German distribution system operator Netze BW has introduced an automated grid assessment process for rooftop PV systems up to 15 kW. The new system can issue binding grid connection approvals in five minutes, down from an average of 12 days, provided sufficient grid capacity is available.
Grid operators across Germany are facing a growing number of connection requests for battery energy storage systems and rooftop solar installations. To manage the increasing workload, distribution system operators (DSOs), including Netze BW, are turning to digital solutions.
The southern German grid operator has unveiled an automated assessment process for PV systems with capacities of up to 15 kW. The system can reduce processing times from an average of 12 days to around five minutes in areas where sufficient grid capacity is available.
Netze BW launched the system in late July 2026, following a testing and rollout phase that began in November 2025. Since then, the company has received more than 16,000 grid connection requests for small-scale PV installations, according to Angelika Ruß, a Netze BW representative, speaking at a press briefing.
More than 5,000 applicants have already received automated responses within five minutes. Marc Schmidt, also of Netze BW, said these responses constitute binding grid connection approvals and specify the connection point for installations up to 15 kW.
Jörg Reichert, chairman of Netze BW’s management board, highlighted the company’s strong performance in a digitalization index published this summer by Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), the country’s energy regulator.
“The energy transition cannot be achieved with a single mouse click – but the right digital solutions can certainly speed things up significantly,” said Reichert. “Anyone wanting to connect a photovoltaic system should be able to reach their goal without paperwork, waiting on hold, or follow-up inquiries.”
In a recently published comparison of German DSOs, Netze BW recorded an average processing time of 12 days for manually assessed grid connection requests, compared with a median of 80 days across all operators. The automated system could further improve the company’s performance.
However, automated approvals are currently limited to installations in areas where grid capacity is not considered critical. In these locations, the entire process is handled through Netze BW’s online customer portal, which accepts and processes requests around the clock.
Schmidt said 99% of grid connection requests are now submitted through the portal.
The automated assessment relies on a digital grid model that maps power lines, substations and individual customer connections. The system calculates available grid capacity, checks technical constraints and accounts for previously approved connections.
Where the assessment identifies insufficient grid capacity, the application is referred for manual review. Netze BW staff then determine whether grid reinforcement is necessary or whether an alternative connection point is available. Such cases can take up to 12 days to process.
Applications for PV systems larger than 15 kW also continue to require manual assessment. Staff must review and verify the technical data before issuing a binding grid connection offer.
Netze BW plans to extend automation to additional connection processes while maintaining grid stability.
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