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Focus on self-consumption: How to maximize your photovoltaic returns!
Find out how HEMS and new feed-in tariffs promote the profitability of photovoltaic systems in the Schwalm-Eder district.
Focus on self-consumption: How to maximize your photovoltaic returns!
There are noticeable changes in the energy supply in Cologne. More and more homeowners are investing in photovoltaic systems (PV systems) in order to be independent of rising electricity prices. Falling feed-in tariffs are directing the focus on self-consumption, which also has an impact on the economic viability of these systems. Stadt und Werk reports that the share of feed-in revenues in total costs is often less than 20 percent. This means that the most important lever for returns lies in the intelligent use of the electricity generated.
A home energy management system (HEMS) is essential for this. It not only controls self-sufficiency, but can also help make the investment profitable over the lifespan of the PV system. It becomes particularly lucrative when the heat pump and wallbox are integrated into the system. Experts estimate that if you plan cleverly, you can save up to 1,000 euros a year.
New perspectives through legal changes
But what's new on the market? The Renewable Energy Act (EEG) stipulates that operators of PV systems receive compensation for electricity fed into the public grid for 20 years. After the EEG 2023, welcome changes were introduced, such as the distinction between full feed-in and excess feed-in. Andreas Helm from photovoltaik.org points out that the feed-in tariff for solar systems up to 10 kWp from August 2025 is set at 7.86 cents per kWh for excess feed-in and 12.47 cents per kWh for full feed-in.
However, a critical look is required because from the end of February 2025 the feed-in tariff will be suspended in times of negative electricity prices. During these phases, operators of new systems do not receive any compensation and the period of guaranteed income is extended accordingly - so planning is required here.
Innovations for municipal utilities and prosumers
The current development brings new opportunities, especially for municipal utilities. beegy offers a white label package that covers the entire process from the initial contact to the operation of the PV systems. An innovative online configurator can be used to create individual solution recommendations, while sales employees can carry out profitability calculations and compare the different system variants thanks to a sales app. All of this is a clear step towards a greater integration of municipal utilities into the prosumer business model, which, as beegy emphasizes, can be developed without much effort.
End customers not only benefit from clear representations of generation and consumption, but also from the municipal utility's continuous monitoring of system performance. Ultimately, this is good business for everyone involved, from the users to the municipal utilities.
The people of Cologne are well advised with these innovations in the energy transition. The issue of self-sufficiency becomes not only a question of household finances, but also a question of independence in times of changing energy prices. So let’s look forward to the coming developments in the photovoltaics industry!