Fellowship Brief: Photovoltaic Planning for Residential Buildings

Task Description: Photovoltaic Planning for Residential Building in Germany

Objective

To analyze the potential for photovoltaic (PV) installation on a residential property in Germany, evaluating the feasibility and profitability of installing standard 400W panels on the east, west, and south-facing roofs. The analysis will consider the energy requirements of the household, including the presence of a heat pump and/or electric vehicle, and will aim to optimize the PV system size and battery storage to achieve over 50% utilization of produced electricity over a 20-year period.

Key Tasks

  1. Site Analysis and Data Collection
  • Obtain the exact street address of the residential property.
  • Assess the roof area available on the east, west, and south-facing sides for PV panel installation.
  • Gather information on the number of residents, their energy consumption patterns, and additional energy demands such as a heat pump or electric vehicle.
  1. Energy Requirement Assessment
  • Estimate the household’s annual energy consumption based on the number of residents.
  • Calculate additional energy demands:
    • Heating requirements if a heat pump is used.
    • Charging needs for an electric vehicle, if applicable.
  1. PV System Design and Simulation
  • Use PVSyst to simulate and optimize the PV installation for each roof direction (east, west, south):
    • Determine the maximum number of 400W panels that can be installed on each roof section.
    • Analyze the expected energy production for each direction independently.
    • Assess shading, tilt angle, and other site-specific factors affecting PV performance.
  1. Economic Analysis
  • Calculate the expected electric demand and compare it with the potential energy production.
  • Evaluate the profitability of the PV installation over a 20-year period for each roof direction.
  • Consider factors such as initial investment costs, maintenance, electricity prices, and potential savings.
  1. Battery Storage Optimization
  • Analyze the benefits of integrating a battery storage system to improve energy utilization.
  • Calculate the optimal size of the battery based on energy production and consumption patterns.
  • Assess the impact of battery storage on overall system profitability and energy self-sufficiency.
  1. Final Recommendation and Report Preparation
  • Summarize the findings from the PVSyst simulations and economic analysis.
  • Provide a clear recommendation on the optimal amount of photovoltaic installation, preferred direction of panels, and the appropriate size of the battery system.
  • Ensure the report includes:
    • Detailed analysis for each roof direction.
    • Assumptions made during the analysis.
    • Financial projections over the 20-year period.
    • Sensitivity analysis for varying energy prices and consumption patterns.

Deliverables

  1. Detailed Report:
  • Introduction:
    • Clear statement of assumptions, including:
    • Standard 400W PV panels.
    • Current German regulations, subsidies, and market conditions.
    • Household energy consumption patterns.
  • Site Analysis and Data Collection:
    • Detailed site assessment and data collected.
  • Energy Requirement Assessment:
    • Estimation of annual energy consumption and additional demands.
  • PV System Design and Simulation:
    • PVSyst simulation results for each roof direction.
    • Analysis of expected energy production.
  • Economic Analysis:
    • Comparison of energy demand vs. production.
    • Profitability analysis over 20 years.
  • Battery Storage Optimization:
    • Benefits and optimal size calculation for battery storage.
  • Profitability Analysis:
    • Financial projections and analysis of system profitability.
  • Recommendations:
    • Optimal amount of PV installation.
    • Preferred direction of panels.
    • Recommended size of the battery system.
    • Justifications and explanations for recommendations.
  1. Executive Summary:
  • High-level overview of findings and recommendations.
  • Key data points and conclusions for quick reference.

Assumptions and Considerations

  • Standard 400W PV panels will be used.
  • Energy prices, subsidies, and incentives will be based on current German regulations and market conditions.
  • Realistic household energy consumption patterns will be assumed.
  • The analysis will prioritize achieving more than 50% utilization of produced electricity to maximize system efficiency and profitability.

This comprehensive approach will ensure a thorough and professional analysis, providing clear and actionable recommendations for the optimal photovoltaic setup for the residential property in Germany.

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