ᐅ Fuel Cell Viessmann / Combined Heat and Power (CHP) System

Hello everyone,

After thoroughly browsing the forum, I would like to ask for experience reports or opinions regarding the CHP system from Viessmann (Vitovalor 300-P).

The plan is for a KfW 55 house built with timber frame construction / 150m² (1615 sq ft) / slab foundation / gas available.
A solid construction seems too expensive for the jump to KfW 55.

At first, the high initial investment of about 25,000 EUR plus installation and energy consulting is quite daunting.
However, considering the current funding opportunities, the situation looks somewhat better:

BAFA approx. 3,500 EUR
+ approx. 800 EUR from the gas supplier
+ Bavarian 10,000 Houses Program (technical bonus of about 3,500 EUR plus an additional 4,500 EUR for achieving a 3.5-liter house)
+ KfW funding possible (whether it is worthwhile is debatable)
+ Relief on gas costs
+ Electricity generation and use

So, the total cost comes “almost” in line with other heating systems.

Does anyone have experience operating such a system?
Gas consumption figures?
Since there is a lot of technology involved, is maintenance more expensive due to more frequent breakdowns?

Looking forward to your comments.

You would then be an early adopter, but you should also expect around €5,000 to €6,000 (approximately $5,500 to $6,600) in maintenance costs over the next few years. This should not be overlooked. From a purely cost perspective, acquiring a fuel cell system might not be advisable.

Yes, the maintenance costs would definitely be too high... although it is supposedly easy to maintain / should be easy to maintain... plus a 10-year warranty (after that it explodes 🙂 and takes the whole neighborhood with it).

Does anyone know anything about the gas consumption of such a system?

I only know of one show home from Hanse Haus in Oberleichtersbach where they installed this type of heating system. However, it was brand new there, so it probably does not serve as a reliable reference.