A solar-electric apartment building project in Graz

How did you find out about my-PV?

The customer first came into contact with my-PV several years ago, at the trade fair “Intersolar” in Munich. At first, Martin Reiner only informed himself about the possibilities of the my-PV solutions at that time. When the my-PV product portfolio subsequently included additional areas of application, such as solar-electric space heating, he contacted us again via the website.

Challenges/particularities regarding the implementation?

During the first stages of the joint planning process, on the part of partner companies, there was initial scepticism regarding the new “photovoltaic heat” technology. In the beginning, for the planners and construction supervisors, the solar electric concept represented something entirely new. In a joint meeting of all those involved, however, the concerns were quickly dispelled. my-PV provided support in advance, with a detailed technical simulation and a forecast of the expected operating costs. The ecological, technical and economic advantages of the concept "cables instead of pipes" are quickly convincing for experienced construction companies.

The tenants were unreservedly accepting towards the concept and even the authorities had no difficulties concerning permits, not even regarding electric heating!

Brief explanation of the system – what should be mentioned?

In the eight-party house, one AC•THOR 9s per apartment uses excess energy yields from a large, grid-connected photovoltaic system for decentralized water heating in the apartments as well as for electric space heating. Only the my-PV technology ultimately makes the electric heat generator suitable for photovoltaics. Our fast and precise power modulation makes them "PV-ready". Missing energy, for example during winter, is drawn from batteries and the public power grid.

Persons in the household – demand for hot water, etc.?

On average, one apartment is occupied by two people. This results in a hot water requirement of around 100 litres per day. There are always reserves in the 150 litre hanging tanks, and there is also an additional day storage volume for PV excess.

Moreover, there are no additional costs for tenants. "Housing costs are either in the usual market segment or below," according to the customer.

Is thermal backup used with grid power?

Yes, because there is no other heat source. The building technology is extremely simplified by "cables instead of pipes". In times when there is not enough solar radiation, the automatic thermal backup comes into effect for both hot water and room heating. Primarily electricity from the batteries is used (storage capacity 5 kWh per apartment) and only at a later stage, electricity is drawn from the public grid to ensure comfort. Most of the year, however, this is barely or not at all necessary.

Customer opinion and feedback

For this new project near Graz, my-PV technology for the first time by the developer. So far, conventional hydraulic systems such as ground or air heat pumps, gas, oil or district heating have always been used in building services. In addition to the drastic simplification of the system technology, the areas of electricity, hot water and space heating can now be combined for the first time through sector coupling.

The technology is very economical in operation. A first positive balance can be drawn up regarding the months of March to June 2021. During this time, in one apartment just 100 kWh per month were drawn from the public grid to provide electricity, hot water and space heating. The by far greater part of the energy came clean and free of charge from the internal photovoltaic system; and this despite the fact that the heating season was still ongoing during this observation period. The builder Martin Reiner describes this as “top values”.

Due to the battery storage used, the initial investments were slightly above the level of conventional building technology. However, since solar-electric heat can be realized problem-free without battery storage with my-PV, the property developer is free to decide whether he wants to save additional installation costs. Thus, the construction costs would also be below those of hydraulic building installations. Higher operating costs very unlikely if the batteries are left out.