Solar energy efficiency.
With a combination of a 34 kW photovoltaic installation, energy storage, and a small wind turbine energy pioneer Andreas Haehnel reaches over 80% energy self-sufficiency. An electric heating system electric car charging is integrated.
“Not for me!”, said Andreas Haehnel. In a land where the conventional electric power system looms over the energy landscape as the mighty Roman Empire once did over its vast domains, Mr. Haehnel’s house in the Bavarian town of Burgthann stands out like a small, rebellious Gallic town, evoking the image of the heroic Asterix from the well-known European comic strip of the same name. In this same spirit, Mr. Haehnel has taken it upon himself to be a pioneer in the movement toward renewable energy. And for this undertaking he is relying on Fenecon Technologies.
The Challenge
Independence is a noble goal for many people. However, when it comes to self-sufficiency in the area of power generation, it is not that easy. “It simply was and still is not”, explains Mr. Haehnel. “I have invested a lot of time and money together with my project partner in order to get to where I am today: nearly 90% self-generated power. Integrated yet decentralized power generation is, in my opinion, the best strategy for bringing about my own personal energy transformation.” As an employee at a regional brewery, Haehnel is no expert in the area of power generation. He is, nevertheless, what you might call a man of conviction. He places great value on maintaining a high quality of life.
And technological solutions are indispensable toward this end. Not only does this project require will and knowledge, but the wide range of potential solutions and combinations of technologies presents a challenge to those interested, because there exists such a large variety of providers when it comes to power sources; the conversion into household electricity as well as its storage or management; and the necessary consultation for such a project. It was clear to Haehnel from the very beginning that the project would require a great deal of personal initiative and that he would have to rely on trustworthy partners in order to profit from their experience and knowledge.
Own personal energy transformation
As for his own knowledge, Haehnel applied the learning-by-doing method, along with skills learned in a partial apprenticeship as an electrician. His enthusiasm for electricity and renewable energy can also be seen in his appearances as a tester of electric cars on YouTube. Even his house, which he built in 2000, was configured to facilitate his own personal energy transformation. The “energy rebel” laid out the following basic functions required for his home: transportation using electric cars, 90% self-sufficiency for electricity consumption and heating from an intelligently operated renewable energy supply management system, which he hopes to use as a model for other buildings.
Two storage systems
In order to reach this ambitious goal using solutions from the variety available on the market, Haehnel chose Fenecon. “Our team is very young and engaged, and we were
all very impressed by how much energy Andreas Haehnel brought to the project.”, declared Franz-Josef Feilmeier, CEO of Fenecon. The dimensions that Mr. Haehnel specified for the solutions are considerable: The sun is to be the main source of energy tapped by a photovoltaic unit with a peak output of 34 kilowatts, the modules of which will face south, west, and even north. Additionally, a small wind turbine will contribute 800 watts of electricity.
You can read more of the article at PV Europe solar technology and Applivcations
