Photovoltaic systems Investments vs. real estate - return comparison 2026

With tax advantages, cash flow, and portfolio diversification Stuttgart, 2026 - For decades, real estate has been considered a classic tangible asset investment. However, rising purchase prices, falling rental yields, and increasing regulation are changing the picture. At the same time, photovoltaic systems are developing into an independent asset class with stable cash flows, tax advantages, and low administrative costs. For many investors, the question is no longer "real estate or PV?" but "how can I strategically combine the two?"

While residential real estate in good locations often achieves gross returns of between 2.5 and 4 percent, professionally structured photovoltaic projects - depending on size, location, and marketing model - achieve total returns in the range of 6 to 9 percent before taxes. However, it is crucial to consider costs and tax advantages.

With the investment deduction (IAB), photovoltaic systems offer the opportunity to claim up to 50 percent of the planned investment amount for tax purposes even before implementation. In addition, there is a special depreciation of up to 40 percent in the year of purchase and linear depreciation over 20 years. This results in a considerable liquidity advantage, especially for entrepreneurs, high-earning employees, and freelancers with a high tax burden. For an investment of EUR200,000, the IAB can result in a tax relief of around EUR42,000 at a tax rate of 42 percent. This significantly increases the effective return on equity.

In comparison, real estate also offers depreciation, but with significantly higher ongoing expenses. Finding tenants, credit checks, drafting contracts, utility bills, maintenance, modernization obligations, payment defaults, and legal disputes are part of everyday life for many landlords. Added to this are risks from vacancies or regulatory interventions. These expenses cost time and capital and reduce the real net return.

Photovoltaic systems work differently in terms of structure. There is no tenant management, no payment defaults, and no rent discussions. Income is generated by solar radiation, technical availability, and clean planning. With professional management, monitoring, and direct marketing, the administrative effort remains manageable. The PVMarktplatz direct photovoltaic investment platform gives investors access to verified photovoltaic projects and existing systems where profitability, operational management, and marketing are already integrated.

Existing plants in particular offer additional security. Instead of working with forecasts, yield models are based on real production data from several years of operation. Investors benefit from immediate cash flow from the time of acquisition and shorter remaining terms with faster amortization. Investments here start at around EUR30,000 and range up to the higher six-figure range. Direct marketing is also an economic lever. Depending on the provider, standard marketing costs range between 0.2 and 0.6 cents per kilowatt hour plus fixed flat rates. Bundled operator structures allow for better conditions to be achieved here. Service partners such as SUNLIFE-Service manage several hundred photovoltaic systems and have framework agreements with direct marketers, so that purchasing advantages are passed on directly to investors.

Another strategic advantage lies in portfolio diversification. Those who already own real estate can use photovoltaic systems to build up an additional, independent source of income. While real estate depends on the regional rental market, PV income is based on energy prices, market premiums, or PPA structures. Combining both asset classes reduces cluster risks within the asset strategy and stabilizes overall cash flow.

Exit options also speak in favor of PV investments. Systems can be resold after a few years of operation with a remaining term - often with attractive returns for second buyers, as real yield data is available. Alternatively, a photovoltaic system is suitable for gradual asset transfer or sale within the family. By taking advantage of tax allowances, stable cash flow assets can be transferred efficiently.

Real estate remains an established component of wealth accumulation. Photovoltaic systems complement this strategy with tax leverage, predictable cash flows, and lower administrative costs. Those who focus on substance, diversification, and tax-optimized returns in 2026 will intelligently combine both asset classes.

Interested parties can find further information on certified photovoltaic projects, existing systems, and structured direct investments at PVMarktplatz.

SUNLIFE-Sales GmbH
Widmaierstr. 110
70567 Stuttgart
Germany

https://www.pvmarktplatz.de

+49 (0) 711 99599 250
investment@pvmarktplatz.de

PVMarktplatz.de is a digital platform for directly investable photovoltaic systems in Germany. The offering is aimed at investors who want to invest in specific PV projects. PVMarktplatz.de is part of the SUNLIFE Group with locations in Dresden and Stuttgart.

This release was published on openPR.