The expert team of the AEET Energy Group GmbH will be pleased to advise you. We want you to be well-informed.
Because choosing solar energy is not a question of faith, but an orientation towards the future, which today already yields.
It combines several fields of action in which the members of our team are specialists , The AEET Energy Group GmbH brings together this knowledge and thus enables anyone interested to receive professional information.
We have already summarized the most common questions for you in order to make it easier for you to get started in this topic.
Photovoltaic systems can be installed on buildings, as their own building structures (for example, as a complete roof or carport) and on open spaces. As a rule, the operator also has the space himself. However, communities may also be formed that operate a PVA on a common area or on the area of a member of that community. PVA on rental buildings can be put into operation only with the consent of the owner and with the execution of a corresponding contract.
Generally the location on the roof is to be preferred. In urban agglomerations, this is usually not possible otherwise, but also the owners of one- and two-family houses prefer to use the otherwise exposed roof surface as the property surface to affect. Solar systems can also be integrated into the façade of a house. The integration of the PVA brings logistical and technical advantages. Setting up the PVA on a floor surface requires longer piping and is at greater risk. In addition, the feed-in tariffs under the law on renewable energies are lower than for a rooftop system.
Every operator of a PVA should make sure that the look of his PV system fits as well as possible into the home and surrounding area.
The size of a PVA basically depends on the needs and the operating goals of the operator. In addition, due to the different efficiencies of the solar modules up to twice a footprint necessary to produce the same power. On average, one calculates for the energy requirement of a four-person household with a footprint of about 80 square meters (correspondingly lower in high-performance modules).
Although the sun shines on average over one year with an energy of 1,000 kWh on one square meter in the central European regions, but a complete conversion into electrical energy is not possible due to the composition of the light and the percent efficiencies of the solar modules. To reach one kilo-watt peak (the peak power in solar power generation), you need an area of 8 square meters to 10 square meters. Per kWp of installed power, the average yield is 950 kWh per year.
The PVA should always be planned larger than the own demand fails. The surplus production can be delivered to the public grid at attractive feed-in tariffs far above the usual tariffs. The larger a system fails, the better it will pay off. The profitability relates not only to the refinancing through the feed-in tariff, but also to the price ratio when purchasing the plant. In the case of a rooftop installation, the idea is still to use the PVA protection function to save the usual laying of bricks and to dimension the size of the PVA according to the roof area.
For the yield of a photovoltaic system, the optimal alignment after the incident sun rays is an important aspect. Many homeowners who do not have south-facing roofs think that a PVA is not worth it for them. However, this assumption is not correct. Even with a southeast or southwest roof, you can achieve good yields. Even if the house is in the axis in a north-south direction, the west roof still achieves an acceptable yield. The eastern roof is not to be preferred, as often morning mist and fog, even if the day is still sunny, reduce the yield. Incidentally, the loads of a PVA for any standard roof construction in Germany are easy to "bear".
The greater the deviation from the south orientation, the more important the inclination angle becomes. It is anyway an average, which is based on the height of the sun on one day and in the course of the seasons and in Germany between 25 degrees and 35 degrees. With a western orientation of the roof, it can help to direct enough sunlight to the solar modules.
The geographical position also makes a difference in Germany. The southern regions with the stronger sun intensity are somewhat preferred. But that can vary in all locations and even in the coastal regions, which are more often hit by clouds, the conditions are favorable enough to operate a PVA with good value added.
How economical is it for me to be my own electricity producer?
Photovoltaic systems are not only a sustainable contribution to environmental protection, but also one of the safest return options. The reimbursement rates for the feed-in of self-generated solar electricity into the public grid set out in the Renewable Energy Law allow refinancing the investment in a PVA within 5 to 12 years. Thereafter, the plant continues to produce electricity, and the surplus continues to yield pure profit.
In the entire time the operator of a PVA saves the costs for the electricity. Following the extension of the Renewable Energy Law in 2010, he now receives compensation for his own consumption. This is especially lucrative if it exceeds 30%. This remuneration, like the feed-in tariff, is not subject to annual degression and is retained as a full revenue each year. As a solar-based electricity producer, there are two state-guaranteed sources of revenue.
The independence from the major energy suppliers has another advantage: the constantly rising electricity prices are irrelevant for the PVA owner. For the years following the refinancing of a PVA, the experts expect electricity prices that are now paid as feed-in tariffs for the subsidized solar power. Then your own solar power system is even more valuable. After all, she has an average lifespan of 30 years.
In order to make solar power generation attractive to companies and households, the Federal Government has introduced reimbursement rates with the law on renewable energies that are well above the usual electricity tariffs. These prices are paid according to the applicable amount in the year of commissioning for 20 years for the electricity that is fed into the public network by this PVA. However, this price is subject to an annual degression of about 10-15%. As a result, and with the annual comparison of solar capacities, the legislator creates a real link to the development of the solar power industry. If the new capacity of one year exceeds certain thresholds, the degression increases again, each time by 3% per megawatt point above the base value of 3,500 kWp. For once fixed compensation, these corrections have no effect, but the compensation in the following year changes accordingly. Nevertheless, fixing these electricity prices at the present time is still a lucrative incentive for a PVA.
With the extension of the Renewable Energy Law in 2010, the legislator has also set a compensation for the self-consumption of solar-generated electricity. This remuneration becomes all the more attractive if own consumption exceeds 30%. This compensation is not subject to degression and is currently being assumed in full in the following year. For the time being, the regulation will be valid until 2014. However, an update is a clear matter for the experts as an alternative to the degression of the feed-in tariff.
Yes. If you are planning the construction of a photovoltaic system within Germany, this question can be answered clearly positively.
As can be seen on the official maps of the European Union, the annual solar energy is sufficient even in geographically disadvantaged regions of Germany to produce economically successful solar power in this country. Although the solar radiation, due to the respective geographical conditions, is not evenly distributed throughout Germany, the profitable production of solar power is absolutely possible in every region of Germany.
Of course, the experts of the AEET Energy Group GmbH also support you in selecting the suitable location for the new photovoltaic system. In addition to a comprehensive consultation with regard to the respective solar radiation and the associated radiation energy on site and per year, you also receive intensive further advice.
Important factors for the economic success of a photovoltaic system are, in addition to the selection of the optimal location, among other things, the perfect alignment and the best possible inclination angle of the individual photovoltaic modules. At the same time, the ideal coordination of the actual modules themselves and those of the entirety of the components play a decisive role. A professional selection of the photovoltaic modules, in coordination with the respective location of the plant, contributes significantly to the success of the entire project. Therefore, the professionals of the AEET Energy Group GmbH pay particular attention to the comprehensive advice regarding the optimal location and the perfectly matched components of the photovoltaic system.
The corresponding map material for Germany (provided by the European Union) can be found at:
http://re.jrc.ec.europa.eu/pvgis/cmaps/eu_opt/pvgis_solar_optimum_DE.png
Yes. Each person has the right to use the unrestricted energy reserves of the sun for their own benefit. Electricity produced by means of its own photovoltaic system is more than just environmentally friendly energy. Solar power can also be used as a self-sufficient power supply and thus contributes significantly to the individual independence of large power companies.
The balanced balance between feed-in tariffs and self-consumption plays a key role in the cost-effectiveness of the respective photovoltaic system, especially in this context. For this reason, the AEET Energy Group GmbH gives this topic a particularly high priority. The experts of the global team work with you to develop highly professional solutions that are exactly tailored to your requirements and circumstances.
In essence, a solar power producer has two different approaches to choose from, which of course can be combined with each other:
The self-produced solar power is fed into the public grid by the owner of the photovoltaic system. In this case, the owner receives a corresponding remuneration for the injected electricity volume. This remuneration is referred to as the feed-in tariff and is regulated in the Renewable Energies Act (EEG). At the same time, this feed-in tariff is legally guaranteed for a period of 20 years.
The self-produced solar power is also used by the owner of the photovoltaic system. In this case, the owner will receive additional compensation for this amount of electricity, called self-consumption. At the same time, the owner of the plant avoids the purchase of expensive and conventionally produced electricity. This approach thus combines the energy-related independence of the generator with the financial benefits of self-consumption.
The energy supplier is the partner for every PVA operator. To ensure smooth cooperation, all aspects of the integration of a system into the public network operation must be examined. First of all, this includes network compatibility. The energy supplier needs a scale map of the PVA site (district, corridor, parcel) and the fully completed PVA data entry sheet.
For the connection of the PVA a formal registration must take place. This application must be accompanied by the following document:
an overview circuit diagram for connecting the PVA to the general supply network including the data of the equipment used and the arrangement of the measuring and protective devices
the technical data sheets for the planned solar modules, generators and inverters incl
the certificate of conformity for each product unit and the associated test reports
the exact description of the protective devices and a proof of conformity for the network and system protection with the associated test reports
a true-to-scale plan from the site of the transfer / transformer station incl. project documentation
the test report for the transformer used in the grid connection
die genaue Zuordnung der Solarmodule und Wechselrichter für jedes einzelne Gebäude
the order of the PVA and the valid building permit or plant approval according to the Federal Immission Control Act
Capital and commercial companies must enclose a commercial register extract, with a GbR the addresses of the partners are sufficient.
The commissioning of the PVA is indicated by the form "Login to the grid connection". It must also contain the dated signature of the listed electrical specialist. Added to this is the set-up declaration with which the PVA manufacturer or installer testifies to the quality of the equipment and equipment in accordance with accident prevention regulations BGV A3.
In addition, each operator of a PVA is obliged to notify the location and the performance of the installation at the latest on the day the Federal Network Agency receives power.
Power generation by means of photovoltaics, the direct generation of electricity from sunlight by means of solar cells, is undoubtedly one of the most environmentally friendly methods available to humanity for generating electrical energy. At the same time, such environmentally friendly electricity is one of the most important energy sources of our future.
The energy potential delivered daily by the sun is, from a scientific as well as energy-related point of view, virtually inexhaustible. As the leading company in the entire photovoltaic industry, the AEET Energy Group GmbH is consistently working to further optimize this environmentally friendly way of generating energy through the use of innovative technologies. Thus, one of the company's main goals is to sustainably position this already extremely environmentally friendly method of generating energy in the future as well.
It is a fact that over the course of their approximately 30 years of operation, photovoltaic systems produce significantly more energy than is used in their production and commissioning. New technical achievements, and not least also innovative solutions from the AEET Energy Group GmbH, have led to a photovoltaic system already producing the same amount of energy within a few years, which was used in the course of its production. The amount of energy that is produced afterwards is completely free from harmful environmental pollution. At the same time, this amount of electricity represents a gigantic surplus of energy, from which our environment, and thus the entire human race, profits to the highest degree.
Consistently implemented measures to optimize energy production are making a significant contribution to the fact that the energy balance of photovoltaic systems has improved significantly in the recent past. The team of experts of the AEET Energy Group GmbH is rightly proud to be able to contribute a significant share to this process optimization. Systems that are installed by the AEET Energy Group GmbH are accompanied by a competent professional team throughout their lifetime. The disassembly of the plant as well as the complete reintegration of all raw materials into the production process fall into this area. Since, for example, the silicon used is entirely recyclable, the generation of hazardous waste in this area is completely avoided.
The actual extraction of electricity is done in a professionally installed photovoltaic system completely without the emission of pollutants, noise or other negative environmental influences. A photovoltaic system not only provides, virtually maintenance-free, environmentally friendly energy for many decades. Rather, it is a guarantor of sustainable and profitable energy production, which points the way to a positive future for humanity.
Solar cells are the smallest units of a solar module that can use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into an electrical voltage. The most commonly used material for solar cells is silicon. Depending on the structure of the material different efficiencies are achieved.
Monocrystalline solar cells consist of individual crystals of high-purity silicon, which are obtained in an energy-intensive process. The starting material is melted. The resulting crystalline rods are sawn into individual slices, the so-called wafers. Due to the manufacturing process, monocrystalline solar cells are more expensive than others. They also have the highest efficiency, which is between 15% and 18% in economic application. Under laboratory conditions, much higher values are possible. The interconnection of monocrystalline solar cells results in the so-called high-performance modules.
The typical form of monocrystalline solar cells is the square with rounded corners. Monocrystalline solar cells look very noble due to their smooth and even surface as well as the deep blue to black coloring. They belong to the thick film modules and are therefore heavier than thin film modules whose structure is applied to another material.
The positive energy balance of a monocrystalline solar cell can only be produced over a prolonged period of its emission-free operation in solar power generation, i. in sum, it generates more energy than was needed to produce it, and the amount of energy that can be used without carbon dioxide emissions is greater than that caused by manufacturing. Within the 30-year life of a monocrystalline solar cell, this balance is achieved with ease.
Solar cells are the smallest units of a solar module that can use the photovoltaic effect to convert sunlight into an electrical voltage. The most commonly used material for solar cells is silicon. Depending on the structure of the material different efficiencies are achieved.
Polycrystalline solar cells consist of several crystals of the element silicon, which occurs as quartz sand and is brought to the melt by heating. It is used to cast blocks that, when they solidify, transform into crystal structures of different sizes, similar to the one of the frost flowers on the window in winter. The blocks are processed as single thick-film cells in square shape. These have a bluish color, but do not look as smooth and noble as monocrystalline solar cells.
Due to the diversity of the crystal structures, the so-called defects, the light absorption is not possible in maximum Higher and the polycrystalline solar cells therefore have a lower efficiency than the monocrystalline material structure. With 10% to 15%, however, the efficiency is in very good proportion to the production effort. Therefore, polycrystalline solar cells are comparatively cheap in price. About half of all currently used solar modules are based on the polycrystalline structure.
The energy balance of polycrystalline solar cells is also extremely favorable. Polycrystalline solar cells produce the energy used for their production several times over their life cycle and, through their emission-free work, contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in energy production.
Thin-film solar cells consist of micron-sized layers of semiconductor materials that are applied to a conductive substrate. This technology has the advantage that no further solder joints have to be produced as a connection between the solar cells. The absorption layer is applied by vapor deposition or by gas deposition. Their strength is only about 3% of the thick-film cells.
The majority of thin-film solar cells are made of amorphous silicon, i. the silicon layer does not form any crystalline structures during rapid cooling after application ("amorphous" comes from the Greek and means "shapeless"). With such solar cells, only a low efficiency of 5% to 7% can be achieved. In combination with polycrystalline solar cells, however, efficiencies of up to 10% are possible.
The advantages of the thin-film solar cells are their low-cost production and their better functioning in scattered light, low incidence of light and high operating temperatures. With their uncomplicated design, they are preferably used for small devices such as calculators or watches. Achieving the same performance as crystalline solar cells requires about twice the area required by higher quality solar panels. If you have enough space available, you will also achieve good profitability with thin-film modules.
As an alternative to silicon thin-film solar cells, so-called CIGS have emerged in recent years - absorption coatings of copper, indium, gallium, sulfur or selenium. With these solar cells even efficiencies above 10% are possible.
Gallium is an element increasingly used for the production of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film solar modules. The advantage of these solar cells is that they do not rely on carriers such as glass or aluminum. This improves the application possibilities, e.g. in connection with textile materials. Gallium solar cells can thus be sewn into backpacks or other containers and represent a charging station for with guided devices.
In general, thin-film solar modules with gallium can be produced with less energy and production costs. The cheaper price compensates for the lower efficiency, which at least extends into the range of polycrystalline modules.
Thus, the energy balance of solar modules with gallium is better than with crystalline modules, i. the energy required to produce them is far below the volume of energy produced by the solar module with gallium during its electricity production.
For PV systems, the lifetime of 25 years is an average value that can be far exceeded. The constant development in the field of solar power generation makes even longer periods of use conceivable. Currently, the manufacturers give a performance guarantee of 10 to 25 years. Within this period, the refinancing of the PVA is provided by the compensation scheme in the law on renewable energies. At the same time, during this period it is ensured that the energy balance of a PVA is positive, i. The energy used to produce the plant is much lower than the energy it produces. This also includes a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions for power generation from fossil fuel carriers, since the solar power is produced completely emission-free.
Since the lifetime and the corresponding operation of a PVA in periods of decades is expected, a protection of this system is very useful. This protection can be provided with insurance that guarantees the operator the calculated returns even in the event of a temporary failure of the PVA. On the other hand, regular maintenance is required so that the performance of the PVA is not impaired by soiling or line losses. The PVA also has a long-term optical effect for the house and the surrounding area. When planning is therefore advisable to fit into the visibility of the relevant site.
One of the biggest environmental burdens is carbon dioxide emissions, which are largely caused by economic investments. Power plants that produce energy based on fossil fuel carriers are among the biggest producers. More carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere has been shown to contribute to the greenhouse effect, the associated consequences for negative climate development and the enlargement of the ozone hole. The generation of solar power, however, is completely emission-free and is not associated with the extraction of raw materials, which also costs a lot of energy and affects the balance in nature. The sunlight is actually available for free.
The apparent alternative nuclear power has proved by the catastrophes of Chernobyl and Fukushima as an absolute dead end. The atomic radiation of entire earth regions is the most environmentally hostile, what you can even imagine. The so-called energy transition in Germany has also made it clear that alternative energies, including solar energy, can in a short time balance the capacities that will be freed up by leaving the nuclear industry.
After all, solar technology is the best option for the environment, even among alternative energies. Hydropower also produces emission-free energy, but also absorbs larger natural areas, as does wind energy. Renewable energies, however, are the only way to safeguard the environment in the long term. Each operator of a solar system contributes with its electricity production to the fact that the pollution is reduced and the energy balance is positively influenced. Because solar power systems generate many times more energy than is necessary for their production.
A photovoltaic system is exposed to many environmental influences during its many years of operation. Although the solar cells with their good consistency and protective coating are very resistant to the weather and pressure loads, but they can of course contaminate. As a result, the incidence of light is lower and the power can decrease. For the same reason, shading should be avoided, e.g. can cause growing trees over time. Cleaning the plant surface is therefore one of the tasks that must be carried out periodically.
This should also include reviewing contacts within the facility and identifying risk locations for performance losses. In any case, it is better to hire a professional company for maintenance. Most of the time, this also has a more favorable effect on the terms of the guarantee or on the insurance that should definitely be taken out for a PVA. The insurance protects the operator for years from loss of revenue. Of course, the cost of yearly PVA maintenance varies according to size. Generally, about 0.5% of the investment sum is expected in the year.
If you want to react quickly to power losses, you can install so-called string boxes in the system, which can display and localize any power reduction from 2%. These systems are supplemented with special software and are also dependent on the size of the system in terms of cost.
A PVA should do its job for decades with high performance. Disturbances can not be ruled out during this time and, finally, the PVA must also withstand many external environmental influences. An insurance is therefore more than advisable, especially since almost any type of loss of power can be compensated.
With a solar insurance, the investment in the system is protected against fire, lightning, smoldering, glowing, annealing, implosion, short circuit, overvoltage, induction as well as material, construction or assembly errors. In addition to lightning, hail, snow pressure, frost, water and moisture of any kind, as well as floods, are among the natural events that can cause compensation. Even handling errors, awkwardness or negligence can be covered by PVA insurance. If no electricity is produced due to an insured loss, the loss of earnings insurance applies.
The insurance covers all parts of a PVA, ie the solar modules and their support structure, the DC and AC cabling, the feed and production meters, inverters, surge protectors, electronic power indicator panels, the house distribution boxes and the mounting kit.
A deductible between 100 euros and 500 euros is common. The terms of such insurance are usually three years, with the extension always makes sense. The amount of the insurance costs depends on the agreed services and the size of the facility. However, incorrect information in the insurance application may lead to insurance loss. Therefore, all technical issues with an expert agree or insurance in a favorable case, even with the provider to complete.
Who takes care of the maintenance of my photovoltaic system?
A solar power system is not only a valuable investment that should be kept as well as possible, but also a constant source of added value. A day with inferior performance or even as a failure is immediately noticeable in your wallet. That's why maintaining the system is twice as important.
In order to maintain the PVA itself, considerable know-how and a certain amount of equipment are required. The cleaning of solar cells from pollution is one thing that many homeowners can still imagine as own contribution. But even if control devices such as string boxes are to be installed, let alone if the associated software is to be installed for evaluation, the PVA owner must calculate whether these purchases are profitable and that they can also be used to the required extent.
The better way is a maintenance contract on the manufacturer or a competent local expert. This ensures regular inspection and maintenance of the plant, and in case of emergency there is a contact person who can help immediately. Even the conclusion of a loss of earnings insurance at this point does not continue because proper maintenance is always part of such insurance. It is also part of the warranty. That is why you are always on the safe side with the conclusion of a maintenance contract. The costs of this account for only about 0.5% of the total investment per year, but guarantee the profitability and, above all, a long service life of the PVA.
Snowfall in winter is one of the biggest challenges facing a photovoltaic system. Not only the covering of the solar cells by snow, which can lead to the general power failure, but also the load of the solar modules and the construction with large weights and the penetration with wetness are problems, which must be absolutely avoided.
The snowfall of a region must therefore be included in the planning of the solar system. Germany has four snow load zones, which are defined according to their average snowfall values. The installation of the solar system to these values, which are conveniently accessible on the Internet by zip code, usually goes hand in hand with balancing the wind loads that "storm" onto a roof. Accordingly, the strength of the construction and the protection for the solar cells are selected
However, the steeper the roof, the less snow can be deposited on a PVA because it slips naturally. In case of heavy snowfall, the snow must always be removed from the roof.
A convenient alternative is the ice box. With this device, it is possible to feed electricity into the solar system and defrost the snow. The whole thing works like a lawn heater. Even in heavy snowfall, snow weights are no longer formed and the PVA owner no longer has to brave the weather conditions.
With the operation of a PVA, the owner is automatically entitled to the entrepreneur and thus VAT. That the sales tax paid at the time of purchase will be refunded to the operator by the tax office. These 19% are sizeable amounts with investment amounts over 10,000 euros or 20,000 euros, as is usual for a PVA, which bring substantial relief on the financial position of a PVA. Of course, the tax office wants to collect in return on the revenue generated also sales tax. But that is no problem for the operator. He just has to make sure that his contract with the utility company regulates the payment for his feed-in electricity plus VAT, which is then simply passed on to the tax office.
Income tax for a PVA is calculated based on the total profit. Only when the plant has a calculated operating time behind it, all revenue and all expenses are counted. If there is a surplus, it is taxable. Until then, however, the operator can repeatedly claim the depreciation of the plant and the operating costs over many years as tax-reducing. The depreciation relates to the cost of purchasing the PVA. Operating expenses are the annual maintenance and repair costs, which are typically between 0.5% and 1% of the investment. You can also include the cost of insurance for the system and metering fees of the network operator.
If the tax form is chosen as a small business, the depreciation of the PVA costs and the operating expenses are available as tax-reducing funds, but the VAT will not be reimbursed. Anyone who, as an entrepreneur, does not exceed the limit of 17,500 euros in sales per year, can register as a small business owner, moreover, even if he was registered as a businessman with the tax office for 5 years. He will be exempted from VAT. The trade tax has no influence on the PVA. Here, the ceiling is 24,500 euros. Annual revenues of these magnitudes are not achieved with PVA below 10 kWp.
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