Solar power from photovoltaics is one of the easiest ways for companies to reduce electricity costs and CO₂ emissions. A PV system converts sunlight directly into electrical current and can either use the generated power in-house, store it, or feed it into the grid.
What is solar power from photovoltaics?
Photovoltaics convert sunlight into direct current using solar cells, which is then transformed into usable alternating current via inverters. The technology is low-maintenance, durable, and suitable for many business locations, such as on rooftops, open spaces, carports, or facades. Efficiency of solar cells is currently around 20–23 %.
How is electricity generated?
The solar cells are made of semiconductor materials that release electrons when exposed to light. Several cells form modules, several modules form strings, and from these, the system is created, which feeds into the grid or the company system via inverters.
What does the yield depend on?
For companies, it's usually the Own consumption economically most interesting, because self-generated solar power replaces more expensive grid electricity. Feed-in is nevertheless still worthwhile if more electricity is generated than consumed at times
Why a storage device is useful
A Large-scale battery storage significantly increases self-consumption because solar power can be used not only when it is being generated. This can greatly improve the benefits of the PV system, especially in the commercial sector, because consumption and generation often do not occur at the same time.
Buy or Contracting?
Companies can purchase a PV system or through Contracting implement. During Purchase This creates ownership and depreciation potential; in a Contracting arrangement, one partner handles financing, operation, and maintenance, while the company uses solar power and avoids investment costs.
What companies should consider
A good PV system needs more than just modules: clean planning, a suitable inverter, monitoring, maintenance, and a proper measurement concept are important. It's also worthwhile for companies to look into subsidies., Self-consumption optimization and possible storage integration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does a PV system generate?
In Germany, 1 kWp of installed PV capacity typically generates about 850 to 1,000 kWh of electricity per year.
Is self-consumption more important than feeding into the grid?
For most companies, yes, because self-generated solar power replaces expensive grid electricity and improves economic efficiency.
Is a battery storage system worth it?
Yes, if generation and consumption are out of sync in time or peak loads need to be reduced.
Does Contracting make sense?
Yes, if a company wants to start without its own investment and wants to outsource planning, operation, and maintenance.
Turnkey complete systems
CUBE CONCEPTS designs and implements photovoltaic solutions for businesses in a way that ensures solar power is not only generated but also used efficiently. This includes project planning, feasibility studies, storage integration, monitoring, and, upon request, the Contracting model, which requires no large upfront investment.