Greetings, solar enthusiasts! Today I’m excited to discuss a promising development from the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems. Researchers have recently showcased how the incorporation of rooftop PV systems, battery storage, and heat pumps can significantly enhance heat pump efficiency and lessen the reliance on grid electricity. A ground-breaking finding that can revolutionize solar companies soon!
The research was centered on a residential setup with a solar array for a home, associated with a heat pump and battery storage. While delving into the nuts and bolts of the setup is intriguing, let’s focus on the implications of this research on solar panels for your home.
Let’s start with the SG-Ready control; it’s a smart control that boosts the heat pump operation by increasing the set temperatures, leading to lower Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF). Essentially, the smart control provides optimal heat pump operation, paving the way for an efficient electricity supply. But remember, the smart control’s effectiveness may vary based on specific individual systems and their specifications. It’s tailor-made, in a way.
The main advantage of such PV-heat pump systems, as highlighted by the researchers, lies in their lower grid consumption and thus, reduced electricity costs. In a world grappling with continually rising energy costs, this is an avenue worth further exploration by any solar company.
In terms of specs, the solar array for home this study worked with was south-oriented, with a tilt angle of 30 degrees. It had a decent power output of 12.3 kW and a module area of 60 square meters. Paired with a battery with a capacity of 11.7 kWh, this setup seemed ideal for the research’s single-family house subject located in Freiburg, Germany.
The SG-Ready control interface they used is designed to interact with the electricity grid and modify the system’s operation accordingly. This level of interaction ensures optimal power usage, with the system using the grid as a fallback only when necessary.
One of the most appealing aspects of this setup is its smart power allocation. PV power is first used for the house loads, with any surplus being directed to the battery. The excess power can only enter the grid when the house’s electricity requirements are met, and the battery is entirely charged. This sequence ensures the maximum utilization of the PV-produced power, reducing the reliance on grid-based energy.
In terms of tangible results, the setup achieved an impressive self-consumption ratio of 42.9% through the year. The higher sink temperatures, however, did result in a slight reduction of heat pump efficiency. Nevertheless, the system covered 36% of the heat pump’s electricity demand via the PV/ battery system— a substantial contribution, particularly considering traditional energy methods.
As promising as these findings are, the researchers remind us that these observations are specific to the tested system. The actual performance could vary quite a bit depending on the building and energy system specifications. While this research is a leap forward for solar companies, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The future of solar panels for your home is bright indeed, and I can’t wait to see how this field develops and how new advancements will shape our journeys towards sustainable energy utilization.
Stay tuned, fellow solar enthusiasts, as I keep you updated on the fascinating world of solar power. Embrace the sun’s potential, and let’s move together towards a cleaner, brighter future!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/01/how-to-combine-residential-heat-pumps-with-pv-battery-storage/
