Realize energy self-sufficiency: Generate your own heating and electricity

The importance of energy self-sufficiency in your own home

Achieving energy self-sufficiency in your own home means being independent of external energy providers. You generate your own heat and electricity, often from renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. This is not only environmentally friendly, but also cost-efficient in the long run, as you have no monthly energy costs. It does require an initial investment in the necessary technology, but the savings over the years can make up for this. It also increases your energy security as you are not dependent on energy supply companies. Energy self-sufficiency gives you control and freedom. - Renewable energies: Using renewable energy such as solar, wind or hydro can help reduce energy demand and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.-Energy efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of buildings and appliances can help reduce energy consumption.-Energy storage: Energy storage can help store and use energy from renewable sources when they are not available.

Advantages and disadvantages of energy self-sufficiency

Advantages of energy self-sufficiency

Energy self-sufficiency offers a number of advantages, including:

• Independence from energy prices: If a household generates its own electricity and heat, it is not dependent on fluctuations in energy prices on the market.
• Reducing environmental pollution: The use of renewable energies helps to reduce environmental pollution and climate change.
• Increasing living comfort: Good insulation and the use of renewable energies can help to increase living comfort.

Disadvantages of energy self-sufficiency

The implementation of energy self-sufficiency can be associated with high costs. It is also important to check the technical requirements to ensure that the energy supply is guaranteed even at peak times.

Difference between real and balanced energy self-sufficiency

The term energy self-sufficiency describes the state in which a household covers its entire energy requirements from its own sources. There are two types of energy self-sufficiency: real and balanced.

Genuine energy self-sufficiency

With true energy self-sufficiency, a household covers its entire energy requirements exclusively from its own sources. This means that the household does not purchase electricity or heat from external sources. True energy self-sufficiency is only possible in certain cases, e.g. in small buildings with low energy requirements or in buildings with sufficient renewable energy and energy storage facilities.

Balance sheet energy self-sufficiency

With balanced energy self-sufficiency, a household covers its entire energy requirements over the year from its own sources. This means that in some months the household generates more energy from its own sources than it needs and in other months it needs more energy than it generates. In these cases, the household must purchase electricity or heat from external sources. In practice, balanced energy self-sufficiency is more widespread than true energy self-sufficiency.

Comparison

The main difference between true and balanced energy self-sufficiency is that with true energy self-sufficiency, the household can cover its entire energy requirements from its own sources at all times. With balance sheet energy self-sufficiency, the household can only do this over the course of the year.

Advantages and disadvantages

True energy self-sufficiency offers the advantage that the household is independent of external energy sources. This can be an advantage in times of rising energy prices. However, true energy self-sufficiency is usually associated with high costs.

Balanced energy self-sufficiency is generally more cost-effective than true energy self-sufficiency. However, in this case the household is not completely independent of external energy sources.

Degree of self-sufficiency: step by step to energy independence

Dreaming of energy independence? No problem! Start with self-sufficiency step by step. Start by installing a solar system to generate your own electricity. Then invest in a heat pump to heat independently. The key is to constantly improve your level of self-sufficiency. It may seem challenging at first, but with each small change, you'll get closer to being energy self-sufficient. Remember that every journey begins with a single step. Take your first step towards energy independence today!

The degree of self-sufficiency describes the proportion of a household's energy requirements that are covered by its own sources. It is expressed as a percentage. A degree of self-sufficiency of 100% means that the entire energy requirement is covered by the household's own sources.

Step 1: Determine energy requirements

The first step towards increasing the degree of self-sufficiency is to determine the current energy requirements. To do this, it is important to record electricity consumption and heat demand. Electricity consumption can be measured using an electricity meter. The heat requirement can be determined using a heat balance.

Step 2: Identify potential savings

Once the current energy requirements have been determined, potential savings can be identified. This can be done by an energy consultant or through your own research. Possible measures for saving energy include

• Insulating the building: Good insulation can reduce the heat requirement by up to 50 %.
• Efficient appliances and technologies: Energy-efficient appliances and technologies consume less energy than conventional appliances.
• Energy-saving behavior: Energy can also be saved by adopting energy-conscious behavior, such as switching off appliances when they are not in use.

Step 3: Use renewable energies

Once potential savings have been identified and implemented, the degree of self-sufficiency can be further increased through the use of renewable energies. Possible measures include

• Solar system: A solar system can generate electricity from solar energy.
• Wind turbine: A wind turbine can generate electricity from wind energy.
• Heat pump: A heat pump can extract heat from the environment.
• Photovoltaic heating: A photovoltaic heating system combines a heat pump with a solar heating system.

Step 4: Use energy storage

Energy storage systems can help to store and use energy from renewable sources when they are not available. Possible measures include

• Battery storage: A battery storage system can store electricity from renewable energies and use it at a later date.
• Heat storage: A heat storage system can store heat from renewable energies and use it at a later date.

Recommendations for implementation

The implementation of measures to increase the degree of self-sufficiency can take place in several steps. Here are some recommendations:

1. Start with the savings measures. These are generally inexpensive and can be implemented quickly.
2. Invest in renewable energies if you have the opportunity. Renewable energies are a sustainable and cost-effective way to cover your own energy needs.
3. Consider whether you need an energy storage system. An energy storage system can help to optimize the use of renewable energies.

Generate your own electricity with a photovoltaic system and storage unit

The combination of a photovoltaic system and storage system is one way of covering your own electricity needs and becoming less dependent on external energy sources.

Photovoltaic system

A photovoltaic system generates electricity from solar energy. The system consists of solar modules that convert sunlight into electricity. The solar modules are mounted on the roof or on another suitable surface.

The output of a photovoltaic system is specified in kilowatt peak (kWp). The required output depends on the household's electricity consumption.

Electricity storage

An electricity storage system can store electricity from renewable energy sources and use it at a later date. This can help to increase self-consumption of the electricity generated and reduce dependence on external energy sources.

The storage capacity is specified in kilowatt hours (kWh). The required storage capacity depends on the output of the photovoltaic system, the household's electricity consumption and the desired level of self-consumption.

Degree of self-consumption

The degree of self-consumption is the proportion of electricity generated that is consumed by the household itself. It is given as a percentage.

The degree of self-consumption can be increased by various measures, e.g. by:

1. Optimizing electricity consumption: Energy-conscious behaviour, such as switching off appliances when they are not in use, can reduce electricity consumption.
2. Installing an electricity storage system: An electricity storage system can help to increase the level of self-consumption by storing electricity from renewable energy sources and using it at a later date.

Advantages of a photovoltaic system with storage

The combination of photovoltaic system and storage offers a number of advantages, including

1. Independence from external energy sources: With a photovoltaic system and a storage unit, households can cover their own electricity needs and become less dependent on external energy sources.
2. Reduction in electricity costs: By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your electricity costs.
3. Increase in property value: A photovoltaic system can have a positive effect on the increase in value of a property.

Disadvantages of a photovoltaic system with storage

The combination of photovoltaic system and storage is associated with high investments. The cost of a photovoltaic system with storage is between 10,000 and 50,000 CHF, depending on the output and storage capacity.

Outlook

The combination of a photovoltaic system and storage will continue to gain in importance in the future. Renewable energies are a sustainable and cost-effective way to cover your own energy needs.

An environmentally friendly alternative: the air-to-water heat pump

An air-to-water heat pump is a heating system that draws heat from the ambient air and converts it into heat for heating and hot water. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels such as oil or gas.

Functionality

An air-to-water heat pump consists of two main components:

1. Outdoor unit: The outdoor unit is the heart of the heat pump. It contains the compressor, which absorbs the heat from the ambient air and compresses it.
2. Indoor unit: The indoor unit contains the evaporator, which absorbs the heat from the compressor and transfers it to the heating water.

The air-to-water heat pump works according to the principle of the thermodynamic cycle. The refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator at low pressure and low temperature. The refrigerant is then compressed by the compressor, which heats it up. The hot refrigerant is then fed to the heating water in the heat exchanger, where it transfers the heat to the water. The cooled refrigerant is then returned to the evaporator, where the process starts all over again.

Advantages of an air-to-water heat pump

Air-to-water heat pumps offer a number of advantages, including:

1. Environmentally friendly: Air-to-water heat pumps use renewable energy and are therefore environmentally friendly.
2. Cost savings: Air-to-water heat pumps can significantly reduce heating costs.
3. Convenience: Air-to-water heat pumps are easy to operate and maintain.

Disadvantages of an air-to-water heat pump

Air-to-water heat pumps have some disadvantages, including:

1. Noise emission: The outdoor unit of an air-to-water heat pump can cause noise.
2. Drop in performance at low outside temperatures: The performance of an air-to-water heat pump drops at low outside temperatures.

Increase energy efficiency and reduce costs through energy-efficient refurbishment

Energy-efficient renovation is an effective way to achieve energy self-sufficiency. You can turn your home into a self-sufficient power plant!

How? With efficient heating systems such as heat pumps or solar thermal energy. These use renewable energies and make you independent of fossil fuels. In addition, photovoltaic systems can generate electricity that you can use for heating and household purposes. With good insulation and energy-efficient windows, you can reduce energy consumption even further. The bonus: you save costs in the long term and make a contribution to climate protection. So why not seize the opportunity and achieve energy self-sufficiency?

Energy-efficient refurbishment refers to measures to improve the energy efficiency of a building. The aim of energy-efficient refurbishment is to reduce energy consumption and thus cut energy costs. In addition, energy-efficient refurbishment helps to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment.

Measures for energy-efficient refurbishment

There are a number of measures that can be carried out to improve the energy efficiency of a building. The most important measures include

1. Insulation : The thermal insulation of buildings is one of the most effective measures for increasing energy efficiency. Good insulation reduces heat loss through the building envelope.
2. Replacing windows and doors: Old windows and doors often leak and therefore cause high heat loss. Replacing windows and doors can significantly reduce heat loss.
3. Modernizing the heating system: An old heating system is often inefficient and causes high heating costs. Replacing the heating system can significantly reduce energy consumption and heating costs.
4. Installation of renewable energies: Renewable energies such as solar energy or photovoltaics can help to cover the energy requirements of a building.

Advantages of energy-efficient refurbishment

Energy-efficient refurbishment offers a range of benefits, including:

• Cost savings: Energy-efficient refurbishment can significantly reduce energy costs.
• Increasing the value of the property: An energy-renovated property is generally worth more than an unrenovated property.
• Environmental protection: Energy-efficient refurbishment helps to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment.

Funding opportunities for the implementation of energy self-sufficiency

There are numerous funding programs that can help you achieve energy self-sufficiency. For example, the KfW Bank offers attractive loans and grants for energy-saving measures. The federal states and some cities and municipalities have also launched their own programs. It is therefore worth looking around here. There are also subsidies for the use of renewable energies, such as photovoltaics or wind power. And don't forget the tax benefits you can get from energy-efficient renovations. In short, there are many ways to obtain financial support to realize your energy self-sufficiency. Find out more and take advantage of these opportunities!

Federal funding for efficient buildings (BEG)

The Federal Subsidy for Efficient Buildings (BEG) is a federal funding program that promotes measures for energy-efficient refurbishment and the use of renewable energies. The program consists of two funding variants:

1. BEG Neubau: The BEG Neubau promotes the construction of new efficiency houses.
2. BEG Existing Buildings: The BEG Existing Buildings promotes the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings.

Subsidies from the BEG for existing buildings can be used to implement energy self-sufficiency. This includes, for example, measures for thermal insulation, replacing the heating system and installing renewable energies.

KfW promotional programs

KfW Bankengruppe offers a range of promotional programs for energy-efficient refurbishment measures and the use of renewable energies. The most important promotional programs include

1. KfW 430 - Energy-efficient refurbishment: This program promotes the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing buildings.
2. KfW 270 - Renewable energies: This program promotes the use of renewable energies, e.g. through the installation of solar systems or heat pumps.

Subsidies from the KfW 430 and KfW 270 programs can be used to implement energy self-sufficiency.

Support programs of the federal states

In addition to the federal funding programs, the federal states also offer a range of funding opportunities for energy-efficient renovation measures and the use of renewable energies. The funding conditions and funding amounts can vary depending on the federal state.

To find out about funding opportunities for implementing energy self-sufficiency, you should contact the relevant federal, KfW or state agency.

Conclusion: Energy self-sufficiency as a sustainable solution for heating and electricity

Energy self-sufficiency offers a future-proof solution for heating and electricity. By using renewable energies such as solar and wind, you can secure your own energy supply and become independent of external energy providers. You also make an active contribution to climate protection and reduce your ecological footprint. Although the initial investment for solar panels or wind turbines can be high, it will pay off in the long term through energy cost savings. Conclusion: Energy self-sufficiency is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet!

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