Wolfratshausen: The city supports photovoltaics for balconies, gardens, terraces and garage roofs
Created: 11/27/2022, 11:32 am
By: Franca Winkler
Standing up for the energy transition together: Vivian Horngacher, the city's environmental and climate protection manager, and Mayor Klaus Heilinglechner.
© City of Wolfratshausen
Wolfratshausen – With a new municipal funding program, the city of Wolfratshausen is giving impetus to the energy transition in the rafting town.
Since October, plug-in solar devices, also known as so-called balcony power plants, and innovative battery storage systems for residential buildings have been funded. The program, which came into force on October 1, specifically promotes small solar systems, so-called balcony power plants, innovative battery storage systems and, on application, special measures that are eligible for funding .
The offer is aimed at apartment and house owners, tenants and owners' associations.
The city of Wolfratshausen declared a climate emergency in 2019 and wants to offer an incentive for citizens to invest in the expansion of renewable energies.
Demand for solar systems is currently high
"Every apartment and house owner in Wolfratshausen can make a contribution to the energy transition and is supported by their community," explains Mayor Klaus Heilinglechner.
The Planning and Environment department expects the program to be well received.
In view of the energy crisis, the demand for solar systems is currently high nationwide, reports the city.
"The investment in the energy transition is doubly worthwhile - for the climate and for your own wallet," emphasizes Vivian Horngacher, the municipality's environmental and climate protection manager.
The legal framework is that the plug-in solar devices or balcony power plants may include one to two modules, with standard modules having a nominal output of 300 watts.
The small photovoltaic systems can cover a good part of their own base load during the day.
Even if the electricity yield is consumed directly on site, for example by a refrigerator, washing machine or electric car, the small PV systems must be registered with the grid operator and the Federal Network Agency (www.bundesnetzagentur.de).
In principle, the requirements of public law regulations, technical building regulations and recognized rules of technology must be observed.
Findings of the Bavarian consumer center
The experts at the Bavarian consumer advice center provide advice on all aspects of saving energy and have also evaluated the plug-in solar devices from an economic point of view.
Accordingly, the small systems usually produce enough electricity to cover a significant part of the base load and the midday peak of a household on sunny days.
According to calculations by the consumer center, a module with 380 watts of power installed on a south-facing balcony with full sun supplies around 280 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.
The electricity purchase is reduced by about the same amount if the electricity is consumed directly in the household.
The consumer advice center also estimates the contribution to climate protection: the mini solar system saves around 2.5 tons of CO2 emissions in 20 years.
Since a factor in the success of the energy transition is also the ability to store solar energy, there is also a subsidy for the installation of sustainable energy storage for residential buildings, the city explains.
The promise of the innovative battery storage (redox flow or salt water storage technology) is very good for the environment.
Information and applications for the funding program can be found at www.wolfratshausen.de or can be ordered by email to environment@wolfratshausen.de.
Vivian Horngacher is also available to answer questions.