The "Klimabonus Wunnen" subsidy aims to help citizens make investments in energy renovations, solar panels, or heat pumps. It has now been extended by five years, with the Chamber of Deputies unanimously backing the new changes announced.

Environment Minister Serge Wilmes explained at a press conference on Thursday that interest in the subsidies had increased significantly in recent years, with applications for energy renovations rising to 780 last year, compared to just 300 in 2020. Solar panels seem to be the most attractive option, with 10,600 applications in 2025, up from 550.

Since the scheme was introduced, 30,700 applications have been registered, with 21,760 of those for solar panels alone.

Around 60.6 million euros in subsidies have been paid out for energy renovations since 2020. For technical installations – such as solar panels, heat pumps, or wood-fired heating systems – around 343 million euros were paid out. In total, almost 400 million euros have been invested in recent years.

The new regime aims to further improve subsidies. For heat pumps in single-family homes, there is now a flat-rate subsidy of up to 10,000 or 12,000 euros, depending on the technology, with an additional bonus of 2,000 euros as part of the tripartite measures.

Up to 2,000 euros can be added for the expansion of the heating network, 1,500 euros for the removal of a heating oil tank, and another 2,000 euros for houses in a water protection zone. In the best case, a household could receive up to €17,500 in support.

Another important change is pre-financing, which will be available from 1 January 2027. Instead of private individuals paying the entire investment upfront, the subsidy is charged directly to the company.

After solar panel systems, this scheme will also be extended to heat pumps and parts of energy renovations. In addition, new subsidies will be introduced, including for the insulation of facades and roofs and for home energy management systems, with support worth €500.

The entire process is due to be simplified and digitalised. Applications for solar panels or heat pumps submitted via digital means may be processed in around three months, compared to up to ten months previously.

In an accompanying press release, Wilmes said the extreme heat currently being experienced was a clear sign of climate change.

He stressed that the new Klimabonus Wunnen subsidy would support investments that cut CO2 emissions, make homes and buildings more resilient, and improve living comfort, while its extension to 2030 would provide "the planning certainty that households and the sector need to carry out projects with confidence".