Mini PV systems – the extra portion of energy!

Market development: Mini PV systems

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We publish the latest developments at irregular intervals. The outcome usually depends on many parameters and decisions. In general, however, the course can be predicted if there are no further serious influences on the planned decisions and developments.

What do I have to pay attention to with mini PV systems? The topics:

• Mini PV systems for private consumers: (The extra boost) solar energy from the balcony
• Solar power plants for domestic use
• Mini PV systems and their advantages
• Solar operation of refrigerator and air conditioning
• The optional power storage
• PV systems: electricity in the island location
• Requirements for your own PV system
• The right 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 view of continuously rising temperatures, the debate about climate change is also constantly increasing in Germany. Not least because of this, more and more consumers are concerned with questions about the use of renewable energies. Solar energy is increasingly becoming the focus. The growing interest in photovoltaic systems for household use shows that consumers can do more for the environment than simply purchasing their electricity from an eco-provider.

In addition to large-area roof systems, small plug-in solutions that can be connected directly to the electrical circuit are increasingly being used. In this article you will find out how these mini PV systems help to noticeably reduce electricity consumption in your own home and protect the environment.

Solar power plants for domestic use

Solar energy is in. This is reflected in the growing success of small plug-in solar devices. The German Society for Solar Energy and Greenpeace Energy estimate that over 200,000 solar modules are in use across Europe for use on terraces or balconies. According to the organizations, there are around 40,000 devices in this country, also known as plug-in systems, plug-in PV or plug-and-play PV.

But given the around 41 million households in Germany, it is clear that there is still a lot of room for improvement in this area. One reason for the still hesitant attitude is the widespread opinion that setting up a solar system involves a lot of technical and financial effort. What may be true for larger systems is not true for mini PV systems. These balcony systems are so manageably sized that they can literally fit on almost every balcony by simply being mounted on the balcony railing. Although this cannot supply an entire household with energy, such a device does ensure a noticeable reduction in electricity costs. At the same time, the modular structure of the systems makes it possible to gradually expand their performance if necessary.

Their savings effect, combined with uncomplicated installation and the increasing discussion about climate protection, are likely to lead to many more consumers thinking about 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 you produce when there is enough sunshine can be used directly in the household for your own needs. Since modern PV systems have a line of 150 to 600 watts, they can produce up to 600 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. In this way, up to 20% of annual electricity consumption can be saved in households. Purchase costs in the three-digit euro range ensure that a plug-in system pays for itself after just seven to ten years.

In addition to the costs, the main advantages of plug-in systems are the simple construction and the uncomplicated connection to household electricity. What is particularly interesting for tenants is that the space-saving modules can just as easily be uninstalled from the balcony or terrace if you move. This makes them the ideal electricity generator for private consumers who are interested in the environmentally friendly generation of green electricity for their own needs.

Solar operation of refrigerator and air conditioning

The PV systems are particularly suitable for covering the basic consumption of permanently active devices such as refrigerators and chests, WLAN routers or the many electronic systems that run on standby. In addition, a plug-and-play PV system provides valuable services when operating air conditioning systems. Due to increasingly hot summers, these are becoming increasingly popular in this country and are increasingly being used in households. Since they provide relief, especially during the day, they can be ideally supplied with the solar energy produced during the day. In this way, the small power guzzlers don't tear too big a hole in a household's energy balance.

There are also numerous other options for house and garden owners or tenants to use mini solar power plants efficiently. They can be used to ensure warmer water temperatures in the pools that are being set up in more and more gardens. Since heating your own swimming pool makes it possible to use it throughout the hot summer months, there is nothing standing in the way of extended bathing pleasure at significantly reduced electricity costs. The same applies to the operation of small greenhouses, which require electricity to create a warmer microclimate, which they receive from the plug-in systems.

The optional power storage

Regardless of whether devices provide energy for indoor or outdoor use, the excess power theoretically flows back into the general circuit if there is no power storage available. However, since these quantities are very small and are not provided permanently, agreeing on a feed-in tariff with the electricity supplier is generally not worthwhile.

Instead, integrating additional energy storage brings further advantages. It means that the solar energy generated during the day can be used to build up reserves for times when there is little sun or at night. Users of their own PV system only have to obtain the electricity they need from the network operator during times without sunlight. In this way, you save money month after month and can at the same time do your part for the energy transition.

PV systems: electricity in the island location

Of course, the plug-and-play PV can also be used as self-sufficient solutions for island or off-grid systems. These island locations are about supplying electricity to places that are not connected to a public energy grid. Island operation using your own PV system means you don't have to forego the convenience of a regulated power supply, even in remote regions.

A common type of use is the solar module for the mobile home, the small dacha or a houseboat, with which users can have self-sufficient access to electricity generated from renewable sources. In addition, the model is interesting for people who have permanently stationed their motorhome in a fixed location and who want to reduce the costs of the shore power provided. One reason for this is the prices that campsite operators charge their customers, which are many times higher than the normal rate. An additionally installed power storage device also ensures that long-term campers have access to a large amount of the solar energy stored during the week for free use at the weekend.

Requirements for your own PV system

There are now a variety of offers for small solar devices on the Internet, most of which are in the three-digit euro range. This usually includes one or two standard solar modules as well as a mounting set for the roof, wall or balcony. In addition, an integrated inverter is required to convert the solar power into 230 volts for feeding, as well as a connecting cable with a plug. Thanks to their plug-and-play system, the small PV systems can be connected to the household grid without much effort.

Before you can put your own solar power plant into operation, you have to overcome some legal hurdles. Just like larger PV systems, the mini solar systems that have been permitted since 2018 also fall under the Renewable Energy Sources Act. Therefore, the plug-in capable PV models must be registered with the Federal Network Agency and the responsible network operator based on the Low Voltage Connection Ordinance. It is important to note that the systems do not exceed a feed-in power of 600 watts. Tenants are also required to obtain permission from their landlord before installation. For apartment owners, they may need the consent of the homeowners' association. In addition, there are a number of important details to consider before and during installation.

The right location

The key requirement for the successful operation of a mini solar system is access to sufficient sunlight. Anyone who wants to install the system in a basement location or on a shady property with tall trees has a bad starting position from the start. That's why it's important to find a suitable, sun-facing location. Sunny gardens, terraces or balconies are ideal for this. The PV system can also be installed on the roof of a carport or garden shed. The decisive factors for the choice are the direction of the compass, the angle of incidence of the sun and possible shading from trees or buildings.

The correct socket and installation

The technical requirements must then be created for the safe operation of the mini photovoltaic system. Although technically possible and often used in Austria, for example, many energy experts in this country advise against feeding electricity from your own PV system via simple protective contact plugs (Schuko plugs). Technically, it is easily possible and fundamentally safe to use a Schuko plug as long as the inverter used meets the requirements of the inverter standard.

However, critical voices see the danger that electric shocks and corresponding injuries can occur when using the plugs.

If you 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. The alternative is plug connections, which, in contrast to the Schuko model, are touch-safe. An example of this is the so-called Wieland plug. This is made of a more robust plastic than the normal Schuko plug. In contrast to the Schuko plug, the pins are not completely exposed, which minimizes the risk of an arc between the pin and socket and thus effectively counteracts overheating and the risk of fire.

In order to avoid accidents, electrical experts and energy suppliers strongly recommend the use of standard energy plug devices. If the plug-in system is equipped with a Schuko plug, this should be replaced with an appropriate safety plug. It is also easy to convert such a unit later.

For smooth operation and maximum safety, the setup should also be carried out by an electrician. The specialist ensures that the circuit for feeding in the solar energy from the solar module is sufficiently dimensioned and at the same time protected in the best possible way.

The counter

Another prerequisite for a functioning PV solution is the precise recording of electricity generation. If you want to use solar power for domestic use and feed it into the general power grid when necessary, you need a bidirectional meter. The reason for this is that the backstop electricity meters installed in most households cannot do this task because they only record the amount of electricity taken from the network. In order to correctly determine the amount of energy fed into the power grid, a bidirectional meter is required. This situation occurs when, when surplus energy is generated, the unused electricity flows back into the public distribution network. This is the case, for example, when the sun shines during the day and only a few electricity consumers are active in the apartment or house.

In many cases, the electricity meter must therefore be replaced by the bidirectional meter before commissioning. This task is usually carried out by the electricity supplier or the metering point operator. Modern smart meters are often able to map the interaction because they have a bidirectional counter. They can also be recognized by laypeople by the symbol of a two-way arrow. If you don't have a smart meter and are planning to install your own PV system, you should apply for the meter replacement in good time so that the system is ready for use immediately after installation.

Conclusion

If the location-related, technical and legal requirements are met, nothing stands in the way of installing and commissioning a mini solar power plant. The pluggable PV systems offer private consumers the ideal opportunity to actively participate in the energy transition and save long-term costs. Especially when it comes to covering the basic needs of permanent electricity consumers such as refrigerators, they make a valuable contribution that not only protects your wallet but also protects the environment.

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