Looking for a new construction guide for photovoltaic systems

Hello everyone,

we are currently planning our house with a property developer and I am trying to read up on the topic of photovoltaic systems in order to be optimally positioned on this issue already in the planning phase. However, after reading a lot, I realize that it is quite a complex topic and one can quickly get lost in details.

Are there good guides for laypeople on the topic of photovoltaic systems for new buildings based on your experience?

Many thanks and best regards,

Hello people from Bochum,

yes, it exists.

Enter "FAQ - valuable information on photovoltaic system size, electricity storage, profitability, self-consumption, optimization, simulation, expected yield, design, heat pump, legal and tax basics, grid connection application for the Renewable Energy Act remuneration, and much more" into the well-known search engine and you will find all the necessary knowledge under the 5th result.

Good luck!

I find it commendable that you are dealing with photovoltaics at an early stage. Mentally, I would divide this into two phases:

1. Roof planning:
This is about designing a roof that is as photovoltaic-friendly as possible. So the best possible orientation, large roof overhangs, no shading, no disturbing elements like chimneys, vents, satellite dishes, etc. A gable roof is easier to equip than a hip roof. If dormers are necessary, a shed dormer is better than a gable dormer. Possibly include outbuildings (carport/garage etc.). Goal: maximize the usable area. An example of how not to do it: (a few posts later positive examples).
With a as full-area as possible rooftop photovoltaic system, you also have excellent protection against summer overheating of the attic and can carry out the roof insulation simply and inexpensively (thanks to photovoltaics, we waived an additional rooftop insulation, which alone saved €8K). Possibly you can also save roofing materials underneath the photovoltaic panels (this was recently done on a neighbor’s house – admittedly with a very elaborate natural slate roof. Whether this is possible or sensible with a StiNo roof I cannot judge. We didn’t do it because the main contractor and the solar installer were two different trades).

2. Photovoltaic planning:
After you have optimized the roof planning, the actual photovoltaic planning is almost a piece of cake: determining the area and optimizing module placement is done by the solar installer. The details can be decided relatively late, as the topic of photovoltaics and subsidies is constantly changing and there will surely be changes again after the federal election. If your nickname has anything to do with the construction date, it is way too early for the actual photovoltaic planning.

Conclusion: focus on the roof planning and everything will be fine :)

Good luck, and if you have questions, just ask!

It would also be important, if possible, to evenly cover East/West and South. This way, your yield starts early and usually ends late in the evening. And if possible, no shading. I have also done some planning and have come to a good solution. Get two or three quotes and then decide whom to commission. ;) Effectively, it would be best to implement it shortly after der Dacheindeckung. This way, you save scaffold costs once.