Self-consumption potentials of existing PV systems in German households

In this contribution the nation-wide self-consumption potential from existing PV systems is determined and its effects on the electricity price are calculated. A net present value approach is used to compare the profitability of direct marketing of the generated electricity to self-consumption. Furthermore, the possibilities of increasing self-consumption by installing a battery storage system or a heating rod for warm water supply are evaluated. Our findings show, that the continued operation of the PV system is economical in most cases even under direct marketing. Self-consumption further increases profitability and makes a possibly necessary replacement of the inverter cost-efficient. The installation of a heating rod can be profitable if the conditions allow for an easy installation in the existing warm water storage. Even the utilization of the complete self-consumption potential would only result in a minor increase in electricity prices.