Conversion to LED lighting
Funding programs in Deutschland
The conversion to LED lighting is supported in Germany by various funding programs that offer financial incentives for companies, municipalities, and non-profit organizations.
Please note that the application process and specific requirements may vary depending on the program. It is advisable to obtain comprehensive information before applying. German LED Tech will be happy to assist you.
The payback period for purchasing a GLT TUBE is so short that the economic advantage of a quick conversion without lengthy funding applications is usually greater. With the GLT rental model, you can start saving money from the first day after converting to the GLT TUBE. Functioning luminaires and fixtures should be retained to conserve resources and ensure true ESG compliance and environmental sustainability.
Overview of funding programs for converting to LED lighting
Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude (BEG/BAFA)
Nationale Klimaschutzinitiative
(NKI)
Bundesförderung
KfW Zuschuss und
KfW Kredit
Landesförderungen und Sonder-
abschreibungen
Federal funding for efficient buildings (BEG/BAFA)
The BEG EM funding program is administered by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) and is aimed at companies, municipalities, and other organizations. It supports individual measures to improve energy efficiency in existing buildings, including the conversion to energy-efficient LED lighting.
Overview of BAFA funding programsOverview of BAFA funding programs
Objectives and requirements of the funding program
The Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG) provides companies, municipalities and non-profit organizations with support in renovating buildings that permanently save energy costs and thus protect the climate.
Requirements:
- The existing lighting system must be more than five years old.
- The new LED lighting must have a minimum lifetime of ten years.
- Involvement of an energy efficiency expert.
- Minimum investment volume of €2,000 net.
Technical Requirements:
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System luminous efficacy of at least 140 lm/W for LED strip lighting systems and 120 lm/W for other lighting systems.
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Luminous flux maintenance (L80) of at least 50,000 operating hours.
Who is supported?
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Businesses, including sole proprietors and municipal enterprises
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Local authorities, municipal associations and special-purpose associations, and legally dependent municipal enterprises
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Non-profit organizations, including churches
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Private individuals, homeowners' associations, and freelancers
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Other legal entities under private law, including housing cooperatives
What is being funded?
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Replacement of complete lighting systems (luminaire, light source, reflector/optics, cover)
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Installation of control and regulation technology, e.g., presence- or daylight-dependent controls
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Purchase, installation, and commissioning of eligible system components
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Deinstallation and proper disposal of the system components to be replaced
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Subsidies for LED lighting in combination with the modernization and replacement of luminaires.
How high is the subsidy rate?
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Funding rate: 15% of eligible expenditure for converting to LED lighting.
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Additional funding: 50% subsidy for specialist planning and construction supervision by energy efficiency experts.
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Maximum eligible expenditure: €1,000 per square meter of net floor area, up to a total of €5 million per project.
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Funding period: The directive entered into force on January 1, 2021, and ends on December 31, 2030.
National Climate Protection Initiative (NKI) – Municipal Guidelines
As part of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection's national climate protection initiative, energy efficiency measures in the areas of outdoor and street lighting, indoor and hall lighting, and driveway lighting are being promoted. This ensures lower energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The funding is specifically aimed at municipalities, municipal companies, and non-profit organizations.
Objectives and requirements of the funding program
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) has been promoting LED indoor and outdoor lighting since 2008. The revised municipal guidelines have been in effect since November 1, 2024. Applications can be submitted since February 1, 2025.
Who is supported?
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Municipalities (legally dependent businesses and other municipal institutions are not eligible to apply due to their lack of legal personality. Municipalities may submit an application on their behalf),
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Legally independent businesses and other institutions with at least 25 percent municipal participation, as well as special-purpose associations with municipal participation,
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Public, non-profit, charitable, and religious institutions – with the exception of the federal government – in the areas of education, preschool, school, or higher education, child and youth welfare, health, culture, nursing, care, accommodation, and social assistance – each for the respective institutions,
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Non-profit and charitable associations for the institutions they operate,
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Religious communities with corporate status and their foundations.
Alle Antragsberechtigten finden sich unter Abschnitt 5 der Kommunalrichtlinie.
Außerdem sind Unternehmen antragsberechtigt, die das Projekt als Contractoren für eine Kommune oder einen kommunalen Zusammenschluss umsetzen. Weitere Details hierzu finden sich unter Nummer 5.3 der Kommunalrichtlinie.
What is being funded?
- Refurbishment of indoor and hall lighting.
- Refurbishment of outdoor and street lighting.
- Installation of control and regulation technology.
- The complete lighting system consisting of luminaire, lamp, reflector/optics, and cover.
- The purchase, installation, erection, and commissioning of eligible system components, including the necessary installation materials.
- The deinstallation and proper disposal of the system components to be replaced.
The approval period is usually 18 months.
How high is the subsidy rate?
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The grant amounts to 25 percent of total eligible expenditures.
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Financially weak municipalities and applicants from lignite-mining regions (according to Section 2 of the Structural Strengthening Act for Coal Regions of August 8, 2020)Section 2 of the Structural Strengthening Act for Coal Regions of August 8, 2020) can receive 40 percent of total eligible expenditures as a grant.
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Municipalities are considered financially weak if they can demonstrate participation in a state aid or budget stabilization program, or if their financial weakness is certified by the municipal supervisory authority.
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Applicants from lignite-mining regions do not need to provide separate proof to benefit from the increased funding rate. In this case, allocation via their postal code is sufficient. Please note that you must explicitly apply for the increased funding rate using the easy online form (see "Application Process and Application").
Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG EM) KfW Grant and KfW Loan
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers low-interest loans for the energy-efficient renovation of buildings, including the conversion to LED lighting. These programs are aimed at companies and municipalities that want to invest in sustainable infrastructure.
Funding programs KfW fundingFunding programs KfW funding
Funding details:
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Financing contribution: Up to 100% of the investment costs.
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Repayment subsidies: Available depending on the program and measure.
Requirements:
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Compliance with minimum technical requirements. Proof of energy savings.
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Further information can be found on the KfW website: KfW funding programs.KfW funding programs.
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy: Funding for greater energy efficiency
Are you looking for the right funding program for renovating your building, replacing your heating system, or implementing efficiency measures in your municipality or company? Find out more and benefit from the wide range of federal funding options!
Further state funding programs and special depreciation
In addition to the nationwide programs, some federal states offer their own funding programs for converting to LED lighting. These programs vary by state and are often aimed at sports clubs, schools, and other non-profit organizations.
Please note that certain requirements apply to these tax benefits and funding programs. We recommend seeking individual advice before implementing an LED renovation to identify and optimally utilize the funding opportunities that are right for your company or municipality.
Examples of state funding programs:
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Bavaria: SportFöR – Funding for sports clubs with subsidies of between 20% and 55% for LED lighting.
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Baden-Württemberg: WLSB Sportstättenbau – Funding for sports clubs with subsidies of 30% for LED lighting in indoor and outdoor areas.
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Hessen: Funding for club-owned sports facilities with subsidies for LED lighting.
Please note that the availability and conditions of these programs vary by state.
Special depreciation for energy-saving renovations
Companies that upgrade their buildings to make them more energy efficient can receive tax incentives. This includes measures such as converting to LED lighting. These investments contribute to reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions and can be deducted from their taxes.
Investment allowance for environmentally friendly systems
Companies can claim an investment allowance for investments in environmentally friendly and energy-efficient systems. This applies particularly to systems that contribute to improving energy efficiency, such as LED lighting systems. This allowance allows companies to reduce their tax burden while simultaneously investing in sustainable technologies.
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