Mini PV systems – the extra portion of energy!

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Published on: April 23, 2021 / Updated on: April 25, 2021 – Author: Konrad Wolfenstein

Mini PV system – Image: sandra zuerlein|Shutterstock.com

Market development: Mini PV systems

How is the solar energy market developing? Where are new opportunities emerging? In addition to providing technical solutions for photovoltaics and logistics, Xpert.Digital also conducts in-depth research. This includes the use of AI. For a few topics such as..

We publish the latest developments at irregular intervals. The outcome usually depends on many parameters and decisions. Generally, however, the course of events can be predicted if no further significant changes occur in the planned decisions and developments.

What do I need to consider when installing mini-PV systems? Topics covered:

Mini PV systems for private consumers: (The extra boost) Solar energy from the balcony
Solar power plants for home use
Mini-PV systems and their advantages
Solar power for refrigerator and air conditioner
The optional energy storage system
PV systems: Electricity in off-grid locations
Requirements for your own PV system
The ideal location
The correct socket and installation
The counter
The conclusion

Mini PV systems for private consumers: (The extra boost) Solar energy from the balcony

In light of continuously rising temperatures, the debate surrounding climate change is steadily intensifying in Germany as well. This is one of the reasons why more and more consumers are considering the use of renewable energies. Solar energy is increasingly coming into focus. The growing interest in photovoltaic systems for home use demonstrates that consumers can do more for the environment than simply purchasing their electricity from a green energy provider.

In addition to large-scale rooftop systems, small plug-in solutions that can be connected directly to the electrical circuit are becoming increasingly common. This article explains how these mini-PV systems can significantly reduce electricity consumption in your home while protecting the environment.

Solar power plants for home use

Solar energy is booming. This is evident in the growing success of small plug-in solar devices. The German Solar Energy Society and Greenpeace Energy estimate that over 200,000 of these solar modules are in use across Europe for patios or balconies. According to the organizations, there are approximately 40,000 of these devices, also known as plug-in systems, plug-in PV, or plug-and-play PV, in Germany alone.

However, given the approximately 41 million households in Germany, it's clear that there's still significant room for growth in this area. One reason for the continued hesitancy is the widespread perception that installing a solar power system involves considerable technical and financial investment. While this may be true for larger systems, it doesn't apply to mini-PV systems. These balcony-mounted systems are so compact that they can fit on virtually any balcony simply by being attached to the railing. While they can't supply an entire household with energy, such a device certainly leads to a noticeable reduction in electricity costs. Furthermore, the modular design of these systems allows their output to be expanded gradually as needed.

Their cost-saving effect, combined with uncomplicated installation and the increasing climate protection discussion, are likely to lead to many more consumers considering purchasing their own mini-PV system in the future.

Mini-PV systems and their advantages

The advantages of small solar power plants are obvious: The electricity produced when there is sufficient sunshine can be used directly in the household for personal consumption. Since modern PV systems have a capacity of 150 to 600 watts, they can produce up to 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This can save households up to 20% of their annual electricity consumption. Purchase costs in the three-figure euro range mean that a plug-in system pays for itself in about seven to ten years.

Besides the cost, the simple setup and straightforward connection to the household electrical supply are key advantages of plug-in systems. Particularly appealing for renters is the fact that the space-saving modules can be easily removed from balconies or terraces when moving. This makes them the ideal power generator for private consumers interested in generating their own green electricity in an environmentally friendly way.

Solar power for refrigerator and air conditioner

Photovoltaic systems are particularly well-suited for covering the base load of continuously active devices such as refrigerators and freezers, Wi-Fi routers, and the many electronic systems that run in standby mode. Furthermore, a plug-and-play PV system provides valuable assistance in operating air conditioners. These are becoming increasingly popular in Germany due to ever-hotter summers and are being used more frequently in households. Since they provide relief primarily during the day, they can be ideally powered by solar energy produced during the day. In this way, these small energy consumers don't create too large a gap in a household's energy balance.

For homeowners and renters, there are numerous other ways to efficiently use mini solar power plants. For example, they can be used to warm the water in the pools that are increasingly common in gardens. Since heating your own swimming pool allows you to use it throughout the hot summer months, nothing stands in the way of extended swimming enjoyment at significantly reduced electricity costs. The same applies to operating small greenhouses, which need electricity to create a warmer microclimate, and this electricity is supplied by these plug-in systems.

The optional energy storage system

Regardless of whether devices are used indoors or outdoors, any excess electricity theoretically flows back into the general power grid if no energy storage system is present. However, since these amounts are very small and not continuously available, agreeing on a feed-in tariff with the electricity supplier is usually not worthwhile.

Instead, integrating an additional energy storage system offers further advantages. It allows solar energy generated during the day to be stored as reserves for periods of low sunlight or nighttime hours. Users of their own PV system thus only need to draw the additional electricity required from the grid operator during times without sunlight. In this way, they save money month after month and can simultaneously contribute to the energy transition.

PV systems: Electricity in off-grid locations

Naturally, plug-and-play PV systems can also be used as self-sufficient solutions for island or off-grid systems. These island configurations involve supplying electricity to locations without a connection to a public power grid. Island operation using a private PV system thus allows even remote regions to enjoy the convenience of a reliable power supply.

A common use is the solar panel for motorhomes, small summer houses, or houseboats, allowing users to be self-sufficient with regeneratively generated electricity. Furthermore, this model is attractive for people who keep their motorhome permanently parked at a fixed location and want to reduce the cost of shore power. One reason for this is the often significantly higher prices charged by campsite operators. For permanent campers, an additional battery storage system ensures that the solar energy stored during the week is readily available for use on weekends.

Requirements for your own PV system

There are now numerous offers for small solar power systems online, most of which cost in the three-figure euro range. These typically include one or two standard solar modules and a mounting kit for roofs, walls, or balconies. In addition, an integrated inverter is required to convert the solar power into 230 volts for grid connection, along with a connection cable and plug. Thanks to their plug-and-play design, these small PV systems can be easily connected to the household electrical grid.

Before commissioning your own solar power system, several legal hurdles must be overcome. Just like larger PV systems, the mini solar systems permitted since 2018 also fall under the Renewable Energy Sources Act. Therefore, due to the Low-Voltage Connection Ordinance, plug-in PV models must be registered with the Federal Network Agency and the responsible grid operator. It is important to note that the systems must not exceed a feed-in capacity of 600 watts. Tenants must also obtain permission from their landlord before installation. Homeowners may need the approval of their owners' association. Furthermore, there are a number of important details to consider before and during installation.

The ideal location

The crucial prerequisite for the successful operation of a mini solar power system is access to sufficient sunlight. Anyone planning to install the system in a basement or on a shady property with tall trees is at a disadvantage from the outset. Therefore, it's essential to find a suitable, sun-facing location. Sunny gardens, patios, or balconies are ideal. The PV system can also be installed on the roof of a carport or garden shed. Decisive factors in the selection process are the compass direction, the angle of the sun's rays, and any potential shading from trees or buildings.

The correct socket and installation

Next, the necessary technical prerequisites must be established for the safe operation of the mini-photovoltaic system. Although technically possible and frequently used in Austria, for example, many energy experts in Germany advise against feeding electricity from a private PV system into the grid via standard Schuko plugs. While it is technically feasible and generally safe to use a Schuko plug, as long as the inverter meets the requirements of the inverter standard, it is advisable to avoid this practice.

However, critics see a risk that electric shocks and corresponding injuries could occur when using the plugs.

For those who want to be on the safe side, it is recommended to use plugs that comply with VDE standards such as DIN VDE V 0628-1. Alternatively, there are plug connectors that, unlike the Schuko model, are touch-proof. One example is the so-called Wieland plug. This is made of a more robust plastic than the standard Schuko plug. Furthermore, unlike the Schuko plug, the pins are not completely exposed, which minimizes the risk of an arc between the pin and socket, thus effectively preventing overheating and fire hazards.

To prevent accidents, electricians and energy suppliers strongly advise using standard-compliant power outlets. If the plug-in system is equipped with a Schuko plug, it should be replaced with a suitable safety plug. Retrofitting such a unit is also easily possible.

For smooth operation and maximum safety, the installation should also be carried out by a qualified electrician. This ensures that the electrical circuit for feeding in solar energy from the solar panel is adequately sized and optimally protected.

The counter

Another prerequisite for a functioning PV system is the precise measurement of electricity generation. Anyone who wants to use solar power for home use and feed it into the public grid when needed requires a bidirectional meter. This is because the non-return-blocking electricity meters installed in most households cannot perform this task, as they only record the amount of electricity drawn from the grid. A bidirectional meter is necessary to accurately determine the amount of energy fed into the grid. This situation arises when an energy surplus is generated and the unused electricity flows back into the public distribution network. This is the case, for example, when the sun is shining during the day and only a few electrical appliances are in use in the apartment or house.

Before commissioning, the electricity meter often needs to be replaced with a bidirectional meter. This task is usually handled by the electricity supplier or the metering point operator. Modern smart meters are frequently able to register the interaction between electricity and power, as they are equipped with a bidirectional meter. Even laypersons can identify them by the symbol of a bidirectional arrow. Anyone planning to install their own PV system without a smart meter should request the meter replacement in good time so that the system is ready for use immediately after installation.

Conclusion

Once the site-specific, technical, and legal requirements are met, nothing stands in the way of installing and commissioning a mini solar power plant. These plug-in PV systems offer private consumers the ideal opportunity to actively participate in the energy transition and save money in the long term. They make a valuable contribution, particularly in covering the basic energy needs of continuous electricity consumers like refrigerators, which benefits both the wallet and the environment.

Sustainable investments in the energy sector

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