Photovoltaics for apartment buildings and businesses

The advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic systems for your property

Climate neutrality and energy savings - important keywords for many businesses and property owners. Photovoltaic (PV) systems on the roofs of commercial properties or on apartment buildings help to save electricity costs and reduce CO2 emissions. In addition, they increase the value of one's own property.

Therefore, it is time to consider the installation of a PV system now at the latest - also because the solar obligation will take effect in Berlin from 2023 at the latest.

What is photovoltaics?

With a PV system, solar energy is collected and converted into electrical energy. An inverter converts the direct current generated into alternating current. The advantage: this can be consumed directly on site. If photovoltaic modules are installed on an industrial hall, for example, the solar power generated can be consumed directly in the plant. The roofs of logistics halls are very suitable because they have a large shadow-free area. The additional static load that a flat roof has to absorb is in some cases less than ten kilograms per square meter with ballast-optimized penetration-free designs.

It works similarly for multifamily buildings. There, too, the solar power generated on the roof or facade can be fed into the building grid as tenant electricity. Electricity that is not consumed directly can be taken up by powerful battery storage units and used as needed - for example, in the evening or at night. Surplus solar power is fed into the public distribution grid.

Why photovoltaics?

More and more companies and property owners are striving for climate neutrality. A PV system installed on the roof of a building or integrated into the facade can help. It improves the company's own carbon footprint and at the same time reduces energy costs many times over. Photovoltaics is considered an all-round talent for buildings: the spectrum ranges from roof systems of various dimensions to integrated facade systems. At the same time, a PV system increases the value of the building stock, since, for example, previously unused roof areas become space for additional management - just one of many other advantages for owners.

What has happened in the market in recent years?

The use of PV systems has become increasingly important over the past few years. Falling costs for solar modules and the expansion of renewable energies as a whole, which is being pushed by politicians, have ensured that photovoltaics account for an increasing share of the electricity supply in Germany.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, a total of 50 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity was generated by PV systems in 2021. Compared to 2016, the increase in the amount of electricity generated was 33 percent. At that time, electricity generation from PV systems was still 37.6 billion kWh. The capacity of newly installed PV systems in 2021 was 5,007 megawatts (MW), slightly higher than in 2020 (4,807 MW). Within the past five years, total installed PV capacity increased 44 percent from about 40,700 MW (2016) to about 58,700 MW now (2020), according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Why is photovoltaics becoming more important?

With the recently adopted "Easter Package," the German government aims to nearly double the share of renewable energy in gross electricity consumption within less than a decade. The addition of photovoltaics is to be raised to a level of 22 gigawatts by 2026 and then kept stable in subsequent years. This could result in a cumulative installed PV capacity of 215 gigawatts in Germany by 2030. The expansion should be distributed as evenly as possible between rooftops and open spaces.

In Berlin, the "Solarcity Master Plan" aims to increase the share of solar power to 25 percent by 2045. To achieve this goal, solar installations with a capacity of around 4,400 MW must be placed on Berlin's roofs: on single- and two-family homes, on commercial buildings, apartment buildings and public buildings.

Why is photovoltaics interesting for companies and real estate owners?

Businesses and property owners benefit from a PV system in many ways. Many warehouses and production halls offer ideal conditions for such a system, which increases the value of the real estate. Especially in times of rising energy prices, it is worthwhile to generate solar power yourself and then use it. The electricity from a PV system can be temporarily stored by companies in batteries designed for this purpose and used to charge their own electric vehicle fleet. Wallboxes and charging stations can also be fed directly with solar power. The combination of PV systems and charging columns in particular is becoming increasingly attractive, especially in new construction.

The subsidy landscape, from purchase premiums to state subsidy programs to subsidies for charging infrastructure, has also been significantly improved in recent months. In Berlin, an extensive subsidy program has been set up. The program "Wirtschaftsnahe Elektromobilität" (WELMO) includes advice on suitable vehicles and a suitable charging infrastructure as well as funding for electric vehicles. In addition, the program also promotes the construction of charging infrastructure.

Why tenant electricity?

With an attractive tenant electricity offer, tenants can also participate in the energy transition in the city, because tenant electricity is significantly cheaper than other tariffs. The reason: There are no charges for the use of the line and the route on directly supplied electricity that does not flow through the public power grid. Tenant electricity tariffs also do not incur any other levies. Another benefit for owners is that the entire initial investment can be free if a tenant power model is implemented in partnership with an energy services company.

Is there an obligation to build PV systems in Berlin?

Starting in January 2023, there will be a solar obligation in Berlin. Owners of non-public buildings with a usable area of more than 50 square meters will be affected. The solar obligation will take effect as soon as the building or significant modifications to the roof have been completed. The aim is to increase the share of solar energy in electricity consumption in Berlin to at least 25 percent as quickly as possible. A solar obligation also applies in other federal states.

The advantages of a PV system at a glance:

• Visible contribution to climate protection
• PV electricity is free of charge
• Significant reduction in energy costs
• Ideal combination with electromobility
• Sustainable upgrading of your own property
• Utilization of previously unconsidered resources