Many homeowners are currently wondering whether a photovoltaic system is still worthwhile. The non-profit consultancy co2online has now used its independent PhotovoltaikCheck to calculate typical system configurations, and has reached a clear conclusion: in many cases, solar power from your own roof pays off and can even generate a profit.
Cost-effective despite high initial costs
Example calculations by co2online show that even larger systems with battery storage pay for themselves within around 15 years in many cases and deliver clear financial benefits over 20 years.
- Independent & future-proof: a 12 kWp system with storage saves 6,800 euros over 20 years while also reducing dependence on the electricity market.
- Compact & cost-focused: a smaller 4.5 kWp system even generates a profit of 8,000 euros, with lower investment costs.
- House with high consumption: where electricity consumption is high, for example because of a heat pump, a system with storage is particularly worthwhile, delivering a cost advantage of more than 26,000 euros over 20 years.
Make a well-informed decision – with a check, advice and discussion
For a system to be cost-effective, it is crucial to tailor the size of the system and its storage capacity to personal needs and individual circumstances.
Homeowners can use co2online’s free PhotovoltaikCheck to assess for themselves whether a photovoltaic system is worthwhile and what size of system makes sense for them. Interactive guidance enables the calculation even if not all information is immediately available. Homeowners receive a realistic forecast of the PV system’s cost-effectiveness, long-term costs and savings, together with information about grants and funding.
Additional support is advisable for a sound decision, for example from experienced installers, independent energy advisers, particularly when combining the system with a heat pump, or through discussion with other system owners in the neighbourhood or online in the VierWende homeowner community.
For tenants too: check whether a plug-in balcony solar system is worthwhile
Anyone who does not have roof space available or does not yet want to commit to a large PV system can start with a plug-in balcony solar system. co2online’s PhotovoltaikCheck calculates whether these plug-in systems are cost-effective, making the tool useful for tenants as well.
Background to the methodology
The calculations assume optimal conditions for a PV system on an average detached house, with a realistic consumption profile, current installation and electricity prices, and forecast electricity price trends. The results are based on forecasts using assumed developments; actual costs and returns may differ.