Question 1

How does a photovoltaic system work?

Accepted Answer

When a PV-system is installed, sunlight is converted into electrical energy using solar cells. The solar cell usually consists of a semiconductor, which is often made of silicon. When the solar cell is irradiated with light, a special arrangement of semiconductor layers creates free charges. These charges flow off as electrons via an electrical conductor. The direct current generated is converted into alternating current by an inverter, which can then be used to operate a company building, for example for lighting or the use of machines and electrical appliances.

Question 2

How is surplus electricity handled?

Accepted Answer

Surplus electricity can be fed into the public grid. Under the German Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), you either receive a feed-in tariff or the electricity is marketed directly, depending on the size of the system. Alternatively, surpluses can also be saved for later use with an integrated electricity storage system. Such storage solutions are particularly suitable for companies that have low self-consumption rates - e.g. due to downtimes at the weekend. With ENVIRIA, we also cover the integration of electricity storage systems as an additional option.

Question 3

What subsidies are available?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to install and purchase a PV-system on your company building, there are various funding options available. The KfW Bank, for example, offers the "Renewable Energies - Standard" promotional loan for public companies, which includes financial support for PV-systems on roofs, facades or vacant land as part of the "Construction, expansion and acquisition of systems for the use of renewable energies". In addition to the various contacts in your region, we will of course support you in accessing possible subsidies for your own energy transition.

Question 4

Acquisition costs: How much does a PV-system cost?

Accepted Answer

The costs for your own system depend on the size - we are happy to provide you with an individual quote. In order to benefit from all the advantages of green energy with PV, you do not have to purchase and operate your own system, as you also unlock these benefits when renting a system - in this case, ENVIRIA bears the full investment risk. At the end of the contract term (approx. 20 years), you can take over the system for a reasonable price.

Question 5

Dependence on external factors: What role do the weather, time of day, location and tilt angle of the PV-system play?

Accepted Answer

Generating electricity with a PV-system depends on a variety of external influences such as weather, time of day and location and tilt angle of the system. Despite possible fluctuations, sustainable and environmentally friendly power generation is possible. The connection to the public grid provides additional security and ensures a reliable power supply, even when conditions are not ideal. You can also obtain the required residual electricity from ENVIRIA. This eliminates the need for an additional power purchase agreement with a main electricity provider.

Question 6

Bureaucracy: How many resources need to be invested internally?

Accepted Answer

Operating your own PV-system requires annual reporting obligations, but these involve little effort. These include, for example, maintenance tasks for commercially used systems and annual reports, such as the declaration of conformity. If you opt for leasing a PV-system or renting out your roof, ENVIRIA takes care of these points. This means that hardly any internal resources are required.

Question 7

Electricity storage, charging stations and more: What additional services are available?

Accepted Answer

As a full-service solar provider, ENVIRIA gives you simple and uncomplicated access to the entire solar value chain. If you decide to cooperate with ENVIRIA and thus install PV-systems on your premises, you can choose from various additional solutions that are suitable for your infrastructure: from charging stations for e-mobility, heat pumps, green roof solutions and solar carports to smart metering systems, roof renovations and energy storage systems. We will find the optimal solution for your individual needs.