May 7, 2026|General

Geopolitical Tensions Fuel the Desire for Energy Independence

When oil and gas prices rise, so does the desire for independence — and with it, demand for solar-electric heating solutions. What the current crisis reveals about purchasing behavior — and why heat generated from (surplus) solar power is the smartest lever.

The geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East is leaving a clear mark on energy markets — and is noticeably changing the behavior of households and energy communities. Rising gas and oil prices are acting as a direct catalyst for a question many people have been asking for some time: How independent can I become from fossil fuels and volatile energy sources?

Markus Gundendorfer, Head of Sales DACH and shareholder at my-PV, observes a nuanced picture. Small investments in greater energy independence are being implemented quickly, while major decisions — such as purchasing real estate — are being postponed for the time being.

“What we are currently observing is something we know from previous crises: when oil and gas prices rise, the desire for independence grows — and very quickly. The question is no longer whether people will act, but how fast.”

Markus Gundendorfer · Head of Sales DACH & Shareholder at my-PV

One particularly noticeable trend at the moment: balcony PV systems are being ordered and installed at short notice. Their low entry barrier makes them the ideal first step into self-generated electricity — even for tenants. At the same time, optimizing existing PV systems is becoming increasingly important: those who already own a system now want to maximize its potential.

E-Mobility and Energy Communities on the Rise

Rising fuel prices are also giving new momentum to the electric vehicle market — a development that aligns perfectly with the growing number of PV systems on residential rooftops. Anyone who can charge their vehicle using self-generated solar electricity becomes twice as independent from fossil fuel price fluctuations.

Since March 2026, energy communities have faced an urgent challenge once again: there is simply too much PV electricity available, while meaningful consumers for this surplus energy are lacking. Gundendorfer sees clear winners here: domestic hot water and space heating used as thermal storage systems can absorb surplus energy flexibly, easily, and economically — whenever it occurs.

District Heating Discovers Surplus Solar Power

A new dynamic is also emerging among district heating providers: they are increasingly recognizing the potential of integrating low-cost surplus electricity from PV systems during summer months to supplement heat supply economically. With controllable heating solutions, my-PV addresses exactly this interface.

“Crises create awareness. And the realization that a well-utilized PV system can provide genuine energy independence is the best thing that can happen — for our customers and for the energy transition.”

Markus Gundendorfer · Head of Sales DACH & Shareholder, my-PV GmbH

Why Solar-Electric Heat Makes Sense

Heating is the largest energy consumer in households — and at the same time the easiest lever for increasing self-consumption. Solar-electric solutions such as the AC•THOR, AC•THOR 9s, and AC ELWA 2 use PV surplus exactly where it creates the greatest value: within the home, for domestic hot water and/or heating systems. The advantages speak for themselves.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity — for Climate Protection and Independence

Geopolitical tensions are a painful wake-up call — but also an accelerator for the energy and heating transition. Those who invest in solar-electric heating now are not only protecting themselves against short-term price shocks, but are also laying the foundation for long-term energy independence. The technology already exists, the return on investment is attractive, and the timing has rarely been better.

With the AC ELWA 2, AC•THOR, and AC•THOR 9s, my-PV offers solutions that operate precisely within this field of tension: economically beneficial for users, grid-supportive for the energy system, and emission-free for the climate.

In addition, the photovoltaic heating expert also offers a completely autonomous solution that represents the simplest and most cost-efficient retrofit option for generating heat from solar electricity: the SOL•THOR. Combined with just three PV modules, it can already cover 50% of the annual domestic hot water demand of a two-person household. This is what affordable energy independence looks like.