the enclosed declaration of acceptance, you accept the agreement as binding.  

Application for Module D AFTER implementation of the measure:

1. After implementing the measures for more self-sufficiency, the electronic application is submitted via lw.klimafonds.gv.at. 
   
   
2. Once you have completed your application, it will be evaluated. As soon as it is approved, the funding agreement is concluded with the letter regarding the payoff and the funding will be paid out.    

Storage & PV funding for agriculture: Details of the subsidies

In Austria, the Climate and Energy Fund ("Klima- und Energiefonds") supports agricultural and forestry undertakings in their transition to self-sufficient farms. A total of 100 million euros is available until 2025 to increase the energy self-sufficiency of farms. All Austrian agricultural and forestry undertakings can apply for the PV subsidy. 

The funding programme "Security of supply in rural areas - energy self-sufficient farms" ("Versorgungssicherheit im ländlichen Raum - Energieautarke Bauernhöfe“) promotes a variety of individual measures that contribute to self-sufficiency on agricultural farms and forestry. These include a photovoltaic system (with storage and emergency power function), the retrofitting of energy storage with emergency power function to an existing PV system, improved lighting and the preparation of an overall farm energy concept. In addition, combinations of measures are promoted that enable a permanent phase-out of fossil energy sources. 

The subsidised measures for self-sufficient farms can be assigned to four different modules: 

Module A "Individual Measures":

Module A allows you to apply for funding for a predefined package of measures as an individual measure, without prior energy consultation. The amount of the PV subsidy depends on the size of the installed photovoltaic system. There are three predefined packages:

• Photovoltaic system with storage and emergency power function  
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• Retrofitting an existing photovoltaic system with an energy storage system and emergency power function  
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• LED systems indoors or outdoors with installation of lighting control systems
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Module B "Overall Energy Concept":

In order to apply for subsidies for several combined measures (see Module C), an overall energy concept is required in the first place, in which these measures are embedded. Module B promotes the preparation of such an overall energy concept by a qualified energy consultant. It is thus the prerequisite for participating in Module C. The authorised energy advisor must prepare an overall energy concept in accordance with Module C, and the costs for this are subsidised by up to 70%. The concept must be available at the time of the final settlement of Module C and must include all investment measures submitted for funding.  

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Module C "Combined Measures":

Combined measures based on the overall energy concept can be submitted in one or more applications. The following should be noted: 

• Investment measures from the following areas can be selected:   
  
  - Energy efficiency (e.g. insulating buildings, LED lighting, energy-saving heating and cooling systems, etc.). 
  - Renewable energies & energy storage (e.g. solar systems and energy storage) 
  - E-mobility
  - Energy management (digital monitoring of energy flows) 
  
  
• Each sub-application must implement at least three new measures, whereby the overall energy concept in the first application counts as one measure.    
  
  
• Each application must contain a fully completed and signed consultation protocol that includes the submitted sub-measures and their energy flows. 
  
  
• The amount of funding increases depending on the number of measures implemented and the degree of self-sufficiency achieved.

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Module D "Emergency Power":

This module provides a flat-rate subsidy of 850 euros per undertaking for the conversion of the meter box to enable emergency power. An additional module "Emergency Power" is offered for an initial investment measure on the meter box for integrating an emergency power generator and for preparing further measures. 

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What is the procedure for the final settlement and payment of the subsidy for agriculture? 

Module A, B & C:

Implementation:

• Module A must be implemented within 24 months.  
• Module B must be implemented within 12 months, unless it is submitted together with Module C. In this case, the energy concept must be submitted at the latest by the final settlement of Module C.    
• Module C must be implemented within 36 months.

Settlement:

• After implementation and payment of the services (Modules A, B and C), the settlement documents can be submitted electronically.  
• Employees of KPC check the documents and pay out the subsidy.    
• The final settlement documents must be received by KPC no later than 6 months after the end of the deadline for completion.

Module D:

Implementation:

• Submission takes place AFTER the implementation of the measure.  

Settlement:

• Payment is made immediately after approval has been granted.