Photovoltaik für Unternehmen: Eine lohnende Investition in die Zukunft

Energy efficiency and sustainability are becoming increasingly important for companies. Photovoltaic systems offer an environmentally friendly and economically attractive way to cover their own energy consumption and improve their carbon footprint. Rolf Beitz, a specialist in photovoltaics and in-house power supply at Limón GmbH, explains why it is worthwhile for almost all companies to generate their own electricity from solar energy and what needs to be considered when implementing such systems.

Exploiting potential and becoming climate-neutral

Photovoltaics, i.e. the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, has become one of the most important technologies in the field of renewable energies in recent years. Interest in photovoltaic systems in the corporate world is growing steadily. According to a survey by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis), 2.2 million photovoltaic systems were already installed on roofs and properties in Germany in March 2022. The total nominal output of 58,400 megawatts was therefore 9.7% higher than in the previous year. On the way to climate neutrality, the number of systems is likely to have increased significantly once again in the meantime.

Nevertheless, the proportion of unused operating areas is still too high, says Rolf Beitz. Photovoltaic systems for generating electricity offer many advantages and are a worthwhile investment in the future. “Electricity from your own PV system is usually cheaper than electricity from the grid,” says Beitz. “It is therefore worth using every 'kW from the roof', even - or especially - for companies with high energy consumption.”

The advantages: Planning security, potential savings and minimal effort

According to Rolf Beitz, the main advantages of solar systems for companies are the high level of planning security and the considerable savings potential. The fact that solar energy is crisis-proof, independent of political events and available almost everywhere in the world without discrimination ensures a stable basis for planning energy supplies. In addition, companies with photovoltaic systems can succeed in significantly reducing their energy costs in some cases. “Thanks to the fall in the price of today's systems, electricity production costs of up to 5 cents can be achieved,” says Rolf Beitz. “That's unrivaled value for money.” Depending on the degree of utilization, a system can pay for itself in as little as three to four years.  

Another advantage of photovoltaics according to Rolf Beitz is that modern solar systems are virtually maintenance-free and require hardly any care: “The modules are usually mounted at an angle so that dust and dirt are washed away by the rain all by themselves. Additional cleaning is therefore largely superfluous.”

The criteria: Power consumption and available space

When a company decides to install photovoltaics, two criteria are particularly important: the company's own electricity consumption and the available space. Ideally, the majority of electricity consumption should occur during the day. In this way, the electricity generated can be used directly and without a cumbersome storage solution. Suitable areas for solar modules include roof surfaces, carports, but also open spaces on which a solar park can be erected.

Lightweight halls can now also be considered for power generation, as the systems have become significantly lighter: Whereas a photovoltaic system used to weigh 20 to 25 kg per square meter, modern systems now manage with 12 to 15 kg, depending on the components required. “And if the roof statics are not sufficient for this either, there is PV roof foil,” adds Rolf Beitz. “It's less efficient, but much lighter and definitely better than not using the space at all.”  

The urgent tip from the photovoltaic expert for companies is therefore: “It is best to install as many modules as is economically justifiable on the available space. This is because the installation costs are proportionately high, but depend little on the size of the system. And the growing use of heat pumps and electric vehicles will definitely increase the demand for electricity in the coming years.”

Further training for more photovoltaic knowledge

TÜV NORD Akademie offers various professional training courses for anyone who would like to find out more about photovoltaics and climate neutrality measures. From the basics of photovoltaics to details of the Energy and Electricity Tax Act, there is a suitable seminar for every level of knowledge. The courses are designed to equip specialists and decision-makers with the necessary knowledge to actively promote sustainability and energy efficiency in the company.

Further information and training opportunities can be found in the “Photovoltaics for companies” knowledge portal.

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