Photovoltaics

Commercial enterprises can make a decisive contribution to advancing the energy transition. This is because many of them have roof surfaces that are well suited for installing photovoltaic systems. Power demand in businesses is also high, especially during the day when there is a lot of sunshine. These are ideal conditions for using self-generated electricity directly on site. 

By doing this, businesses can reduce and secure their electricity costs in the long term. When companies use their own electricity from renewable energy sources, it also sends a real signal for climate protection. The use of photovoltaics does not have to involve a great deal of effort for businesses. Companies can use their own electricity on site without having to operate or invest in the system themselves. There are now specialised service providers who take on these services for companies, for example through roof leasing or contracting. 

There is a lot of momentum for the commercial installation and use of photovoltaics. The Ministry for Economic Affairs, Innovation, Digitalisation and Energy of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia launched the “More Photovoltaics on Commercial Roofs - Campaign 2021+” campaign to help advance the use of photovoltaics in the commercial sector. 

More information is available here:  https://www.pv-auf-gewerbe.nrw

Photovoltaics can be particularly cost-effective to install in open spaces. Such systems usually have a significantly higher output than roof systems, but may only be built in special locations such as sealed areas, conversion areas or along motorways or train lines. These require development plans since they are structural installations.

In some cases, large solar parks can already cover their own costs without subsidies. And the plants subsidised under the Renewable Energy Sources Act also generate electricity close to the market price. The average bid price in 2020 was just over five cents per kilowatt-hour. So far however, few ground-mounted PV plants have been built in North Rhine-Westphalia. The state government wants to change this, particularly by adjusting the regulatory framework. 

Tenant electricity refers to electricity generated from a PV system on the roof of a residential building and consumed within the building. The idea is for tenants in urban areas to also be able to actively participate in the energy transition. This also upgrades the property – both for the tenants and the landlords. The landlord does not necessarily have to operate the photovoltaic systems or the tenant electricity model. Instead, they can be operated by specialised service companies and local energy suppliers.

Tenant electricity from PV systems of a certain size are subsidised by the Renewable Energy Sources Act. Owners can receive a tenant electricity surcharge if their system has a maximum output of 100 kilowatts. For subsidies, at least 40 per cent of the building must be used as residential space. Then commercial tenants in the building can also receive the subsidised tenant electricity. It is also possible to supply the surrounding neighbourhood. 

North Rhine-Westphalia is the most densely populated federal state in Germany. Available areas for energy generation are relatively scarce. They compete with other uses such as agricultural production, buildings and transport infrastructure. That is why there are innovative concepts that make dual land use possible. This way, renewable energy can also be generated in smaller spaces.

PV in agriculture: Agri PV

Permanent agricultural crops can grow under high-mounted PV systems. The canopy can provide protection against damage from the elements (hail, frost, drought) and reduce evaporation. This can simultaneously save water. It is also possible for PV systems and arable farming to occur right next to each other in the same area, for example through vertically placed solar modules. 

PV on the water: floating PV

Another innovative type of system is floating PV systems. Such systems currently exist only on artificial or heavily modified standing bodies of water, for example on lakes created by gravel mining. There are many such areas in North Rhine-Westphalia, for example in the Rhenish mining district. Installing photovoltaics on water is particularly practical because open water surfaces rarely get shade. Additionally, the cooling effect of the water ensures that the modules work more efficiently and more power can be generated. This technology is growing worldwide. 

PV in urban areas: solar carports

In urban, sealed areas, photovoltaics can be installed on the roofs of public and non-public car parks. This created a double use for areas that are already sealed. The systems also provide shade and thus prevent the city from overheating. Another practical advantage is that the panels can be directly connected to an EV charging station. This allows the electricity to be used directly on site.