Operating Costs

Operating costs of a photovoltaic system refer to all ongoing costs incurred after installation and commissioning. Unlike one-time acquisition costs, these expenses must be considered over the entire lifespan of the system.

Components of operating costs:

  • Maintenance and servicing: Regular inspections, cleaning of the panels, and, if necessary, replacement of defective components.
  • Insurance: Property insurance to cover damages to the system.
  • Meter rental: Costs for the electricity meter that measures the generated electricity.
  • Reserves: For the replacement of components such as inverters, which have a limited lifespan.
  • Cleaning: In certain regions or with heavy pollution, additional cleaning of the panels may be necessary.

Amount of operating costs:

The operating costs of a photovoltaic system depend on various factors, such as:

  • System size: Larger systems generally incur higher maintenance costs.
  • Location: The frequency and intensity of precipitation and pollution affect cleaning costs.
  • Age of the system: Older systems typically require repairs more frequently.

A rule of thumb is that the annual operating costs of a photovoltaic system amount to about 1-2% of the investment sum.

Optimizing operating costs:

There are various ways to reduce the operating costs of a photovoltaic system:

  • Professional installation: Proper installation minimizes the risk of errors and reduces long-term maintenance costs.
  • High-quality components: High-quality components usually have a longer lifespan and reduce the need for repairs.
  • Maintenance contract: A maintenance contract can ensure regular inspections and servicing of the system, thus avoiding unexpected failures.
  • Self-cleaning: In cases of low pollution, cleaning the panels can also be done independently.

Conclusion:

The operating costs of a photovoltaic system are relatively low compared to the savings on electricity, but they should still be considered when making investment decisions. Through careful planning and regular maintenance, operating costs can be minimized, thereby increasing the system's profitability.

Additional keywords: Amortization, Self-consumption, Feed-in tariff, Battery storage