ᐅ New Build Photovoltaic System for Semi-Detached House – Quote Comparison
Created on: 30 Jan 2022 12:18
N
nullhorn
Hello everyone,
I am about to build a semi-detached house (11.50 x 10 m) with a 45-degree pitched roof, no dormers, oriented north-south (meaning each roof half faces west and east respectively).
I have received three quotes for photovoltaic systems, with capacities of 10.8 kWp, 14.0 kWp, and 18.0 kWp, and to be honest, I’m not sure what I actually need or what would be sufficient.
Since my budget is limited, I don’t want to oversize the system unnecessarily.
All three systems include a battery storage unit, with the 18.0 kW option specifying a usable battery capacity of 9.60 kWh.
The household consists of one person plus a small business, and there is a heat pump with underfloor heating installed.
Can someone advise me on what size system I really need and what would be enough? When I ask the photovoltaic companies, of course, each one just recommends what they want to sell.
Best regards,
Flo
I am about to build a semi-detached house (11.50 x 10 m) with a 45-degree pitched roof, no dormers, oriented north-south (meaning each roof half faces west and east respectively).
I have received three quotes for photovoltaic systems, with capacities of 10.8 kWp, 14.0 kWp, and 18.0 kWp, and to be honest, I’m not sure what I actually need or what would be sufficient.
Since my budget is limited, I don’t want to oversize the system unnecessarily.
All three systems include a battery storage unit, with the 18.0 kW option specifying a usable battery capacity of 9.60 kWh.
The household consists of one person plus a small business, and there is a heat pump with underfloor heating installed.
Can someone advise me on what size system I really need and what would be enough? When I ask the photovoltaic companies, of course, each one just recommends what they want to sell.
Best regards,
Flo
KingJulien30 Jan 2022 15:21I believe that having a storage tank is often considered "standard" nowadays simply because it’s common practice today. At least, that's what the solar technician claimed 😉
D
Deliverer30 Jan 2022 16:25I agree with the previous commenters. First and foremost, install as much photovoltaic solar panels on the roof as possible. You can’t have too many. Any energy you don’t use yourself will replace coal power from the grid and help pay off your system.
If the north-facing roof is really pitched at 45° (45 degrees), you’ll probably have to leave that out. If you still have the option, build with a 20° (20 degrees) pitch, enjoy the higher knee wall, and fully cover the north side as well.
And if, in the end, you still have money left to burn (which is basically what a battery does currently), then you can go ahead and buy a storage system for peace of mind.
If the north-facing roof is really pitched at 45° (45 degrees), you’ll probably have to leave that out. If you still have the option, build with a 20° (20 degrees) pitch, enjoy the higher knee wall, and fully cover the north side as well.
And if, in the end, you still have money left to burn (which is basically what a battery does currently), then you can go ahead and buy a storage system for peace of mind.
Deliverer schrieb:
If the north-facing roof really has a 45° pitch, you’ll probably have to leave it out, unfortunately. If you still can, build it with a 20° pitch, enjoy the higher knee wall, and fully utilize the north side as well. Now, just a quick question—I’m almost embarrassed to ask, but it keeps confusing me...
When I look at a compass, one half of my roof faces west and the other half faces east.
So the gable ends are essentially aligned exactly north and south.
Does that mean the house is oriented north/south or east/west?
Or is there a distinction between house orientation and roof orientation?
... Because as the house stands now, I believe it’s actually perfect, since the sun rises in the morning on the right side (east), then at noon it is aligned with the ridge, and in the afternoon it shines on the left side (west).
This is so cool, I visited two photovoltaic system companies today. One wants to install an 18 kW system without any storage, while the other offers a 10 kW system with storage.
Both companies explain things in a way that makes me, the consumer, find both options plausible, so I have no choice but to fully immerse myself in the topic and then decide on my own path.
There are so many variables, from system capacity and feed-in to compensation rates and differences between winter and summer, etc. But nowadays, it really can’t be any simpler. Slowly, I’m starting to believe the people around me who say, forget the subsidies (which were never my main motivation anyway), just get a gas boiler and be done with it. I simply can’t and don’t want to be an expert in every area of my house like the person who is selling it to me.
@Benutzer200 ... could you please send me a private message about where my issue might be better addressed?
Both companies explain things in a way that makes me, the consumer, find both options plausible, so I have no choice but to fully immerse myself in the topic and then decide on my own path.
There are so many variables, from system capacity and feed-in to compensation rates and differences between winter and summer, etc. But nowadays, it really can’t be any simpler. Slowly, I’m starting to believe the people around me who say, forget the subsidies (which were never my main motivation anyway), just get a gas boiler and be done with it. I simply can’t and don’t want to be an expert in every area of my house like the person who is selling it to me.
@Benutzer200 ... could you please send me a private message about where my issue might be better addressed?
No, you don’t need to do extensive research – the 18 kWp colleague is right 🙂 The most important thing is to have as much photovoltaic capacity as possible. In winter, you’ll appreciate every kWp. In summer, the surplus doesn’t bother you since it basically pays for the system itself (even more so with a west/east-facing roof).
A battery storage system does increase self-sufficiency and self-consumption, but currently it is still not cost-effective (and environmentally questionable... these units are not exactly compostable). Buying a storage system today only makes sense if it is directly subsidized or if it is a requirement for, for example, KfW 40+ standards. Otherwise, a storage system can easily be retrofitted later, meaning you can consider storage once the prices become more affordable in a few years.
A battery storage system does increase self-sufficiency and self-consumption, but currently it is still not cost-effective (and environmentally questionable... these units are not exactly compostable). Buying a storage system today only makes sense if it is directly subsidized or if it is a requirement for, for example, KfW 40+ standards. Otherwise, a storage system can easily be retrofitted later, meaning you can consider storage once the prices become more affordable in a few years.
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