Questions and Answers
Fragen und Antworten
Photovoltaic Modules (PV Modules):
PV Modules, central to every solar system, convert sunlight into electrical energy. This is done through the photovoltaic effect in the installed solar cells. PV Modules are characterized by their longevity, increasing efficiency, and independence from fossil fuels. They are also increasingly economically viable through advanced manufacturing technologies.
Inverters:
Inverters convert the direct current generated by the PV modules into alternating current used in households and businesses. Advanced inverters increase the overall efficiency of the system and continuously monitor the performance of the plant, allowing for early detection and correction of problems.
Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPP-Tracker):
The MPP-Tracker is an essential component within many inverters. It optimizes the performance of the PV modules by continuously determining and tracking the operating point with the maximum power yield. This particularly increases system efficiency and maximizes energy yield, especially in varying weather conditions.
Smart Meters:
Smart Meters record electricity consumption and generation in real-time. This allows users to efficiently monitor and control their energy consumption. Through the provided data, users can optimize their energy use and increase self-consumption.
Energy Storage Systems (Battery Storage):
Battery storage allows for the storage of excess energy generated during the day for use at peak times or during the night. Increased self-consumption can achieve independence from the public power grid and improved supply security.
The advantage of this approach is that you can not only produce energy independently but also effectively store and manage it. This leads to a significant increase in self-consumption, which lowers the electricity bill and reduces dependence on the public power grid.
Energy Management Systems:
Energy management systems control and optimize the energy flow within the system. They analyze consumption patterns and distribute energy efficiently, thereby achieving optimized energy consumption, cost savings, and improved sustainability.
Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles (Wallbox):
Charging stations enable the direct consumption of solar power for electric vehicles. They contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and offer an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to the use of fossil fuels.
Photovoltaics is a technology that directly converts sunlight into electrical energy. For this purpose, so-called solar cells are used, which are made of semiconductive material. When light hits the solar cells, it creates an electric voltage, which can then be used to generate electricity.
Solar power is a clean and renewable energy source that can help reduce CO2 emissions and thus combat climate change. Additionally, solar power can reduce energy costs and stabilize them in the long term.
The cost of a photovoltaic system depends on many factors, such as the size of the system, the type of modules, the number of inverters, and the installation effort. On average, a typical photovoltaic system costs between 15.000 and 25.000 euros.
The electricity production of a photovoltaic system depends on many factors, such as the size of the system, the type of modules, the orientation towards the sky, and the solar irradiance. An average system can produce approximately 1,000 to 1,500 kWh per kWp annually.
A solar power system with a capacity of 10 kilowatt peak (kWp) delivers on average about 8,000 to 12,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
A photovoltaic system has a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years. The performance of the system decreases over time, but it should still produce enough electricity to be economically viable. To extend the lifespan of a PV system, it should be regularly maintained to detect and address potential problems early on. Additionally, the system should be kept clean to avoid contaminations on the modules.
The size of the roof depends on the desired power of the photovoltaic system. For an average system, you need about 10 to 20 square meters of roof space per kWp.
The amount of electricity you can save with a photovoltaic system depends on various factors, such as the size and orientation of the system, the location, sunlight exposure, and your own electricity consumption. However, a well-planned and installed photovoltaic system can cover a significant portion of your electricity needs and help you reduce your electricity bill. In some cases, it might even be possible to generate more electricity than needed and feed it back into the grid, leading to savings or revenues from feed-in tariffs.
The feed-in tariff for solar power depends on various factors, such as the installation date of the system and the feed-in period. In Germany, it is currently between 7 to 12 cents per kWh.
The payback period for a photovoltaic system depends on various factors, such as the size of the system, the components installed, power consumption, and the costs of the system. Typically, the payback period for a system is between 8 and 12 years, depending on the specific circumstances. However, there are cases where the payback time can be faster or slower, especially if there are government subsidies or feed-in tariffs. It’s important to note that a photovoltaic system is typically designed to last at least 25 years, meaning it can provide free electricity for many more years after the payback period.
A photovoltaic system is typically installed on the roof of a building. To do this, solar panels are mounted on the roof using brackets and are interconnected. Subsequently, an inverter is installed, which converts the generated direct current into alternating current and feeds it into the electrical grid.
A photovoltaic system generally requires minimal maintenance. Additionally, having the electrical components inspected by a professional every few years can be beneficial. We recommend maintenance approximately every three years after the establishment of the PV system.
Manufacturers of solar modules and inverters typically offer a warranty of 10 to 15 years on their products. Additionally, there is often a performance guarantee on the solar modules that spans a period of 25 to 30 years.
Yes, a photovoltaic system can be effectively combined with a heat pump. The energy produced can power the heat pump, leading to further reductions in energy costs. Combining photovoltaics and a heat pump can also help to lower the overall energy consumption of the household and reduce the carbon footprint. However, it’s important to carefully plan the size of the photovoltaic system and the capacity of the heat pump to ensure sufficient energy supply and meet the needs of the household.
There are subsidies for PV systems in Germany. Here are some of the main subsidy programs:
- EEG Feed-in Tariff: Operators of PV systems that are subsidized under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) receive a guaranteed feed-in tariff for the electricity they produce.
- KfW Promotion: The KfW Bank offers low-interest loans and repayment grants for the construction of PV systems.
- Market Incentive Program: The Market Incentive Program of the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA) promotes the use of renewable energies, including PV systems, in residential buildings.
- State Promotion: Some federal states offer additional subsidy programs for PV systems.
- Municipal Promotion: Some municipalities (e.g., Aachen, Düsseldorf, Cologne, Münster, Stuttgart, etc.) also offer individual promotion programs. Here you can find an overview of the promotions for individual municipalities.
Yes, it is possible to install a photovoltaic system on a balcony or in the garden. In these cases, it is typically smaller systems that are used to power devices in the garden or household.
Yes, photovoltaic systems can also be used for electricity storage. However, an additional battery is required to store the excess electricity. This way, the electricity can be used later when there is no solar energy available, for example at night or on cloudy days.
The amount of CO2 savings depends on various factors, such as the size of the PV system, its location, and the technology used. In Germany, an average photovoltaic system with a capacity of 5 kWp can save about 3,000 kg of CO2 per year by reducing the electricity drawn from the public grid. This is roughly equivalent to the emissions of a car with a gasoline consumption of 8 liters per 100 kilometers, traveling a distance of 15,000 kilometers per year.
The lifespan of solar modules is typically 25 years or more. Inverters have a shorter lifespan, usually ranging from 10 to 15 years.