ᐅ Is a solar power system cost-effective for us?

Created on: 14 May 2021 22:00
H
Hausbautraum20
Hello,

we are currently considering whether to install a solar power system. I have noticed there are various opinions on this topic, but individual factors also play a role. Apparently, it might not be financially beneficial for us, or I may be overlooking something.

Here is our current situation:
- Quote for a 5 kWp solar system with everything included: just under 10,000€ (approximately $10,000)
-> 500€ (approximately $540) annual depreciation
- Interest on 10,000€ (approximately $10,000): 100€ (approximately $110)

---> 600€ (approximately $650) annual costs

Income:
A 5 kWp system apparently generates about 4,500 kWh.
We currently consume 1,500 kWh annually, but there are only two of us so far.

So, I roughly save 800 kWh x 0.30€ = 240€ (approximately $260) for self-consumption and receive 3,700 kWh x 0.08€ = 300€ (approximately $325) feed-in tariff.
That makes a total income of 540€ (approximately $585).

The hard part to estimate is the share of self-consumption covered by the solar system. Since we are not home during the day and mostly use appliances in the evening, I find the 800 kWh out of 1,500 kWh estimate rather optimistic.

If not all new buildings around us had solar systems, I would not hesitate further, but maybe my reasoning is flawed?
What do the solar system supporters say?

Thanks for your assessment!
U
user-d29
15 May 2021 21:19
hanghaus2000 schrieb:

Can you tell me who that is?
ClenSolar – I have already purchased two systems from them.
H
hampshire
16 May 2021 08:14
hanghaus2000 schrieb:

With the same photovoltaic area and tilt?
Yes. An east-west system provides less peak power but spreads it over more hours of sunlight. Those who are home mostly in the mornings and evenings benefit in terms of self-consumption. The lower the feed-in tariff becomes, the more worthwhile east-west systems are for private homes.
H
hanghaus2000
16 May 2021 08:19
hampshire schrieb:

Yes. An east-west system delivers less peak power spread over more hours of sunlight. Those who spend more time at home in the mornings and evenings benefit in terms of self-consumption. The lower the feed-in tariff becomes, the more worthwhile east-west systems are for private houses.

Thanks, I’ve learned something again. If it becomes relevant, I’ll definitely check carefully. The feed-in tariff is really negligible anyway.
D
dhd82
16 May 2021 16:07
I can only confirm the statement regarding east/west systems; you practically benefit from the electricity generated throughout the entire day. Of course, the usual recommendations apply here as well:

- Cover the roof MEANINGFULLY
- The self-consumption rate is not a parameter relevant for system sizing
- The self-sufficiency rate (if not aiming for 100%) is not a parameter relevant for system sizing
askforafriend16 May 2021 16:08
Hyundai Ioniq 5 connected, and you no longer need to feed in any power 😉
askforafriend16 May 2021 16:11
nordanney schrieb:

ClenSolar – I have already bought two systems.

Can you recommend them? I just looked it up and their flyer says:

“The sun emits an energy amount of 1,000 kilowatts annually onto every square meter of land in Germany.”

Oh dear.