ᐅ Combined Heat and Power System with Fuel Cell – THE Alternative?

Hello,

I am planning to build a house (living area 80m² (860 sq ft), bungalow) and would like to generate my own electricity.
After several discussions with architects and experts, I concluded that solar systems are not suitable for me.
In particular, durability and maintenance were major concerns.

After some research, I am interested in a combined heat and power unit.
This would allow me to produce electricity and heat myself,
weather-independent and, according to Stiftung Warentest, almost maintenance-free since it has very few moving parts.

I am considering the Viessmann Vitovalor 300-P.

Has anyone had any experience with this? Is it cost-effective in the long run?

You don't just use gas for heating but also for generating electricity. The question is what the cost per kWh of electricity will ultimately be, in other words, whether it is cost-effective.
The system itself typically costs around 20,000 euros. On the other hand, there is a considerable KfW subsidy and a tax relief on gas consumption.

No.

Reason: Investment costs are too high.
I thought combined heat and power units are only available for existing buildings – but I might be mistaken.

The alternatives of heat pump plus solar are also not inexpensive. After deducting subsidies and so on, the combined heat and power unit costs just under €10,000. Maintenance amounts to €200 per year, which is about the same I pay for (almost) any other maintenance.

On the other hand: electricity is free in all seasons and weather conditions, and the combined heat and power unit covers the entire demand. Natural gas costs are around €500 or less.

How do you come to the conclusion that the investment costs are too high?

Electricity is not free; you have to burn gas for that! Since you basically don’t need heating for half the year, the combined heat and power unit will mostly run just to generate electricity. How efficient is the conversion of 1 kWh of gas into 1 kWh of electricity in that case?

Ok, honestly I hadn't considered that. On the other hand, there is hardly any sun (solar) in winter, and there is also very little heat (air source heat pump) during winter.