Austria suspends sales tax on private photovoltaic systems for two years

As part of an »economic offensive«, the Austrian federal government agreed on Tuesday (October 17) during its negotiations on the upcoming budget on a series of measures that are intended to »strengthen investments in the economic location and above all promote ecological construction and renovation measures.« These include a two-year suspension of value added tax on private photovoltaic systems with up to 35 kilowatts. According to the Federal Association Photovoltaic Austria (PV Austria), this includes components and installation. In addition to the financial benefit, the measure is primarily intended to reduce bureaucracy.
PV Austria has been calling for the sales tax waiver or at least a reduction for years, and last February the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) also adopted the proposal. In the economic stimulus package now planned by the government, the total volume of which is stated at €3 billion ($3.17 billion) for renewable energies and renovation measures and another €3 billion for an »energy cost subsidy for the economy,« €650 million ($686 million) are planned for the sales tax exemption.
© PHOTON