ᐅ Gas Prices – Where Is Gas Still Affordable?

Kokovi79 schrieb:

I can’t listen to the complaints about rising costs for fossil energy anymore. Of course it’s expensive and inconvenient, but what is the alternative? Should I tell my son in 30 years, “Sorry, the planet is done for, I’m stepping down now, but switching to renewables was just too inconvenient for us”? Honestly, some people might lose their homes, but that way humanity still has a chance.

Even if Germany were to completely stop using fossil energy immediately, it wouldn’t change humanity’s chances.

mayglow schrieb:

I think that was a misunderstanding. I initially understood it as you suggesting that gas should become at least 20% more expensive so that switching to renewable energy would gradually become more worthwhile. But apparently, that wasn’t what you meant.

Just reviewed again – what I really didn’t want was a sudden 20% price hike this year.
What I meant was: If policymakers realize that times are turbulent and we urgently need to move away from things people have grown attached to, then there must be a clear exit strategy.
Unfortunately, the opposite is happening. Gas and pellet heating systems are still being subsidized, even though policymakers already know these can only operate for about 15 more years. They are actively leading people into a tough situation. That’s not fair, because in the end there will be a large number of “uninformed” people, probably including the elderly lady quoted above, who has to rely on the plumber’s advice.

motorradsilke schrieb:

Even if we in Germany were to immediately stop using fossil energy entirely, nothing would change for humanity’s chances.

First: Yes, it would.
Second: 195 countries have signed up. And we are by far not leading in our efforts, EVEN THOUGH we are among the wealthiest. Sad, isn’t it?

motorradsilke schrieb:

Then please show me where this subsidy exists. As far as I know, there is a feed-in tariff of about 6 cents per kWh, and nothing else. That is nowhere near a 100% subsidy given the current prices for photovoltaic systems. It hasn’t been adjusted either. On top of that, I still have to pay taxes on the electricity I consume myself.
I am always talking about private consumers who have a photovoltaic system on their roof.

@Deliverer has explained it in detail. You see 6 cents per kWh as robbery, but it’s actually a gift! As he pointed out, your investment in photovoltaics is currently reimbursed by about 70% over its lifetime. By the way, after the feed-in tariff ends, the photovoltaic system doesn’t just disappear and usually still operates at more than 90% efficiency. (The government just gives you those 6 cents! Try buying a private car, do you get a small gift for every mile driven?)
But you have to be willing to understand that... I personally know several people who have systems around 20 years old that still run like clockwork; only one inverter failed once, and the replacement cost about 2,000 euros.
P.S. I also believe that currently the systems are still paid for at well over 100% of their cost before their technical end of life. For those who feed excess electricity back into the grid, this depends on how much they consume themselves and don’t have to buy at about 30 cents per kWh (not losing means winning! An old poker saying 😉 )

motorradsilke schrieb:

Would it then be fair if Grandma, who helped build our country, knew that in three years she wouldn’t be able to pay her gas bill anymore and would have to sell the house she worked so hard to build?

I’ll make myself very unpopular for a moment.

1. The so-called “Trümmerfrauen” (literally “rubble women”), assuming they ever existed beyond post-war propaganda, no longer represent the majority of homeowners today.
2. I actually don’t find this unfair. A house has always been something you have to be able to afford. If you can’t afford it anymore, you have to sell it. This is still exactly the argument used today when houses are sold.
-> Building wealth for retirement. When I’m old, I obviously have to use up that wealth.

Once Grandma has sold and found a place in a senior co-living arrangement, we can then discuss the next renovation or floor plan thread here. It’s the natural cycle of life. With the difference that the new buyer will surely be heating without gas soon.

motorradsilke schrieb:

Then please show me where this financial support exists. As far as I know, there is a feed-in tariff of about 6 cents. Nothing else.

But you have found it—the feed-in tariff. It is currently being increased from 6.3 to around 8 cents. And yes, this feed-in tariff covers the system cost. One kWp on the roof produces 1000 kWh per year. That equals €80 per year, which means a guaranteed €1600 over 20 years. That’s how much one kWp (excluding VAT) on your roof can cost if you want full funding. This is currently not an issue.
Every kWh you consume yourself saves you about 25 cents. That is your return on the upfront investment.

What else in life is subsidized so strongly and still generates money in the end?

If you are more interested in photovoltaics, there is a weekly thread here where many skilled people like to share lots of information.