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Solar advice: Storage units increase efficiency!

Between early 2016 and late 2017, the price of stationary lithium batteries has fallen by approx. 20 to 30 percent. This trend is expected to continue, but the price decline will proceed some smoother. These are good reasons for investing in a solar battery.

Size depends on the electricity demand

What size to choose depends on the building’s electricity demand and the size of your solar generator. Lithium batteries currently cost about 800 to 1,000 euros per kilowatt hour, lead batteries about 300 to 500 euros (net prices for end customers). However: In a private residence, having a storage unit without a solar generator makes very little sense. This can be different for commercial enterprises.

Self-consumption up to 90 percent

Without storage, you can make good use of about 50 to 80 percent of the solar electricity for your own house. A battery can easily take that up to (almost) 100 percent. If you do not base the own consumption just on the solar generator, but on the electricity demand of the entire house, the following general rule applies: Without storage, you can meet about 30 to 50 percent your electricity demand directly from solar. In combination with a solar battery, this can be as much as 90 percent.

What to do in the fall?

To meet your entire electricity needs over the course of a year, you need a second generator, e.g. a cogeneration unit. This can be a fuel cell which still are very expensive. It is usually simpler – and less expensive – to use the power grid. During the winter, your needs can be met through green electricity from a certified utility. (HS)

Look at this, too:
Solar advice: Heat electrically during the transitional periods!

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