Solar Market Value 2026: Monthly Solar Electricity Price Rises to 11 Euro Cents per kWh

In January 2026, the solar market value climbed to 11.019 euro cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), reflecting stronger wholesale electricity prices on the spot market. The figure represents the average exchange revenue achieved by photovoltaic (PV) systems participating in direct marketing schemes.

Compared with December 2025, when the monthly solar market value stood at 9.373 cents/kWh, the increase marks a significant month-on-month rise. The last time a higher value was recorded was in early 2025.

The average electricity spot market price during January reached 11.009 cents/kWh, placing photovoltaic generation slightly above the general market price level.

Wind Power Market Values Also Strengthen

The upward pricing trend extended to wind energy.

• Onshore wind increased to 9.536 cents/kWh, up from 8.349 cents/kWh in December.
  
  
• Offshore wind saw a sharper rise to 10.519 cents/kWh, compared with 8.608 cents/kWh the previous month.

These developments highlight the broader impact of rising wholesale electricity prices on renewable energy revenues.

Importance of the Monthly Solar Market Value

The monthly solar market value plays a critical role in the economics of renewable energy systems operating under feed-in premium mechanisms. It reflects the actual exchange-based revenue that PV systems achieve through direct marketing.

If the market value falls below the applicable feed-in tariff, the difference is compensated through regulatory support mechanisms. Consequently, fluctuations in market value directly affect both investor returns and system-level renewable energy financing structures.

Impact of Negative Electricity Prices

January also included several periods of negative electricity prices, lasting between 15 minutes and four hours.

Under current regulatory frameworks:

• Systems commissioned after December 2016 lose eligibility for market premiums if negative prices persist longer than four consecutive hours.
  
  
• Newly installed PV systems may lose support during any period of negative pricing.

Suspended support periods are typically added to the 20-year funding duration, effectively extending the remuneration timeframe.