ᐅ Preparing for Future Photovoltaic Installation?

Created on: 9 Sep 2019 19:45
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Detlev69
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Detlev69
9 Sep 2019 19:45
For my new build, I am not planning a photovoltaic system initially, but I want to keep the option open for the future as much as possible.

Which cables should be installed from the meter cabinet to the roof so that a photovoltaic system can be retrofitted later as easily and cost-effectively as possible? How many cables? What cross-sections? How much space should be allowed for in the meter cabinet?
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Heinz2k
10 Sep 2019 00:11
Empty conduits 2x M25, one for the cables and one for grounding. Leave space in the meter cabinet for 2 meters + 1 DIN rail. That should be enough.
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Detlev69
10 Sep 2019 08:20
2 meters? So, 1 additional meter?

I could install a thick grounding conductor right away; that’s probably easier than pulling a thick grounding wire through a conduit.
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Lumpi_LE
10 Sep 2019 09:59
Why not include photovoltaics right away?
Depending on the type and size of the photovoltaic system, a 25-amp circuit breaker might be barely sufficient; you can also opt for a 40-amp breaker, which costs about 20€ more.
You don’t really need two meters, but usually every electrical panel has space for them.
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Detlev69
10 Sep 2019 12:52
Lumpi_LE schrieb:

Why not include photovoltaic panels right from the start?

Surprisingly, it comes down to costs... with all the trades involved in new construction, expenses really add up, so you have to be careful. Photovoltaic systems seem to me like one of the things that can most easily be added later—especially if you prepare everything accordingly, which is what I’m trying to do right now.

I’m rather skeptical about the return on investment for photovoltaic panels anyway and believe that continuing decreases in photovoltaic prices will probably improve that situation over time. Considering the cost issue, I’ve therefore decided to postpone photovoltaic installation for now.
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Lumpi_LE
10 Sep 2019 15:20
Well, photovoltaic systems are the only part of a house that actually generate a return; practically, you can never have too little money for that, as it reduces your expenses.
The payback period won’t improve any further; the peak has almost been passed. The modules cost practically nothing now, but the feed-in tariff keeps decreasing and may soon disappear entirely.

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