Austria’s Ministry of the Economy, Energy and Tourism (BWET) has launched the 2nd funding round for 2025 for solar PV systems with a total budget of €40 million. For the first time, the program includes a ‘Made in Europe’ bonus to incentivize the use of European-manufactured components. 

Previously, the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs had announced up to a 20% Made in Europe bonus for eligible small-scale solar and storage projects, as announced in April this year, under the Electricity Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG) (see Austria To Offer ‘Made In Europe’ Bonus For Solar & Storage).  

Under the terms of the tender launched, the use of European components for the PV systems will attract up to 30% additional funding, including a 10% subsidy for PV modules, inverters, and storage systems. A proof by way of certification to show that the system components used were manufactured in Europe must be submitted to avail of this subsidy. Companies supplying such systems can also get listed for the Made in Europe bonus.

Submissions for the 2nd funding call began on June 23, 2025. Details will be available on the ministry’s website.

A planned amendment to the EAG, expected in the fall this year, will make energy storage systems also eligible for funding, independent of a new PV system, in the next funding round. It will strengthen grid stability and enable retrofitting of PV systems.  

Austrian Energy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer said the Made in Europe bonus will provide targeted incentives to keep solar PV production in Europe and prevent the migration of key renewable energy technologies further to China.

State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner added that this will strengthen domestic industries and also ensure the security of jobs.  

The allocated budget for the €40 million 1st funding round for 2025 was almost entirely exhausted, according to the ministry. The maximum applications came in for solar PV systems with storage. The lion’s share of the funding budget, €9.9 million, went to Upper Austria, followed by around €6.7 million to Styria, and approximately €6 million to Lower Austria.

In addition to the 2nd funding call for this year, the ministry has planned 2 more rounds. Of this, the 3rd round is planned for autumn 2025, followed by the 4th round covering the period from October 8, 2025 to October 22, 2025.