Solar energy: How much does a photovoltaic system cost – is the investment worth it?

The increasing expansion of photovoltaic systems is making itself felt on the energy market: According to the latest publication by the Federal Network Agency, in January 2023 solar power systems with a total output of 780 megawatts net.

The reasons for this are the purchase and the high electricity price. Also the increased environmental awareness makes an investment in a photovoltaic system more attractive for many people. Here you can find out how much it costs to install a solar system and which factors play a role.

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Cost factors when installing a photovoltaic system

The costs for setting up a system depend on many factors such as size and output (kilowatt peak, kWp) or the technology chosen. They make the biggest expense acquisition cost as well as by a specialist. The costs vary depending on the type of system and combination with other measures in the house and the technologies used.

1. Size of the plant

The size of the has a big impact on the cost. The larger the plant, the more solar panels are required, resulting in higher material and installation costs. In addition, larger systems often require more complex mounting systems and inverters. They also drive up costs.

2. Module performance

The performance of the solar modules has a direct impact on the costs. High power modules produce more and are therefore often more expensive. the higher one efficiency however, can result in fewer modules being needed to achieve the desired performance, which in turn can reduce costs. But you shouldn’t just focus on the price: If you only have a small area available, you need more expensive modules with a high degree of efficiency, but also fewer modules.

* Prices are average values ​​and serve as a guide.

3. Mounting systems and fastening materials

The costs for mounting systems and fastening material can vary greatly depending on the type of installation. One Aufdachmontage is usually cheaper than an in-roof installation or an open space system. Fastening material costs can also vary depending on roof type and condition.

4. Inverters and storage systems

An important part of every photovoltaic system is the inverter, which converts the direct current generated by the solar modules into alternating current. The Cost for the device depend on the rated power. This means that the less energy is lost in converting the electricity, the more expensive the product.

If the system to increase the degree of energy self-sufficiency with a Storage are equipped, the costs increase again. However, the associated higher self-consumption has a positive impact on the cost side.

5. Maintenance and cleaning costs

are generally very low maintenance as they have no moving parts. Nevertheless, one regular maintenance recommended at intervals of two to four years. For example, the fastenings, the cable connections and the inverter are checked and the necessary settings are optimized so that the system works economically over the long term. The cost of maintenance is usually between 100 and 250 euros.

When cleaning should be carried out depends on the weather conditions, fine dust pollution and the angle of inclination of the modules. With strong one can module cleaning increase yield by up to 20 percent. Costs of around 2.50 euros per square meter can be expected for professional cleaning – flat-rate prices are often offered.

Maintenance and cleaning of the solar system are not required very often. However, you can help to extend the service life of the system and avoid high consequential costs by detecting damage at an early stage.

Average costs: How much does a photovoltaic system cost?

A solar system with an output of four to ten kilowatt peak for an average detached or semi-detached house costs between 6,000 and 12,000 euros – including planning and installation.

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Photovoltaic systems: Regional price differences

In addition to the system size, the assembly systems and additional storage systems, a fourth point is of crucial importance for the yield of a solar system: the site. According to the Bavarian State Ministry for Economics, Infrastructure, Transport and Technology, the average annual solar radiation in Germany varies between 850 kWh in the north and 1,750 kWh in the south. A solar system in Germany generates around 1,000 kWh of solar power per kWp of nominal power per year.

Between each states different global radiation values ​​may occur due to local conditions. What is striking is that the more southerly the location, the higher the annual total of global radiation values.

* Prices are average values ​​and serve as a guide.

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The yield of photovoltaic systems: Factors and yields

The Yield from photovoltaics depends on many factors and can vary greatly. Typical returns for photovoltaic systems over a period of 20 years (start-up April 2023) are shown below. The data are from the Yield calculator Stiftung Warentest.

*EV = self-consumption

1. Investment costs

Die investment costs have the greatest influence on the profitability of the systems. Currently, the costs for a kilowatt peak photovoltaic output for small systems up to 10 kWp are around 1,800 – 2,000 euros.

2. Operating Costs

For a realistic return calculation, the annual Operating costs of a photovoltaic system are taken into account. As a rule, only the maintenance and repair costs of the system are relevant. Approximately 3,000 euros can be expected for the first 20 years of operation. If desired, the system can be cleaned every one to two years. However, cleaning the photovoltaic modules does not usually compensate for the loss of yield, since the modules are already cleaned by rain and snow.

3. Yield and location

The yield of the photovoltaic system is just as important for the yield. This results from the size of the system and the Location your house. A kilowatt of peak photovoltaics can generate an average of 1,000 kWh of electricity per year in Germany. It should be noted that plants in southern Germany produce more than plants in northern Germany. Solar yields of up to 1,300 kWh per kWp are not uncommon in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Systems in northern Germany, on the other hand, generate only 900 kWh per installed kilowatt peak, even in rainy years.

Also the local site conditions affect the yield. A partially shaded one produces significantly less electricity than an unshaded one. The highest yields are achieved with an elevation angle of 30 degrees and a southern orientation. Deviations from this optimum usually have no significant effects. Only a predominantly north orientation should be avoided.

4. Own consumption share

The self consumed solar power increases the return on photovoltaics, since one kilowatt hour of solar power can already be generated for 8 to 12 cents. With the electricity supplier, on the other hand, you pay an average of around 42 cents per kilowatt hour. With every kilowatt hour of solar power you use, you save between 30 and 34 cents.

5. Feed-In Tariff

The rate of return is also affected by the amount of feed-in tariff influenced. Depending on how much you use, part of the self-generated electricity flows into the public grid and you receive a low feed-in tariff for it. For small house roof systems, the feed-in tariff according to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) 2023 is around 8 cents per kilowatt hour.

Photovoltaic systems: subsidies and financing options

Germany is going its own way internationally when it comes to promoting renewable energies. With the EEG, renewable energies such as photovoltaics have been used since 2002 with the aim of energy transition promoted. In addition, the construction and expansion of photovoltaic systems is indirectly funded through special loans.

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