The use of solar energy is becoming increasingly popular, especially against the backdrop of rising electricity prices and increasing awareness of environmentally friendly energy solutions. But many potential investors are asking themselves the question: Is it really worth purchasing a photovoltaic system? In this guide, we explain the costs, potential savings and other economic aspects of photovoltaic systems in order to give you a well-founded basis for making your decision.
1. Purchase costs of a photovoltaic system
The costs of a photovoltaic system depend on various factors, including the size of the system, the quality of the modules used, the type of inverter and the individual installation requirements. In general, the following items can be distinguished:
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Photovoltaic modules: These are the main component of the system and account for around 40-50% of the total costs. Prices vary depending on the technology (monocrystalline, polycrystalline or thin-film modules), with monocrystalline modules usually having the highest efficiency but also being more expensive.
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Inverter: The inverter converts the direct current generated by the solar modules into usable alternating current. It accounts for around 10-20% of the total cost.
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Mounting systems and installation: These costs vary depending on the location and roof type. Simple installations on pitched roofs are usually cheaper than those on flat roofs or special solutions for open-air systems.
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Electricity storage (optional): If you want to store the electricity generated for your own use, a battery storage system is also required. The costs for this have fallen in recent years, but a power storage system can increase the total price by 20-40%.
For a typical photovoltaic system on a single-family home with an output of 5 kWp (kilowatt peak), the total costs are currently between 8,000 and 12,000 euros including installation and VAT.
2. Running costs and maintenance
A photovoltaic system is largely low-maintenance during operation. The main costs are cleaning the modules (especially when they are heavily soiled by dust or leaves), monitoring the inverter and having the entire system checked by specialists.
The service life of photovoltaic modules is usually 20 to 30 years, although many manufacturers offer a guarantee on the performance of the modules for more than 25 years. The inverter usually has to be replaced after about 10-15 years, which can cause additional costs of around 1,000 to 2,000 euros.
3. Savings through self-consumption and feed-in tariffs
A key advantage of photovoltaic systems is the ability to use the electricity generated yourself and thereby significantly reduce your electricity bill. Self-consumption has become increasingly attractive in recent years as electricity prices are continuously rising. Currently (as of 2024), a kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity costs an average of around 40 cents in Germany.
If you own a photovoltaic system, you generate electricity at a much lower price. Depending on the system and location, the levelized cost of electricity for solar power is around 10 to 14 cents per kWh. Every kilowatt hour of solar power used for your own purposes means a direct saving compared to using electricity from the grid.
In addition to your own consumption, you can feed the unused solar power into the public grid and receive a feed-in tariff for it. The current tariff rate for small photovoltaic systems up to 10 kWp is around 8.2 cents per kWh. Although the feed-in tariff has fallen compared to previous years, it remains an interesting source of income if your own consumption cannot be maximized.
4. Economic efficiency and amortization
The question of whether a photovoltaic system is worthwhile depends on several factors: the acquisition costs, the ongoing operating costs, the level of self-consumption, the electricity prices and the legal framework such as the feed-in tariff and possible funding programs.
A typical photovoltaic system usually pays for itself within 10 to 15 years. This means that after this period, the investment costs are fully covered by the saved electricity costs and the feed-in tariff. The higher the self-consumption and the more the electricity prices rise, the faster the system pays for itself.
5. State funding and tax advantages
In Germany, there are various funding programs that support the purchase of a photovoltaic system. These include low-interest loans, such as those offered by the KfW Bank, as well as direct investment grants at the regional level.
In addition, operators of small photovoltaic systems enjoy tax advantages. From 2023, income from the operation of small photovoltaic systems up to 30 kWp will be exempt from income tax. Sales tax for the purchase and installation of photovoltaic systems will also be abolished under certain conditions from 2023.
6. Conclusion: Is a photovoltaic system worthwhile?
The answer to the question of whether a photovoltaic system is worthwhile is in most cases yes, especially if high levels of self-consumption are possible. With a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, photovoltaic systems can not only help you become independent of rising electricity prices, but also enable you to make significant savings. With the subsidies and tax relief currently available, investing in a photovoltaic system is a sensible and economically viable decision.