Rent Roof Area

As the owner of a large roof area from 1000m², you can benefit long-term by leasing your unused roof area for photovoltaic systems. Make profitable use of your roof area, which would otherwise generate no income, and learn about the advantages and requirements of this lucrative opportunity.

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Rent out roof area for solar or use it yourself?

If you as a roof owner are considering using previously unused roof areas for the installation of photovoltaic systems, you can lease your roof area or use the roof area yourself for the installation of a solar system. Below you will find an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of both alternatives:

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Roof rental for solar systems	No initial investment necessary Existing roof area is used profitably Free roof renovation	Long-term transfer of usage rights to your roof area to the tenant
Buy or rent your own solar system	Use of the produced electricity	Higher initial investment costs Own financial risk must be borne

The choice between these options depends on your individual goals and long-term plans.

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Rent Roof for Solar - Which roofs are suitable?

Renting out your unused roof area for the installation of photovoltaic systems offers you the opportunity to generate additional income. Starting from a roof area of 1000m², as typically found in commercial properties, warehouses or agricultural buildings, a possible collaboration with us can be discussed.

Large Production Halls

Agricultural Buildings such as Warehouses or Stables

Commercial Businesses and Housing Cooperatives

Public Facilities such as Swimming Pools or Schools

Tennis, Equestrian & Sports Halls

Especially for owners of agricultural facilities, large production and storage halls, renting out roofs can be an extremely profitable option.

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Why Milk the Sun

Milk the Sun, headquartered in Nuremberg, is a specialized platform for brokering commercial solar projects. Whether large rooftop systems or solar parks - here you will find comprehensive opportunities to successfully acquire or market your projects.

Regardless of whether you are an employee, self-employed, entrepreneur or owner of unused areas - Milk the Sun is Germany's No.1 contact point for benefiting from solar investments.

€ Transaction Volume

2235

Projects

different countries

8724

MW Power

Leading Online Platform for Photovoltaic Investments Since 2012

Since our founding in 2012, Milk the Sun has established itself as the leading online platform for brokering photovoltaic investments. Our focus is on providing new construction and existing systems as well as project rights, primarily in Germany. Over the years, we have built a steadily growing community of customers who benefit from the comprehensive visibility our platform offers. Buyers find a diverse selection of PV systems and project rights that meet their needs.

Over One Billion Euros in Photovoltaic Projects Brokered

With a brokered transaction volume of over one billion euros, the 1,875 GW of photovoltaic capacity we have brokered since 2012 represents a significant market share. Our experience from more than a thousand successfully completed transactions makes us a reliable partner for buying or selling your photovoltaic projects. Whether it's rooftop systems or solar parks, our goal is to achieve the best value for each party.

Comprehensive Network with Over 1,700 Developers

In collaboration with more than 500 national developers and an additional 1,200 international partners, we offer a wide range of photovoltaic systems. This diversity enables investors to choose from an abundance of new construction systems and existing projects offered through our platform. These partnerships not only expand our offerings but also strengthen the diversity and quality of available projects.

A Community of Over 52,000 Registered Solar Investors

Our platform now has over 52,000 registered customers interested in solar investments. Since our launch, we have continuously received new inquiries from potential investors and keep our extensive investor database constantly updated with the latest projects. As a developer or owner of a photovoltaic system, you benefit from our extensive network and expertise to effectively market your project and achieve the best possible conditions.

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Lease Roof Area for Photovoltaics: Requirements Overview

Not every roof area is suitable for roof leasing. Below we provide you with an overview of the important requirements that must be met in order to rent a roof for photovoltaics.

Size of the Roof Area

An important criterion when renting out a solar area is the size of the roof area. For a single-family house with a roof area of up to 1000 m², roof rental is possible. For large production halls and agricultural operations with a roof area of more than 1000 m², you can lease roofs. However, even if the roof area has such a size, it may not necessarily be suitable for roof rental, as other factors also have an influence.

Load-Bearing Capacity of the Roof

A photovoltaic system also has an impact on the building. It must be ensured that the roof can bear the weight of the photovoltaic system. You can expect approximately 10 - 30 kilograms per square meter. Since higher snowfall is to be expected in some regions, it should be calculated in advance whether the roof can continue to support the photovoltaic system even under snow load. It is advisable to commission a structural engineer to check the load-bearing capacity of the roof.

Shading

Another criterion is shading. This is important because it reduces the performance of the PV system. Shading can be caused by neighboring houses, trees or superstructures. Shading from trees can often be remedied by trimming the trees.

Accessibility

The roof must be easily accessible. If, for example, cables have to be laid over other properties, this means a higher effort for the installation of the photovoltaic system.

First-Priority Easement

When renting out roofs, it is also important that registration in the land register as a first-priority easement is possible.

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Lease Roof for Solar - what's it about?

Whether private house, warehouse or large commercial property, as a homeowner you can rent out your roof and thereby generate rental income. Renting roof area for photovoltaics means that homeowners rent their roof areas to investors who in return pay them a previously agreed compensation. However, certain requirements must be met for roof rental. The roofs must have a minimum size and be in good condition to be able to support the photovoltaic modules.

In return for property owners leasing their roof area, they receive a fixed compensation that is paid out annually. The high acquisition costs of a solar system are eliminated with roof leasing. You can thus benefit from the lease income without costs and thereby support the expansion of renewable energies.

Lease Roof Area for Photovoltaics - How does it work?

Renting out roofs is based on a simple principle: If property owners do not want to install a solar system on their roof themselves, they have the option to rent out their roof for the installation of a photovoltaic system. The generated solar electricity is fed into the public grid, and the tenant of the roof areas receives the currently valid feed-in tariffs.

In return for providing the roof, the building owners receive regular rental payments. The amount of roof rent is determined individually and recorded in the lease agreement. The lease payment is normally made annually.

Lease Roof for Solar System: the Lease Agreement

When leasing a roof, the PV investor and property owner draw up a lease agreement. The lease agreement is concluded between the landlord of the roof area and the photovoltaic company. For the real security of the photovoltaic system, a first-priority easement is registered in the land register at the local district court. The entry refers to the building itself and not to the property owner. Therefore, if there is a change of ownership, the registration remains in place. The lease agreement is concluded for a period of up to 40 years, sometimes even longer. Given the fixed 20-year feed-in tariff according to the Renewable Energy Act (EEG) for photovoltaic systems, it makes sense to also establish this period as the minimum duration in a lease agreement. However, it is important to note that photovoltaic systems generate electricity over a much longer period, which is why the lease agreement should also include provisions beyond the 20 years. In this way, landlords benefit from secure income over many years when leasing roof areas. During the period specified in the lease agreement, the property owner receives a percentage share of the profits from the photovoltaic investment.

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Lease Roof for Solar: the Advantages

Below we inform you in detail about the advantages of roof leasing.

Roof Area Rental Price

When you rent out your roof area for solar, you benefit from secure income over a minimum period of 20 years. Depending on the size of the roof area, you benefit from annual income in the four-figure range.

Use of Roof Area

By renting out your roof area, a surface is used profitably that would otherwise not generate any income.

No Risk

You don't have to take any financial risk when purchasing the photovoltaic system. Investment costs, maintenance and repair costs are not incurred by the landlord.

40 Years of Income

You benefit from secure rental income over a period of up to 40 years. In the first 20 years, you benefit from a high one-time payment for the roof lease and then in years 20-40 from the lease payments from the generated income of the PV investment.

Free Roof Renovation

When you lease your roof area, you benefit from a free roof renovation if your roof needs refurbishment. Since a roof renovation involves high costs, this means significant savings and you can use the saved amount elsewhere.

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Lease Roof Area for Photovoltaics – what are the disadvantages?

To help you better consider whether roof rental is suitable for you, we have also summarized the disadvantages.

The lease agreement runs for a period of at least 20 years. During this time, you cannot use the roof area for other purposes.
The criteria established at the beginning apply for the entire period. You must therefore ensure that the shading does not change and that all other conditions are maintained for the period.

Lease Roof for Solar – is it economical?

Roof rental is a sensible way to generate regular income over a long period with your unused roof area. Regarding roof area rental for photovoltaic prices, the economic viability particularly depends on whether the used roof area needs renovation or is in mint condition. Since the government compensation for fed-in solar electricity decreases every year, this also affects the economic viability of roof rental. If you want to rent out your unused roof areas, you should therefore act quickly to benefit from the current feed-in tariff.

Lease Roof Areas: particularly lucrative for large roof areas

Furthermore, the size of your roof area is relevant. If your roof area has a surface of at least 1000m², it is definitely worthwhile to rent your roof for photovoltaics. You can thus profitably lease your roof area if you are the owner of a large roof area, such as on production halls, warehouses and other larger buildings. In the case of a roof in need of renovation, you can additionally benefit from a free roof renovation.

A Contribution to Environmental Protection: Renting Roof Area Supports the Energy Transition

When you rent your roof area for solar, you make an important contribution to environmentally friendly energy generation and the energy transition. The solar system for which you rent your roof area generates clean electricity. This significantly contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. As a renewable energy source, solar energy has no harmful effects on the environment. With electricity generation through solar energy, the consumption of fossil fuels such as lignite or crude oil is automatically reduced.

Lease Roof for Solar System - Image Gain and Promotion of Clean Electricity Generation

If you are the owner of a large warehouse, an agricultural business or a public facility, you can support your company's image by renting out roof area. By making an important contribution to environmental protection and producing green electricity, your company positively affects its external image.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roof Leasing

How much profit do I receive for roof leasing?

When you rent your roof for solar, the amount of lease payment is of great importance. If you decide against roof rental, you will not generate any income with the unused roof area. When you rent your roof area, you receive regular high compensation for a period of at least 20 to 40 years. How high the expected rental income will be when you lease roofs depends on the size of the solar system. The larger the photovoltaic system, the higher your income will be.

How long does the lease agreement usually last?

Lease agreements for photovoltaic systems on roofs can have different terms, but they extend for at least 20 to 40 years. The exact duration is determined in the agreement.

Do I have to invest in the photovoltaic system myself?

When you rent out your roof area, you do not need to make your own investment in the photovoltaic system. The costs for installation and maintenance are usually covered by the solar company.

How does renting my roof area affect the value of my property?

The installation of photovoltaic systems can increase the value of your property, as you promote sustainable energy generation and thus contribute to environmental protection. In the case of a roof in need of renovation, a free roof renovation as part of the roof lease immediately increases the value of your property.

What happens in case of damage to the solar modules or systems?

Typically, the solar company is responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the systems. Ensure that the lease agreement clearly regulates these aspects.

Can I terminate my lease agreement early?

The possibility of early termination depends on the specific contract conditions. However, long-term contracts are usually binding.

Which official permits and regulations apply to photovoltaic systems?

Photovoltaic systems are subject to various permits and regulations. The solar company is responsible for compliance with these regulations.

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Alternatives to Roof Rental

If your roof area does not meet the requirements for roof rental, there are still other attractive alternatives for how you can generate high profits with your unused roof area. A lucrative alternative, if you do not have a roof area of at least 1000m², is investing in your own photovoltaic system on your roof. This alternative allows you to maintain full control over the system and use the generated electricity for your own needs. Otherwise, you can feed the generated or excess electricity into the public power grid and thereby generate secure returns over many years.

After Roof Area Leasing: Options After Contract Term Expires

When you lease roofs, the lease agreement extends over a long-term period of at least 20 to 40 years. After the lease agreement expires, there are various options you can use.

Dismantling of the PV System: One option is the deinstallation of the photovoltaic system. The dismantling of the solar system is normally handled by the solar company. This arrangement should be established in the lease agreement at the beginning of the roof lease.
Takeover of the Solar System: After the lease period expires, you can purchase the solar system from the owner and continue to benefit from the returns.
Contract Extension: You can decide to extend the lease agreement after the contract period expires.

Lease Roof Area for Photovoltaic Prices 2024

For solar systems commissioned in July 2022 or since then, new compensation rates apply. A distinction is made here between full feed-in and self-consumption systems. These compensation rates also apply to photovoltaic systems commissioned in 2024. Systems with self-consumption now receive higher compensation rates and systems with full feed-in receive an even higher compensation rate. However, since the compensation rates are expected to continue to fall in the coming years, you should not wait any longer and use your roof area profitably as soon as possible. In 2024, it is particularly lucrative to rent your roof for photovoltaics, as the feed-in tariff has been increased for the first time in many years and will continue to fall in the coming years.

Lease Photovoltaic Roof - Conclusion

If you want to rent out your roof, this represents a risk-free opportunity to generate high income in the long term. Renting roof areas for a PV system also offers high planning security, as the lease agreement stipulates a contract duration of at least 20 to 40 years. If you want to invest in photovoltaics without equity capital, roof rental represents an optimal opportunity. Furthermore, when you rent out a solar area, you promote sustainably generated electricity and thus support the energy transition. Since it is expected that the feed-in tariff will continue to decline in the following years, you should make the decision to rent your roof area as soon as possible in order to use it as profitably as possible.

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