ᐅ Photovoltaic Systems: Advantages, Disadvantages, Experiences, and Is It Worthwhile?

Hello,

Cascada schrieb:

It might become interesting once affordable and practical storage technology is available to achieve the highest possible self-consumption rate.

Such technology has been available since last year, and prices for lithium-ion batteries are currently decreasing.

So, if you, for example, install an air-to-water heat pump and have planned for photovoltaic system integration (about €650.00), this could be a worthwhile investment for you in the coming months. Especially since there is a subsidy for storage systems (30% on storage technology) offered by KfW.

Best regards, Bauexperte

When it comes to energy storage, one must not overlook that 20% to 30% of the energy is lost (storage losses). Honestly, that’s just too much for me, no matter how you look at it.
Increasing self-consumption is fine, but wasting a large portion of the energy is not.
This definitely needs to become more efficient.
I’m already bothered by this issue with electric vehicles, but there it’s only about 2–3 kWh per charge (consumption approx. 8 kWh/100 km or 62 miles), which is still acceptable.

Hello,

Elina schrieb:
When it comes to storage, one must not overlook that 20% - 30% of the energy is lost (storage losses).

I’m usually reluctant to be a know-it-all; with lithium-ion batteries, storage losses are around 10-20%. The lower the current density—that is, the slower the charging and discharging of the cell—the more efficient the battery is.

Regards, Bauexperte

Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello,

Since last year, Lithium-ion battery storage prices have been falling.

So, if you install, for example, an air-to-water heat pump and have planned for photovoltaic system preparation (around €650.00), this could be a worthwhile investment in the coming months. Especially since there is a subsidy for the storage system (30% on storage technology) provided by the KfW.

Best regards, Bauexperte

That is probably true—but I prefer to use free capital for extraordinary loan repayments—that’s just my personal approach. I consider the topic of photovoltaics combined with storage (which, in my opinion, definitely belongs with a heat pump and aiming for high self-consumption) something I can confidently postpone. There is also a conduit to the garage, the attic, and an available meter slot...

A brief summary of our experience with self-consumption.

We have been operating our 7.x kWp system (with a strict 70% limitation) for almost six months. So far, our self-consumption rate is about one-third. I think that’s not bad, especially since the heating season (geothermal heat pump) is just beginning, which will allow us to use even more electricity ourselves during the day. By slightly adapting daily habits—such as running the washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher only during daytime—and with compatible home technology, such a system can be quite profitable.

I have done some conservative calculations and estimate a payback period of around 12 years if the system is fully financed.

What are the experiences regarding "electromagnetic fields," for example near the head end of the bed when the system is installed in the bedroom or children's room?
It was just a thought of mine. A friend has been having trouble sleeping since they installed such a system (it could also be related to uncertainty about whether the investment is worthwhile or when it will pay off).

We are currently considering this option as well, but as an alternative to solar thermal systems (we have an indoor air-to-water heat pump that could be connected to solar thermal).