Berlin.
Comparison of electricity prices: With your own photovoltaic system, you can drive cheaper in the long term. But how does the order work?
If you compare the price of electricity from the public grid with the converted price of electricity from your own roof, it becomes clear: With your own photovoltaic system (PV system), you can drive cheaper in the long term. You can order them online from a suppliers of solar systemsit doesn’t work like the usual online orders: fill the shopping cart, order, receive the goods.
Rather, it is about the right planning, the correct connection of the individual modules and the coordination of the components. In addition, there is the processing of the system, the registration of the system with the local network operator and finally the regular control and maintenance of the plant. Sound complicated? We will explain to you in detail how the entire ordering process works and what you should definitely pay attention to when making a purchase.
Before installing a solar system: Check these structural requirements
The installation of a solar system is less complex than that of a heating system. It is installed within a day. For commissioning, however, the approval of the network operator for connection to his power grid necessary.
You should also check the structural requirements carefully. In most federal states is for small photovoltaic systems no building permit required on or on buildings. However, there are exceptions: For example, monument protection regulations or development plans may require a permit. To be on the safe side, you should find out about the applicable regulations from your city or municipal administration in advance.
Determine solar system requirements: size, power generation and cost
After the structural requirements have been clarified, you can define the specific criteria for your solar system. Think about how big the plant will be, how much electricity it will produce and how much it will cost. It is crucial that not only the current power consumption, but also future applications are taken into account: Do you want to use the electricity you produce yourself for thermal applications such as hot water? Are you planning to charge an electric car? All of these factors should go into your decision.
A solar calculator can help with this. Such calculators can be found in almost all . They all have the same goal: calculate how much solar energy you need on your roof to meet your electricity needs or to reach the maximum value.
Also interesting: Solar expansion – one federal state outshines all
Photovoltaic system: Selection of a regional or national provider
If you know which requirements yours should meet, it is advisable to obtain several offers from specialist companies. The reason for this is that a comparison usually pays off financially.
A local artisan has the advantage that he has already installed systems at neighbors and acquaintances. So you can get first-hand information about the work and the quality. In addition, there is no longer a long journey, which can also be reflected in the price. However, there may be longer waiting times when making an appointment and you have to coordinate it yourself.
at large, national providers it is often possible to configure the system online without obligation. In addition, consumers benefit from extensive expert knowledge on the company website. The company takes over the coordination and commissions the craftsmen directly. This variant is usually a bit more expensive, since an extensive service package is offered.
Application for funding before signing a contract for a solar system
If you want to take advantage of a subsidy, it is important that you submit the relevant applications in good time and have them approved before you sign a contract with a plant manufacturer or Installer conclude.
In Germany, the federal states can have their own Funding programs for photovoltaics hang up. Funding from the federal states is limited in amount and duration and subject to certain conditions. First, the PV systems must be connected to the . Secondly, the systems must be installed in the respective federal state in which the subsidy is applied for.
A list of possible photovoltaic subsidies from the federal states in 2023:
| Federal State | funding program | type of promotion | amount of funding |
|
Berlin |
SolarPlus |
Preparation of an expert opinion, participation in the additional costs compared to a standard PV system |
Up to 300 euros per kWh (maximum 15,000 euros) |
|
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |
by: State Funding Institute Mecklenburg-West Pomerania |
Subsidy for the purchase and installation of a plug-in mini solar system (after 10/07/2022) |
Up to 500 euros per PV system and apartment unit |
|
North Rhine-Westphalia |
progres.nrw |
Promotion of thermal solar systems for building supply |
90 euros per square meter of gross collector area |
|
Schleswig-Holstein |
by: Arnsberg District Government |
Funding for solar collector systems, connection to heating networks, funding for plug-in balcony systems, funding for stationary battery storage systems (probably from summer 2023) |
Up to 900 euros for solar thermal systems, up to 500 euros for installation and connection costs |
Check the offer for the solar system
In addition to the price for the solar system, an offer also includes the solar devices to be installed. Therefore, when making the offer, make sure that all costs incurred are included in the total price. These include, for example, the costs for the scaffolding, the cabling including plaster, the feed-in meter, the lightning protection and also detailed system documentation.
It is also important that the forecast output is achieved and the assumed electricity costs are not too high. Ideally, replacing the inverter (after 10 to 15 years) should also be taken into account. Furthermore have power storage typically have a limited lifespan and may eventually need to be replaced.
More on this: The best power storage for your balcony power plant
The best online shops for solar systems
If you want to buy one, you are spoiled for choice. The competition on the market is fierce and providers are trying to differentiate themselves more and more. To help you choose the best among them, we have listed the most popular ones for you photovoltaic provider compiled.
In Germany these three are PV provider known for complete systems – including storage and installation:
Zolar
Zolar started in 2016 as the first online provider of solar systems. Since then, the Berlin-based company has clearly established itself as a permanent fixture and has now successfully connected thousands of photovoltaic systems to the grid. The special feature is the online configurator, with which the individual solar modules can be precisely determined. The company was also able to impress with its broad product portfolio. Zolar not only offers solar systems for sale, but also for rent.
Solarwatt
Solarwatt is a German manufacturer of photovoltaic modules and battery storage based in Dresden. The company has almost 30 years of experience in the field, which is a long time in the industry. The Dresden-based company offers the option of ordering a PV system directly and grants a 30-year product guarantee that covers all defects caused by the manufacturer. The installation is carried out by local specialist companies.
own sun
own sun was founded in 2017 and is a typical photovoltaic supplier. With the solar systems from Eigensonne everyone can generate their own. The company relies on four different packages (with or without power storage). Renting is also possible from 69 euros per month. Eigensonne also offers an all-round carefree package that covers all repairs, maintenance and insurance of the system.
Also interesting:
The best photovoltaic providers for renting a solar system
The purchase of a system is often associated with a high initial investment and a certain planning and administration effort. An alternative to buying is the Lease of a PV system. A monthly fixed price is paid over a period of 15 to 20 years. This offer is well suited if there is no equity available. However, the return deteriorates.
In Germany, these three PV providers are known for renting out solar systems:
DR4
The company founded in Hamburg in 2012 DR4 was the first provider of . The experience of DZ4 shows primarily in the presentation and the individual customer care. The group can also score points in the quotation process and impresses with moderate delivery times of three to six months and high regional availability. The rental price is fixed for the entire contract period and does not increase. After ten years there is an annual purchase option.
Yellow Solar
At Yellow Star you can rent your own solar system from 59 euros per month and buy it at the end of the 20-year term. The solar system can also be individually adapted to the conditions of the roof and personal energy requirements. The power flow of the system can be tracked at any time via the Yellow Solar App.
Enpal
The Berlin company was founded in 2017 under the name Evergreen Energy. The company became known for its “0 Euro solar systems”. Unlike many others photovoltaic providers on the market, Enpal works with a leasing model.
The company initially makes an advance payment when purchasing the and then rents it out to its customers for a monthly fee. In return, the company charges a rental fee, which is between 114 and 202 euros per month. It depends on the size and performance of the solar system. The costs are fixed for 20 years.
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