Advantages of a balcony solar system

Solar panels on the balcony are a great way to generate electricity while protecting the environment. This is because solar energy is a sustainable energy source that produces no emissions. In addition, it is inexpensive and easy to install.

A balcony solar system has many advantages. On the one hand, it is environmentally friendly, since it does not cause emissions. On the other hand, it is cost-effective, since the investment costs for a system are relatively low. The running costs for maintenance and servicing are also low.

In addition, a balcony solar system is easy to install. All you need is a solid substructure to which the panels can be attached. Even for laymen, the installation is usually no problem.

So, if you are considering whether to invest in a balcony solar installation, then you should carefully consider the above advantages. Because solar energy is not only environmentally friendly, but also inexpensive and easy to install.

Advantages of a balcony solar system

Balcony solar systems save money: By installing a balcony solar system, you can reduce your electricity costs by up to 80%. They are environmentally friendly: Solar power is a renewable energy source and thus contributes significantly to climate protection. You are independent: Solar power is generated directly on site and you are therefore no longer dependent on the price trends of the electricity market. You have a high return on investment: The investment in a Balkon solar system pays for itself after only 5-7 years.

The advantages of a balcony power plant at a glance:

1. Balcony solar systems save money
2. You live more environmentally friendly
3. You are more independent
4. You have a high profitability

Disadvantages of a balcony solar system

The disadvantages of a balcony solar system at a glance:

1. A balcony solar system is relatively expensive to purchase
2. The installation of a balcony solar system can be costly
3. A balcony solar system requires regular maintenance and care to function optimally
4. In bad weather, a balcony solar system can generate less electricity than in good weather
5. A balcony solar system takes up space and can interfere with the view

That to the pros and cons of a balcony solar system. Now my 3 recommendations on Amazon.

Recommendations on Amazon: My top 3

Many buyers, 4-5 stars in the rating, with these solar panels you can become self-sufficient.

EcoFlow: 400 W solar module

EcoFlow’s 400W solar panel is extremely powerful and can provide a significant amount of power to your power station. It is foldable and comes with a carrying bag with adjustable stand, so it can be transported comfortably. The solar panel is also very efficient and weighs only 16 kg.

• EcoFlow solar system

Dokio: 110-W solar module (up to 300-W)

The solar panel is super practical and can be folded to save space. Whether in your backpack, bike bag, car or camper: take this mobile power plant with you everywhere.

• Dokio solar system

Firefly: 100W solar panel

The solar charger from has a cell conversion efficiency of up to 23% and is particularly efficient due to our advanced manufacturing process. This results in improved output power compared to conventional solar panels. The unit is compact and easy to transport, so you can take it anywhere. The attached stands support the panel and allow you to adjust the angle to get the best performance. Three USB ports and two DC output ports give you more charging options.

• Firefly solar system

Extra Tip! Flexible solar model from Dokio

Have you ever seen this before? A flexible solar panel with 4+ stars. Balcony, caravan, on the road with the family – The semi-flexible solar module weighs only 1.1kg and can even be bent up to 30% due to its thin but robust cell structure. It has a special surface coating which protects it from external effects such as salt water, hail, rain and wind. It can be easily attached to eyelets or glued with adhesive. This makes it ideal for caravans, boats, curved and small surfaces.

• Dokio flexible solar system

Installation of the balcony solar system

Installing a balcony solar system is relatively simple and can usually be done by anyone. However, there are some points that should be considered before starting the work. First of all, you should find out the size of the system and make sure that you have enough space for installation. Secondly, one must make sure that the plant is installed on a stable surface so that it cannot fall down. Thirdly, one must make sure that all the components are properly connected before connecting the power.

After learning about the above points, you can start installing the balcony solar system. First, you should place the solar system in the desired location on the balcony and make sure that all components are present. After that, one should fix the solar cells on the surface and then make the connection between the solar cells and the inverter. After everything is connected, you can connect the power and put the system into operation.

Installation: Instructions in 6 steps

The instructions in short:

1. Determine position for solar system (direction of sun)
2. Secure / clean area for installation
3. Measuring, procuring tools
4. Frame installation
5. Install solar panel
6. Connect solar system

Determine position for solar system (direction of sun)

Step 1 – Determine the best position for the solar installation on your balcony. Take into account the course of the sun and the shadows cast by other parts of the building to achieve optimal results.

Secure / clean area for installation

Step 2 – Make sure the area is safe and complies with the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, check that there is no dirt or that there is an obstacle nearby that could interfere with mounting.

Measuring, procuring tools

Step 3 – Measure all components again and obtain all necessary tools and materials.

Frame installation

Step 4 – Start installing the frame towards the sun and adjust it based on the size and angle you measured. Make sure the frame is securely fastened; check its stability several times, especially in the wind.

Install solar panel

Step 5 – Now install the solar modules on the frame and connect them with cables. Make sure that all connection contacts are securely insulated and that the connection plugs are free of interference – loose modules can cause damage!

Connect solar system

Step 6 – Finally, attach the inverter, connect it to the power grid and regulate the voltage transformers for maximum efficient operation of the system. At the end, test again all the functional units of the solar system for proper operation!

Maintenance and care of the balcony solar system

Maintenance and care of the balcony solar system is relatively simple and straightforward. All you need for this are a few utensils and means that you can find in any household. First of all, you should regularly inspect your system and check if everything is in order. To do this, you just need to look on the balcony to see if all the components are in place and do not have any damage. Also, you should check if the plant is completely covered, so that it can not be damaged.

Additionally, you should clean your system regularly to prevent dirt or debris from building up. There are several ways to do this: First, you can wash the system with lukewarm water and then rub it dry with a cloth. Alternatively, you can also use a mild cleaning agent to clean the system. However, make sure that this agent is not too strong and does not have any negative effects on the components.

Cost-benefit analysis of the balcony solar system

A balcony solar system can pay for itself in the long run. Buying a solar system is an investment and can pay off for the owner in a number of ways. The savings from operating the system can be significant if you choose the right size and make good use of the energy generated.

Cost of installation by craftsman

The cost of a balcony solar system varies depending on the provider and type of system. On average, a fully installed balcony solar system costs between 8,000 and 12,000 euros. However, there are numerous factors that influence the price, such as the size of the system, the cost of the installation process, and any government subsidy programs.

In terms of savings, it is estimated that a balcony solar system can save approximately 10,000 to 15,000 euros in energy costs over its life cycle of about 20 years. Depending on the particular consumption and the efficiency of the system, this value may vary. The savings are greater the more electricity is produced, so it may make sense to invest in a slightly larger system than originally planned.

Cheap balcony solar power systems: do-it-yourself installation

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to generate electricity on your balcony and at the same time want to learn something new – why not think about building a solar system? With Amazon’s wide range of high quality products, it’s fast and cheap!

Above you will find my tips for solar systems with good reviews!

Mitigate long-term environmental problems

In addition, there are other benefits to installing a balcony solar system: For example, solar systems help conserve fossil fuel sources and reduce carbon emissions – which, in turn, can help alleviate long-term environmental problems. In addition, individuals with solar systems can generate revenue by “pumping” excess electricity into the public grid. This concept is known as grid parity, and it makes it possible for homeowners to earn money by selling their solar energy to underserved regions or giving it to other homeowners.

Investment costs and long-term savings

Although the initial investment in a Balkon solar system is high, it offers many potentials for financial savings and positive impact on the environment and the community – making it a worthwhile investment. With rising energy prices, it has become increasingly important to use alternative energy sources – making it even more important to invest in solar systems to reap the benefits of clean energy production!

Solar in the electricity mix: annual increase

Here you can see the share of photovoltaics in gross electricity generation in Germany from 2002 to 2021, which is rising and rising. Each new solar module feeds more into the system.

You can find more statistics at Statista

Please note, this article is written with a focus toward the German market, but very similar rules apply everywhere.

Timber House – Sustainable, Cheap & Comfortable Living

Due to the advantages and the cozy aura, the wooden house has established itself throughout Germany and is appreciated by many families. With the timber house one differentiates generally between three building types. The classic is the log house, closely followed by the Umgebindehaus and the timber panel house. Only the log house is a pure timber house, while the other two house types are only made of wood in the basic framework and the interior fittings and wall surfaces are made of stone or composite materials. As a living material, wood is very maintenance-intensive and must be regularly protected against the weather. Nevertheless, a wooden house can be a feel-good oasis, which convinces both optically, haptically and in feeling.

1. Log Cabin
2. Container House
3. Wooden Panel House

What Advantages do Wooden Houses Have?

The biggest advantage of wooden houses is the independence from ground conditions. Due to the lower weight of the building materials, you can build practically anywhere with wood, whereas a massive stone house makes higher demands on the static conditions. A short construction phase and the completely free planning, if you do not buy the timber house as a prefabricated house, prove likewise as advantages of a real estate from the natural raw material.

Long drying processes during the construction phase are eliminated and the house can be occupied just a few months after the first stroke on the drawing board. In terms of environmental protection and energy efficiency, wooden houses are an ecological choice made with nature. Since wood is a heat-storing material, your heating costs will be significantly reduced and are far below the consumption in a solid house. In the summer months, it is pleasantly cool in a wooden house and in the cold season the heat stays inside the house, while the cold from outside cannot penetrate through the wood. Timber houses develop practically no house dust, whereby they are particularly suitable for Allergiker and provide for an increase of the well-being in closed areas.

In the building and renovation costs timber houses lie clearly under massif houses, so that you make a favorable and easily financeable decision. With a timber house you refer an energy-efficient and cosy real estate. Conversions with inventory real estates are by far simpler than with massif houses, since wood can be worked on easily and co-ordinated in such a way with your requirement. Due to the energy efficiency, you save money with a wooden house and can halve the previous heating costs. If you want to finance the property, energy efficiency has a positive effect on your options. For example, you can use split financing.

High-rise buildings made of wood? Actually there is such a thing!

Does a Wooden House have Disadvantages?

The advantages and disadvantages of wooden houses are close together. Since wood is a natural material, you have to consider that the material works. Especially when laying cables and pipes, the mobility of the material must be calculated and included as compensation. In order to make the material weather-resistant and avoid moisture in the wood, regular painting and impregnation of the outer walls is necessary.

If you prefer a quiet, silent house, a wooden house is not necessarily suitable. When the weather changes, the material creaks and especially in the cold season you can assume that it cracks more often in a wooden house. If you are willing to protect your wooden house regularly from weather and moisture and feel the smell of wood pleasantly, there is no disadvantage in your decision for a wooden house.

How does the Value Retention of a Wooden House Work?

Wooden houses are among the properties with particularly high value retention. According to professional valuation, the lifespan of modern houses in wooden construction is 150 to 200 years and is therefore in no way inferior to a massive house made of stone. Also with banks timber houses are in the focus in the financing, since the lender pays attention explicitly to the quality assurance and the longevity of the financed real estate.

Timber construction will continue to establish itself in the future and replace the massive construction method in the long term. It has also been proven that a timber house does not have a higher fire risk than a massive construction. All these factors, as well as the longevity of the natural material ensure a high value retention and distinguish timber houses as a forward-looking decision.

If you would like to buy and finance a timber house, you should not do without a market value determination. This does not only serve the lender as a basis for the loan, but excludes that you pay an excessive price for your real estate. In a modern timber house you profit from optimal sound insulation, which also has a positive effect on the market value and thus on the value retention of the property. Who already thinks about the possible resale value when buying a house, is very well advised with a wooden house. With optimal care of the wood a depreciation is practically impossible, so that you can sell a timber house at a high offer price and be pleased about a positive market value determination. The value preservation with real estates from wood is based also on the fact that a timber house practically does not mold and belongs to the objects, where humidity in the external walls is not to be feared. In order to maintain this condition and to ensure the long life of the building material, your wooden house needs a new exterior paint coat every two to four years.

Timber houses in Scandinavian style: A NewTrend

Block plank houses and timber houses in the Scandinavian Design belong up-to-date to the real estates rising in popularity. Whether in classical red or in white: The timber construction from Norway, Sweden and Finland or Denmark has established itself in Germany. The characteristic of Scandinavian timber houses is based on the natural design in the interior. While the façade is treated against external influences, the interior finishing is usually kept in natural wood.

With the Scandinavian timber house, wall coverings with wallpaper or plaster are completely avoided, so that the rooms inspire with a very homely, warm and harmonious aura. Stylistically no borders are set to the own desires to the Scandinavian house, since it is built single-storey and multi-storey, with a flat or a pointed roof.

For some years now, more and more owners have been opting for a log house made of wood and are orienting themselves towards our Nordic neighbors in the design of their property. In Scandinavia, building is done on any type of ground. Timber houses can be built on mountain slopes, on rocks and on loose ground in equal measure. Also that is a reason, why Scandinavian timber houses are to be found ever more frequently also in Germany. Despite their low weight, wooden houses are stable and weatherproof. In the front and interior design they offer endless possibilities to live out your creativity and still not to cancel the charming effect of wood.

Real estate as capital investment: special

1. Part: Classical or exotic investment – Which real estate is suitable as capital investment?
2. Part: Real estate as capital investment – What do I have to pay attention to?

Contact for wooden houses!

Are you interested in a wooden house? Then we at Lukinski offer you professional advice and support you in making your dream of a house made of the natural raw material wood come true. There are many advantages that you will get by choosing the wooden construction method and that will have a positive effect on your quality of life and well-being.

Since wooden houses have a long life span and thus a high value retention, you make a decision that will provide you with advantages in the future as well. Would you like to finance your dream house made of wood? As experienced real estate agents and financial advisors, we at Lukinski are the right people to talk to. We will accompany you from the idea to the realization of your wooden house and help you on the way to your own four walls.

Maintenance task (real estate) at a glance: Preservation of the functional conditions

• Measures to preserve the existing building fabric
• Measures include: Maintenance, inspection, servicing and improvement
• The objectives include: Prevention of system failures, improvement of operational safety, reduction of malfunctions, etc.

Back to the wiki: Real Estate

Alternative energies at a glance: non-consumable sources

• Environmentally friendly energy resources
• Partially subsidised by the state
• Different energies: solar energy, biodiesel, dams, wind farms …
• Efficiency should be assessed by the expert
• Only relevant for own electricity generation

Back to the wiki: Real Estate

Photovoltaics – the prerequisites for your property

When planning a photovoltaic system, the first step is to find a suitable area for the system. A wide variety of options can be considered here. The site conditions must also allow the plant to be operated economically. The legal situation should also not be forgotten, as there are also a number of things to consider here. Builders and property owners who are interested in switching to renewable energies should deal with the topic in detail.

Photovoltaics – the installation options for the modules

When planning a photovoltaic system, the first question is usually where the system should be placed. Roofs are the most suitable, because these areas are available anyway and are usually not used for other purposes. In addition, they face the sky and the shading is usually rather low due to the positive elevation. But there are also differences in the roofs. Which roof is most suitable for the connection of the photovoltaic system?

Installation options on a pitched roof

The widespread pitched roofs offer ideal conditions for the installation of a photovoltaic system. The modules can simply be mounted parallel to the roofing. The existing roof covering is completely retained and continues to take on the function of weather and heat protection. A large-scale installation of photovoltaic modules leads to a reduction in the thermal load on the attic. Alternatively, there is also an in-roof installation, in which the photovoltaic modules are flush with the roof covering and even partially replace it.

For all builders of new buildings there is the possibility to install photovoltaic modules as a substitute for an ordinary roof. In addition to the production of electricity, these take on the function of weather protection and thus replace the usual roof covering.

Installation options on a flat roof

An ordinary flat roof also offers an ideal installation option for photovoltaic systems. Unlike pitched roofs, the inclination can be freely determined and does not have to be oriented to the inclination of the roof. The optimal alignment is simple, allowing productivity and efficiency to reach their maximum. Here, too, the installation does not negatively affect the existing roof structure.

Installation options for building-integrated photovoltaic systems

However, photovoltaic systems do not necessarily have to be installed on the roof, because there are other alternatives to use the renewable energy. One of these alternatives is the integration of the modules into the facade. For this purpose, facade components can be used, but canopies or similar are also possible. This alternative is also called building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV).

Photovoltaics – the individual site conditions for your property

Once the area for the photovoltaic system has been found, the question now arises as to whether the site conditions allow the system to be operated economically. For this, many factors must be taken into account that influence the yield and thus the economic efficiency of the system. This makes it possible to check whether the investment in a photovoltaic system is really worthwhile.

The influence of global radiation

Global radiation is one of these factors, because it indicates how much radiation falls on one square meter of horizontal receiving surface within a period of time (usually one year). It is therefore not a constant, but depends on the time of day and year as well as the location and the weather. In general, global radiation is higher in southern latitudes than in northern latitudes and greater in summer than in winter. Clouds cause the global radiation to have only a fraction of the values as in clear skies. For the planning of photovoltaic systems, this means that the distribution of global radiation in Germany varies depending on the location. In northern Germany, the average global radiation is therefore around 900-1,000 kWh/m2year, while in southern Germany it is around 1,200 kWh/m2year. A difference of about 20 % only within Germany. When planning a photovoltaic system, the global radiation at the individual location must therefore be taken into account in order to be able to estimate the efficiency of the system.

The correct roof orientation and pitch

The roof pitch and roof orientation are important factors that influence the economic efficiency of a photovoltaic system. In a new building, the roof can be optimally aligned, but in existing properties, the existing conditions must be used. Here, both the compass direction and the angle of the roof are important in order to ensure the greatest possible energy generation. In the case of flat roofs, as already described above, the orientation and inclination can be completely self-determined and thus individually adapted to the correct values. Depending on the location, a different orientation is the best, as this depends individually on the area. In general, the orientation to the south is the most optimal in most cases. The angle of inclination of 30-35 degrees is usually the most effective in the German wide, but this must also be determined individually depending on the object.

Planning the individual shading

The last location factor that influences the economic efficiency of the photovoltaic system is shading. This factor is most often underestimated, because even a little shade can significantly affect the performance of the photovoltaic system. This includes especially shadows caused by trees or nearby houses, but also small shadows from chimneys or antennas can have a negative effect on the performance. In the case of larger shadows, the system must be planned precisely. For smaller permanent shadows, it makes sense to install the system in such a way that it is not installed in certain places on the roof. A small permanent shadow can reduce the performance of the entire string and thus have a major impact on the economic efficiency. When planning, you should therefore pay close attention to the individual shadows on your property and include them in the planning to avoid performance reductions.

Photovoltaics – the legal aspects

The installation of a photovoltaic system always brings with it legal aspects, because here too there are legal rules and regulations that both builders and property owners must follow. What does the law stipulate, what regulations are there and what must owners of a photovoltaic system observe?

Building permit

Photovoltaic systems must generally comply with building laws. However, these depend on the respective federal state, because building law is a matter for the federal states. Depending on the federal state, there are therefore slightly different regulations for the installation of the modules. However, most federal states do not require a building permit for photovoltaic systems that are installed on the roofs of buildings. In this case, the building owner is responsible for ensuring that the system complies with the building code. The installation is therefore not subject to any additional checks by the authorities. However, systems that are to be installed on open spaces require a building permit in most federal states. In this case, the system must not exceed a specified size, which is usually nine meters long and three meters high. Systems that are to be erected on listed buildings normally also require a building permit. Find out individually for your federal state which legal principles you are subject to when building a photovoltaic system.

Photovoltaics – the individual planning of your plant

The planning of a photovoltaic system requires many considerations. A good system depends on many factors and should be individually tailored to you. Important aspects, such as the energy requirement or the size of the system, should be discussed in advance and well thought through. Which other factors are important and what should you never forget when planning your system?

Estimate and calculate the correct energy demand and dimensioning

At the beginning of the planning there is always the question of how big the system has to be, because the financial conditions generally depend on this. First of all, you need to find out how high your average energy consumption is. The photovoltaic system is then adapted exactly to your individual energy consumption. This is quite easy to find out by looking at your last electricity bill. Based on this information, further parameters can be determined, which will later lead to the required size of the system. For the individual calculation of your electricity consumption and the resulting minimum size of the required system, use our solar panel calculator.

The registration of the photovoltaic system with the authorities

If a grid-connected photovoltaic system is installed, it must be registered with both the Federal Network Agency (BNetzA) and the relevant grid operator.

Registration with the Federal Network Agency

The Renewable Energies Act (EEG) stipulates that operators of a photovoltaic system must register it with the Federal Network Agency. This applies both to own use of the electricity produced and to the energy that is directly marketed. Extensions to existing photovoltaic systems must also be registered. The registration of new or extended plants is done via the portal of the Federal Network Agency on the Internet and since 2011 this is also the only way to register photovoltaic plants. To register the system with the Federal Network Agency, you need the following data:

• Name and address of the operator of the photovoltaic system
• Location of the plant
• Nominal power of the plant in kWp
• E-mail address
• The day on which the plant is put into operation

Register the plant before commissioning or on the same day of commissioning at the latest. Two weeks’ lead time is quite sufficient to notify the authorities of the installation.

Tip: The registration of your photovoltaic system is urgently necessary. If a system is not registered in time, the owner has no claim to the feed-in tariff!

Registration with the network operator

Grid-connected systems feed surplus electricity produced into the public grid. The Renewable Energies Act (EEG) provides for a feed-in tariff of between 10 and 13 cents per kilowatt hour for this feed-in. Before commissioning the system, the operator must therefore notify the grid operator of the photovoltaic system and submit an application for grid connection. This is a legal obligation that the operator must observe. In the case of plants that are not connected to the grid, the grid operator does not have to be informed.

Find the right offer for you

Once the decision for a photovoltaic system has been made, you only have to find the right company to accompany you on the way of planning, delivery, mounting and commissioning. For this, sufficient research on the Internet, in newspapers or in the surrounding area is a good idea, but even if you find someone, you must first check the conditions and qualifications.

Recognizing the qualifications of a good solar installer

Most system owners don’t have the expertise needed to know whether or not a solar contractor is a professional in their field. Nevertheless, in order for you to know some facts that a company should offer you when installing your system, here is a list of what a professional solar contractor should adhere to.

• The company responds flexibly to your wishes with regard to the modules and does not insist on a particular product.
• The company will look at your roof and house in person before providing a quote
• The company offers you only one offer, in which all individual positions are listed exactly and no questions remain open for you.
• The company does not put you under time pressure and takes enough time to answer all your questions in detail.
• The company shall disclose to you the wiring diagrams and provide detailed information on registration, commissioning and the deposit of permits
• The company makes realistic yield forecasts for the plant, which roughly correspond to what you have calculated yourself in advance.

Photovoltaics – the economics of solar cells

Economic efficiency is generally determined by comparing revenues and savings. This is also the case with photovoltaic systems, where a distinction is made between acquisition and operating costs in order to determine economic viability. While prices for photovoltaic systems have dropped significantly in recent years, feed-in tariffs have also become considerably lower. But what costs do you expect to incur when purchasing a photovoltaic system and what costs will you face in the coming years?

The acquisition costs for a photovoltaic system

The acquisition costs generally consist of the costs required for the installation of the system. This includes the solar modules, the inverter, the wiring and the installation itself. For builders and property owners, this aspect is probably the most important, as the level of investment required will, in case of doubt, determine whether a system is installed or not.

Costs for the solar modules

Solar modules themselves have lost enormous costs in recent years. This is due on the one hand to strong competition from low-cost Chinese suppliers and on the other hand to positive economies of scale. In general, this means that solar modules become cheaper the more of them are produced. Costs are usually compared in euros per watt peak. At the beginning of 2018, the costs were 45 – 90 cents per watt peak, depending on which model and which supplier was chosen.

Costs for the inverter

The costs for the inverter should not be underestimated. They usually account for 15 % of the investment costs. Depending on the conditions of the system and the external influencing factors, more than one inverter may be required. The costs for the inverter vary depending on the power size. For a kW inverter you can calculate with about 200 € net. Smaller inverters usually cost more than large ones, as the manufacturing costs are higher. For a 5 kW inverter a price of about 1000 € can be calculated. If your system requires two inverters, the price will double.

Costs for the cabling

The cabling also makes up a large part of the investment. The higher the cross-section of solar cables, the higher the prices. However, a high cross-section is necessary to prevent losses. The price of solar cables ranges from 1 to 5 euros for the quantity purchased, the cross-section and the cable material, with the costs of the connection cables for the inverters and the charge controllers being added to this. This entails further costs of 20 to 50 euros, depending on the supplier and quality.

Installation costs

With the costs for the assembly not only the costs for the craftsmen come on you, but also the costs for the assembly system. These are quite different depending on which system you have chosen. The prices vary depending on the quality and features, such as the snow and wind load, but also on the model of the system. On average, you can expect costs for the mounting system between 100 and 150 euros per kWp and with installation costs for the substructure with another 100 euros per kWp. It is difficult to make a blanket statement about prices, as they can vary greatly and depend on many factors, such as the individual property, the conditions, the quality and the exact products.

The operating costs for a photovoltaic system

After the investment in a photovoltaic system, the owner will still incur further costs, for example to maintain the system. These costs must also be taken into account when analysing the profitability, as they can amount to around 1% of the purchase costs per year. But what costs do owners of a photovoltaic system really face and what should they expect?

Costs for the inverter

Even though the inverter is one of the initial costs, it is not as durable as the solar modules themselves. The inverter must therefore be changed and replaced from time to time. Since the inverter is not the cheapest investment, reserves should be formed for this case. Depending on which grid operator the photovoltaic system is registered with, minimum fees of up to 10 euros per month are charged. The inverter requires electricity from the public grid for control, data logger, analogue monitoring and the like.

Maintenance costs

Of course, the system must be maintained to avoid failures and errors. Some companies offer maintenance contracts, where a contribution of about 150 euros per year is incurred and the maintenance is taken over. Such an investment is well worth it, since in the event of a failure, electricity can neither be generated nor fed into the grid. Depending on the plant, such a contract can be cheaper than charging for each maintenance job individually. In particular, such contracts are worthwhile for large plants that require more frequent maintenance.

Cleaning costs

The costs for cleaning are in comparison significantly lower than the maintenance of the system. Soiling caused by leaves, pollen, dust or the like is usually cleaned again with a rain shower. However, permanent soiling can lead to a loss of yield. Professional cleaning of the modules is normally only necessary every few years. In areas with high pollution, for example due to heavy traffic, the system should be cleaned more frequently. The average cost of professional cleaning is around 2.50 euros per square metre.

Insurance costs

Insuring the photovoltaic system can make sense for many owners. Depending on the size of the system, liability insurance and all-risk insurance can protect against failures in the feed-in tariff as well as against high repair costs and liability cases. The cost of insurance can be added annually to the operating costs, but is relatively moderate in comparison. Prices of around 50 euros per year can be incurred by owners. Depending on the circumstances and the external environment, insurance, cleaning and maintenance make more or less sense, this depends individually on your property.

Photovoltaics – the promotion & financing for builders and property owners

A photovoltaic system is a large investment that requires good financing. Although interested parties are lured with the feed-in tariff, these have become less and less in recent years. To successfuly finance the photovoltaic system, however, some options are still open.

The feed-in tariff for photovoltaic owners

The feed-in tariff is set out in the Renewable Energies Act. The feed-in tariff is paid to those who feed surplus energy produced by the photovoltaic system into the public grid. The amount of this remuneration depends on the location factors and is determined by the legislator.

The Renewable Energies Act (EEG)

The Renewable Energies Act (EEG) came into force on 01 April 2000. It regulates the tariffs for electricity from various sources of renewable energy. The aim of the law is to promote renewable energies, such as water and wind power, but also solar energy, biomass and landfill, sewage and mine gas. The use of environmentally harmful energy sources is to be avoided and technology in the field of regenerative energies is to be promoted. In the course of the EEG, regulations on the feed-in tariff were also made in order to make the option of having one’s own solar system on the roof more attractive for builders and property owners.

Self-consumption remuneration

It was not until 2009 that the self-consumption tariff was introduced. Since then, the entire electricity produced no longer has to be fed into the public grid and compensation is paid for the consumption of solar electricity. However, this remuneration is much lower than the feed-in tariff.

The aim of the remuneration for self-consumption

The aim of the self-consumption remuneration was, in the first sense, to save costs for grid expansion and to save costs for the remuneration of solar electricity. However, owners of photovoltaic systems also derive an advantage here. They can use the self-produced solar electricity directly without having to feed it into the public grid beforehand. The owners therefore save money, as they are no longer dependent on the public grid and get the self-consumption remuneration on top, so to speak.

Photovoltaics – solar modules and how they work

The most important component of a photovoltaic system are the solar modules. Depending on the size of the modules, solar cells are connected together here. A photovoltaic system combines several solar modules and connects them to so-called strings. The entire unit of the strings then results in the solar generator. But how exactly does a solar cell work and how is solar energy converted into electricity?

The different types of solar cells

Solar cells convert radiation energy into direct current. The phenomenon that takes place in solar cells can be explained by the physical photoelectric effect. Solar cells consist of a negative electrode, an n- and a p-doped silicon, a boundary layer and a positive electrode. The electric field created between the n- and p-layer ensures the flow of current in a closed circuit.

Polycrystalline solar cells

In polycrystalline solar cells, the semiconductor material is silicon. This is melted and doped and cast into blocks using various casting processes. The silicon becomes solid and is called ingots when solidified. After the ingot is cut into slices, the original silicon is called wafers, which are coated with an anti-reflective layer. These polycrystalline solar cells have a lower efficiency than monocrystalline solar cells, but they are cheaper to produce.

Monocrystalline solar cells

Monocrystalline solar cells also use silicon as a semiconductor material, but the manufacturing process is different from that of polycrystalline solar cells. Due to the different manufacturing process, the production is more expensive, but the energy consumption and the efficiency is very high. During production, other crystals are formed here, which creates the difference between the two solar cells.

Thin-film cells

Thin-film cells have a completely different adjustment method than mono- or polycrystalline solar cells. The semiconductor is coated with a carrier material in these solar cells, which means that this method uses very little raw material and is very easy to manufacture. Which semi-material is used, is here in a large framework. In addition to silicon, gallium arsenide, copper indium selenide, cadmium telluride or dyes can also be used as coatings. However, the efficiency of these solar cells is lower than that of crystalline cells, but they are cheap and easy to produce.