Beware of return traps in PV investments: Why "risk-free" is often a warning sign

Stuttgart, 2026 - Photovoltaic investments are considered stable real asset investments with predictable cash flows. However, as demand increases, so do aggressive advertising promises. Statements such as "PV investments without risk" or "guaranteed returns" sound attractive, but are a clear warning sign in the capital market environment. PVMarktplatz, the specialized platform for verified direct photovoltaic investments, warns of return traps and explains what investors should pay attention to in 2026. Photovoltaic systems are economically robust infrastructure projects - but they are not risk-free products. Every investment is subject to technical, regulatory, and market-related conditions. Those who advertise "no risk" ignore these factors or shift them into non-transparent contract structures. Especially for larger systems above 100 kWp, issues such as direct marketing, grid connection, lease agreements, construction quality, and operational management play a central role in the actual return. A common return error lies in unrealistic yield forecasts. Many providers calculate with optimistic solar yields or idealized market prices without realistically pricing in deductions for maintenance, downtime, or redispatch measures. Professional investors therefore examine not only the return ratio, but also the underlying assumptions: What irradiation data was used? How conservative are market value assumptions? Are marketing costs and service fees taken into account?

The cost structure of direct marketing is also often underestimated. Standard marketing fees range between 0.2 and 0.6 cents per kilowatt hour, plus fixed costs and technical requirements. For a megawatt-scale plant, small deviations can quickly add up to five-figure sums per year. Transparency in these areas is crucial for the real net return.

Another critical point is the lease structure. High one-time payments or heavily indexed contracts can significantly impact profitability over 20 years. Clear regulations on dismantling obligations, insurance, and technical management are equally relevant. Those who only work with glossy brochures without disclosing the contract details create uncertainty instead of substance.

PVMarktplatz deliberately focuses on verified photovoltaic projects that have undergone a complete economic, technical, and legal review. Instead of blanket promises, the focus is on reliable figures, transparent cost models, and realistic return assumptions. Investors gain access to verified new construction projects and existing plants with a transparent database at PVMarktplatz.

Existing plants in particular offer additional protection against return traps. Instead of forecasts, real yield data from several years of operation counts. Immediate cash flow, transparent maintenance history, and a clear marketing structure significantly reduce uncertainties. Investments start here at around EUR30,000 and enable structured portfolio diversification.

Tax aspects should also be considered realistically. Investment deductions and special depreciation increase the after-tax return, but they are no substitute for an economically viable project basis. Tax levers are an optimization tool--not a guarantee of returns. The most important rule for 2026 is therefore: anyone who advertises "no risk" is concealing risks. Those who disclose risks create trust. Photovoltaics remains an attractive asset class - provided that the location, project structure, marketing, and operational management are professionally organized. Investors who value audited projects, transparent figures, and sustainable substance will find corresponding offers and background information at PVMarktplatz. PVMarktplatz - Invest directly in photovoltaics. Transparent. Audited. Future-proof.

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.