Sauerlacher’s Josef Kastenmüller is upset that he is not allowed to fully exploit the performance of his photovoltaic system. After 70 percent it’s over. This is currently required by law.
sour salmon – Josef Kastenmüller sits in his garden, puts his feet in the pool and looks at his photovoltaic system on the roof. “We have power shortages, why should 30 percent of the electricity just disappear here?” asks the 72-year-old, referring to limiting his photovoltaic system to 70 percent of producing it.
90 modules on roof of house and garage
The man from Sauerlach has been building his photovoltaic system since 2016. Today he has around 90 modules on the roof of his house and garage, and he would like to use them to the maximum. “Why not produce as much electricity as possible? The sun is still shining anyway.”
“The question is completely justified,” says Christian Martens, spokesman for Bayernwerk networks. But: “If we increased all systems to 100 percent, there would be a network overload.” Both economically and technically this does not make sense. Josef Kastenmüller does not understand this argument and asks: “What happens to the electricity that I do not use and do not feed into the grid?”
Video: Photovoltaics – function and advantages of a system
Photovoltaic systems turn off automatically – owners are angry
Bayernwerk spokesman Martens replied that it didn’t even happen in the first place. “This is not electricity produced that is not paid for, electricity is not produced in the first place.” PV systems automatically shut down when they reach 70 percent capacity. That only happens under optimal conditions. “The final peak is rarely reached.”
However, Kastenmüller is annoyed that the full potential of his photovoltaic system is not being used. Especially given the current energy crisis and skyrocketing prices, he wonders why his clean solar power isn’t needed. Energy companies like Bayernwerke or Eon only seek maximum profit and not the optimal energy supply of society.
Renewable Energy Sources Law (EEG) in transition
The Law of Renewable Energy Sources (EEG) has its origin in the Electric Power Law of 1991 and is that central element of political control for the expansion of renewable energies – Among other things, to regulate the injection of renewable energy and ensure grid stability. The law also regulates and guarantees the fixed feed rate for producers. The current version of the law, EEG 2021, was approved by the black-red coalition at the end of 2020. Among other things, it sees a Output limitation of photovoltaic systems to 70 percent so that the networks are not overloaded. The limitation does not mean that 30 percent of the electricity is lost, but rather that the maximum output of the systems is limited to 30 percent. Depending on the estimate, various sources and the orientation of the plants pass through the limitation. up to five percent of annual electricity production is lost. According to paragraph 9 of EEG 2021, anyone who owns their own photovoltaic system can choose between two options: reduce the maximum effective production to 70 percent or accept remote control by the grid operator if their grid is overload point.
With EEG 2023, the traffic light coalition now has one as part of the Easter package law review released – only the Federal President has to sign the draft. From 2030, renewable energies 80 percent of gross electricity consumption. In addition to numerous adjustments, the feed rate will increase from 6.24 cents to 8.2 cents. In addition, the 70 percent rule will no longer apply from January 1, 2023 for new photovoltaic systems with an output of up to 25 kilowatts.
Energy from a photovoltaic system: storage is expensive and not profitable
Bayernwerk spokesman Martens disagrees. Even if you allowed full power, only five percent more power would come out. From his point of view, shaving the tip is therefore a sensible measure. Electricity generation and consumption must be in balance. Storage of electricity produced at peak times is expensive and unprofitable.
By the way: Everything from the region is also available in our regular Munich District Newsletter.
In addition: PV system operators can choose between automatic regulation (70 percent rule) and a remote control system, which remotely shuts down private systems in the event of grid overload. However, individuals have to bear the costs themselves.
Despite the explanations, Josef Kastenmüller does not understand that his system simply shuts down on a sunny day and at the same time everyone is talking about an energy crisis. With the BR format “Now red i” he has already approached Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) with the request for him.
Power throttling is on
The rule is now not being overturned by Bavaria, but by the Berlin traffic light coalition. With the Renewable Energy Sources (EEG) Act of 2023, the federal government will abolish the 70 percent cap regulation for new systems effective January 1, 2023. For existing plants, the rule will be removed in the next EEG amendment. Then Josef Kastenmüller’s wish will come true. Still, he is not satisfied. “We need the electricity now, not next year,” says Sauerlacher, whose current system will not be affected by the innovation for the time being. He doesn’t want to believe anything anymore, he doesn’t trust politicians.
Problem for Bayernwerke
The new EEG 2023 has direct effects on Bayernwerke. On the one hand, the power company must now adapt its network to 100 percent performance in the long term. However, in the short term, this could also reduce the number of connected systems, explains spokesman Martens. “Our network has to be able to provide the highest performance possible.
You can find more current news from the Munich district at Merkur.de/Munich district.
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