We calculate the low-lying eigenmodes of the Neuberger overlap-Dirac operator for 4d compact lattice QED in the quenched approximation. In the strong coupling phase we find exact zero-modes. quite similar as in non-Abelian lattice QCD. Subsequently we make an attempt to identify responsible topological excitations of the U(1) lattice gauge theory. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.