Gas-powered fuel cell

Hello, since I am currently looking for a new heating system, I came across the gas fuel cells. Does anyone have experience with these heaters? How high are the purchase and maintenance costs? Are the additional costs worth it compared to a normal gas boiler? I look forward to informative answers and thank you in advance.

That makes no sense. Why do you want to generate electricity with gas and then convert it back into heat? Also, the hydrogen must first be reformed from the gas. All unnecessary conversions that are associated with efficiency losses. Photovoltaics are much more sensible for electricity generation. I work in fuel cell development and can only advise you against it.

For electricity generation, photovoltaics are significantly more sensible.

well, he specifically wants to heat. At least here, this is usually done in the winter half-year. Unfortunately, exactly at the time when only 20% of the annual total amount of photovoltaic electricity is produced. Sometimes there are days or even weeks without any significant photovoltaic electricity, for example now in January or December. What do you advise incognito for such a case?! I would rather look for a combined heat and power plant depending on the heat demand. So more likely for old buildings than for new buildings. Otherwise, with a KfW.55 new building and gas boiler, you almost pay more for the basic price than for the actual consumption anyway; you can't really save much financially there.

Such systems are subsidized with 40% of the costs.

well, he wants to heat right now. At least where we live, this is usually done in the winter months. Unfortunately, this happens exactly at the time when only 20% of the annual total amount of photovoltaic electricity is produced. Sometimes there are days or even weeks without any significant photovoltaic electricity, for example now in January or December. What do you advise Incognito for such a case?!

Hold out until the sun shines again.

Gas is fossil and will become more expensive (CO2 tax). Electricity will rather become cheaper.
Besides, the technology is not yet mature.

Such systems are at least subsidized with 40% of the costs.

Heat pumps are also subsidized up to 35% of the costs

Gas is fossil and will become more expensive (CO2 tax). Electricity is more likely to become cheaper.

Bold claim... Where can I buy the crystal ball?