Photovoltaic power generation is booming for the following reasons:

lower cost of use

The most important reason for using photovoltaic power generation systems is the cost advantage: with photovoltaic power generation, you can produce your own electricity more cheaply, at a cost of 11 to 13 cents per kilowatt hour. By comparison, among electricity suppliers, the average price per kilowatt hour is as high as 32 cents (February 2024), which is about three times higher. Therefore, for a household, electricity from its own photovoltaic system means the relief of a huge financial burden.

Flexible usage options

The cost advantages of photovoltaic systems as a single solution are already apparent, but there is still room for improvement. Power storage, heat pumps and more provide complete solutions, enabling broad independence in the electricity market.

world and climate

Switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is one of the most effective means of climate protection. To meet requirements in the long term and make an important contribution to protecting the climate and environment, photovoltaics are an ideal solution:

• Carbon-neutral energy production without the use of fossil fuels
• Has great cost advantages compared with other renewable energy sources

• Long life 20 to 25 years

Photovoltaic modules convert the energy of sunlight into electrical energy by utilizing the so-called photoelectric effect. A module consists of several connected crystalline silicon.

Since the development of the first solar photovoltaic module in 1954, module efficiency represents the percentage of sunlight that is converted into electrical energy. with MIT
Monocrystalline modules currently have efficiencies between 18% and 22%, while polycrystalline modules have efficiencies between 15% and 20%.

Each photovoltaic system consists of several components:

Photovoltaic power generation module

The most important component of a photovoltaic system is the photovoltaic module. First, it can convert sunlight into electricity. The difference lies in its internal structure

Photovoltaic systems must be installed in areas with the most sunlight. It is usually installed on the roof.

Photovoltaic system principles

Photovoltaic modules generate direct current (DC). For practical use, it is converted into common alternating current (AC). Then you can immediately
Use, store or feed it into the grid. In this case, you will also need a power counter.

How to upgrade your PV system to a complete solution

Using the components described, you already have a fully functional photovoltaic system that can cover part of your power needs. Even with this single solution, you already benefit from greater independence and can significantly reduce costs.

Photovoltaic power generation relies on sunlight. Therefore, during daylight hours, plants reach peak production, which declines as darkness increases. However, this usually doesn't suit your consumption habits, and you need power even at night.

If you add a power storage system to your PV system, you can easily store excess power. You can then use the low-cost electricity you produce around the clock.

On average, a single-family home's photovoltaic system can meet about 30% of its electricity needs. Using power storage, you can increase your own consumption to 50-80%. The larger the memory capacity, the more power can be used.

Before you begin the detailed planning of a photovoltaic system in your own home, you first need to understand a basic question: Does the building meet the necessary conditions for using photovoltaics to generate clean electricity? We will learn about it in the following case.

Case:

Modern solar cells can generate clean electricity in a relatively small space. It is recommended to install at least 5 kilowatts peak (kWp), which can be achieved with 12 standard monocrystalline modules of 400 watts each. This requires a roof area of approximately 24 m2 (1 module = nearly 2 m2).

However, 10 square meters of roof area per kilowatt-hour is more realistic because obstructions or accumulations require the removal of part of the roof area. For 5 kWp, approximately 50 m² of roof is required.

Effect:

The ideal installation effect is to install the photovoltaic panels on a south-facing roof. Only in this way can you get the best benefits. But even if your roof doesn't have the best orientation, you can still generate enough electricity with a photovoltaic system.

Have an expert check beforehand whether your roof is suitable for a photovoltaic system. In the north, in most cases, it is not economical to use photovoltaic power generation due to the short lighting period.

Should I reroof before installing equipment?

Photovoltaic systems have a service life of up to 30 years. During this time, the roof of the house does not need to be renovated. Otherwise, you will incur unavoidable high costs after installing the equipment. If the roof is old or the roof cover is damaged, it is recommended to renovate it before installing a photovoltaic system.

How much does it cost to install a photovoltaic system?

In recent years, the price of photovoltaic power generation has dropped significantly. Modules can be manufactured more cheaply and end users benefit from this.

As a basic cost framework for new facilities:

• Prices for a turnkey PV system (with 5 to 15 kW peak power) with storage are 1,800 to 2,400 euros net per kW peak.
• The larger the factory, the cheaper the price per kilowatt peak.
• The size and selection (such as power) of components used can also affect the level of investment.

The photovoltaic system does not generate electricity around the clock. With the use of a power storage device, you can store power that is not consumed during the day. It can be used in the evening and in the morning.

The great advantage of a photovoltaic system with memory is that your own electricity consumption is higher, but your electricity bills are lower. Depending on average electricity consumption and your consumption behavior, it may make sense to install power storage in conjunction with new equipment.

Whether it is worthwhile to retrofit energy storage batteries in existing systems is first of all an economic issue. However, we will check for you whether your PV system needs modifications. Basically, electricity storage is a great option to take the load off the grid and increase independence from energy suppliers.

The photovoltaic system cannot simply be installed on the roof of a house, it must also be registered with your network operator, the Federal Network Agency and the Finance Office

Register with network operator

The first step in the registration process is a network request. In this way, the network operator will authorize you to install the photovoltaic system. Required documents include:

• Location Plan
• Schedule
• Application Startup
• Data sheet and certificate of compliance

Once the installation is complete, the network operator will also receive a completion message. He then takes this facility and the market master data is recorded. Within two to three weeks after receiving all the documents, the energy supplier will change the counter by installing a double counter before your equipment is finally connected to the grid and can provide for excess Powered by electricity.

Report to the Finance Bureau

You will need a tax ID number before proceeding with attachment registration. For this purpose, the photovoltaic system must be registered with the Finance Bureau. The tax authorities can provide you with information if they have questions. How to best manage your PV system To complete registration you will need your tax number, but in any case.