In addition to wind power Solar power through photovoltaics is now one of the most important pillars of the energy transition. In view of climate change and the finite nature of fossil fuels, many companies are looking for sustainable ways to cover their energy needs. One of the most promising technologies for generating clean electricity is photovoltaic systems.
By converting sunlight into electrical energy, companies can not only make an important contribution to Climate protection but also their Reduce energy costs. Photovoltaic systems are now technically mature, easy to install and pay for themselves faster and faster thanks to government subsidy programs and falling prices for solar modules.
How does solar power through photovoltaics work?
Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy using solar cells. These consist of Waferwhich mainly consists of Semiconductor materials are produced. When sunlight hits a solar cell, electrons in the material are excited and generate an electric current. This process takes place without moving parts, which makes the technology particularly durable and low-maintenance.
Individual solar cells are combined into modules, which in turn are combined into individual Strings are bundled. This is followed by the Wiring of PV modules or the strings to the inverters and the connection to the power grid. Commercial solar systems are mostly used on industrial buildings and warehouses, on open spaces or solar carports. Other applications are also conceivable, such as installation on outdoor warehouses, on facades, as fences or agricultural PV.
Solar power from photovoltaics: Which components are important?
Numerous different components work together in a functioning photovoltaic system. Solar energy can only really be turned into solar power if all of them reliably fulfill their task.
The Solar modules are the heart of the photovoltaic system, as this is where the conversion of sunlight into direct current takes place. Therefore the Efficiency of solar cells must be taken into account when making your selection. To ensure that the modules get as many hours of sunshine as possible, the ideal Alignment of PV systems must be observed. In almost all cases Suitable substructures necessary.
The solar power generated is fed into the company's own grid by the Cabling. The direct current produced by the solar modules is used by the Inverter into alternating current. The Dimensioning factor plays a decisive role in the economic efficiency of the entire PV system. As solar systems also produce electricity when it is not needed, surplus electricity can be used in Battery storage can be stored temporarily. This stored energy can then be used when required.
Large PV systems are always connected to the coupled to the public power grid. If the solar system generates too little electricity, the missing amount is drawn from there. If there is a production surplus and the storage system is full, the surplus solar power is fed into the public grid. The PV monitoring and a bidirectional meter provide a transparent overview of the solar power generated at all times.
How much solar power can be generated by photovoltaics?
The amount of solar power that can be generated by photovoltaics depends on various factors. These include the geographical location, the orientation and inclination of the solar modules, the efficiency of the modules and the area available for installation. In Germany, the annual solar radiation is around 900 to 1,200 kilowatt hours per square meter. The optimum orientation for solar modules is to the south with a Tilt angle from about 30 to 35 degrees. However, it also makes sense to East-west orientationto extend the time window for electricity production. The efficiency of modern solar modules is between 18% and 22%, whereby higher-quality modules can generate more electricity on the same surface area.
The available surface area determines how much power can be installed. A modern or typical solar module has an area of around 1.6 square meters and currently delivers around 400 to 430 watts. One kilowatt of installed photovoltaic power in Germany generates around 850 to 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity, depending on the factors mentioned. An initial rough overview is provided here Solar calculator. Under average conditions, well-placed and dimensioned commercial PV systems This means that they can generate a considerable amount of solar power and thus make a significant contribution to covering their own energy requirements.
Feed solar power into the grid or consume it yourself?
Whether it makes sense to use the solar power generated yourself or to feed it into the grid depends on several factors, such as the Feed-in tariffown Electricity costs and the Share of own consumption. Self-consumption of solar power offers numerous advantages. Self-consumed solar power is always cheaper than electricity purchased from the energy supplier. This is because not only are the purchase costs eliminated, but also the Grid charges and taxes. It also increases independence from rising electricity prices and supply bottlenecks and reduces CO₂ emissions, as less electricity from fossil fuels is required.
Feeding solar power into the grid also has advantages. Operators receive a legally defined remuneration, which is a secure income and save the costs and maintenance effort for a storage unit. This is also easier to handle, as no technical adjustments are necessary. However, the feed-in tariff is often lower than the electricity price. Changes in the state subsidy policy can also influence the feed-in tariff.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual situation. If the company's electricity costs are high and a large part of the demand is covered by self-consumption, this is often particularly advantageous financially. A combination of both models is also conceivable.
Buying or contracting photovoltaics?
Which model a company chooses to implement depends on various factors such as financial resources, long-term goals and preferences. With the Purchase A photovoltaic system requires a large initial investment, but leads to long-term savings in electricity costs and offers financial independence. Companies can also benefit from state subsidies and add value to the property. However, they are then also responsible for maintenance and repairs.
The Contracting of a photovoltaic system requires no investment, which makes it attractive for many people. Operation, maintenance and repairs are always included in contracting and the contract offers flexibility. However, the long-term costs can be higher for the client and they have less control over the system as it remains the property of the contracting partner. This contrasts with planning security and stable electricity costs.
Advantages of solar power through photovoltaics
- Environmental friendlinessSolar power is a clean energy source. No greenhouse gases or pollutants are released during electricity generation, which helps to reduce the company's carbon footprint.
- Inexhaustible source of energyThe sun provides a practically inexhaustible supply of energy. Unlike fossil fuels, which are limited, solar energy is permanently available.
- Economic efficiencyThe cost of photovoltaic systems has fallen considerably in recent years. In many regions, solar power is now cheaper than conventional electricity sources. In addition, government subsidies and feed-in tariffs make investing in PV systems attractive.
- IndependenceBy using solar power, households and companies can reduce their dependence on external energy suppliers and stabilize their energy costs in the long term.
Current developments and innovations
The technology for generating solar power using photovoltaics is constantly evolving. Here are a few examples:
- Higher efficiencyModern solar cells are achieving ever higher levels of efficiency thanks to the further development of materials and production processes. Researchers are working on tandem cells that combine different semiconductor materials and can therefore convert even more sunlight into electricity.
- Storage solutionsOne of the challenges of using solar power is storing it for times when there is no sunshine. Advances in battery storage, such as lithium-ion and redox flow batteries, make it possible to store solar power efficiently and access it when needed.
- Integration into the architectureSolar modules are increasingly being integrated into parts of buildings, such as façades, roof tiles or windows. This enables an aesthetically pleasing and space-saving use of PV technology.
- Solar roads and other applicationsInnovative projects such as solar roads, where roadways are equipped with solar modules, floating PV or agri-PV, show the potential of photovoltaics beyond traditional applications.
Conclusion
Solar power from photovoltaics offers companies numerous advantages: Independence from rising electricity prices, reduction of the CO₂ footprint and the ability to feed surplus electricity into the public grid and thus generate additional income. Photovoltaic technology has developed enormously in recent years and is now more efficient and reliable than ever before. Given the urgency of climate change and the finite nature of fossil fuels, solar power is the future of energy supply.