Self-Consumption Rate
The self-consumption rate indicates in photovoltaics what share of the self-generated solar power is directly consumed in the household or business without being fed into the public power grid. The higher this rate, the more efficiently the solar system is utilized, and the more independent one is from the power grid.
Influencing factors:
- Size of the photovoltaic system: A larger system can generate more electricity, which can potentially be self-consumed.
- Electricity consumption: High self-consumption requires that the generated electricity coincides temporally with the consumption.
- Battery storage: A battery storage allows excess solar power to be stored and used during times when there is no sunlight.
- Smart control systems: These can optimize electricity consumption and maximize self-consumption.
Optimization of the self-consumption rate:
- Flexible consumption behavior: By consciously consuming electricity during times of high solar generation (e.g., operating the washing machine or dishwasher at noon), the self-consumption rate can be increased.
- Electromobility: Charging an electric car with self-generated solar power significantly increases self-consumption.
- Heat pump: A heat pump powered by solar energy can also increase self-consumption.
Why is the self-consumption rate important?
- Economics: High self-consumption reduces electricity costs as less electricity needs to be drawn from the grid.
- Environmental friendliness: The more electricity is self-consumed, the less fossil fuels need to be used for power generation.
- Independence: High self-consumption makes one less dependent on rising electricity prices and changing legal frameworks.
Further keywords: photovoltaics, solar power, power grid, battery storage, self-consumption, autarky
