German Env Min eyes 15 pct solar tariff cut-sources

BERLIN Jan 20 (Reuters) - German Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen plans to propose a 15 percent cut in feed-in tariffs for new roof solar subsidies, less than previously expected, coalition sources told Reuters on Wednesday. "Regarding the one-off cuts in subsidies for new roof solar systems planned for April, 15 percent is now being discussed," one of the sources said.

This would be slightly less than the 16-17 percent previously reported. [ID:nLDE60E05V] However, the plans envisage cuts for open field and farmland sites of about 15 percent and 25 percent, respectively, according to the sources, but would become effective from July.

Additional cuts of 2.5 percent will be made from 2011 if installations exceed 3,500 megawatts in the previous 12 months. Feed-in tariffs will be raised by 2 percent should installations fall below 2,500 megawatts, the sources said.

The Environment Ministry said it would make a statement on the feed-in tariffs shortly.

(Reporting by Markus Wacket, writing by Christoph Steitz)