Written by On June 27th and June 28th, ECCO2 Solutions hosted an online webinar titled “Improving Energy Efficiency by Maximizing Photovoltaic Self-Consumption”. We were thrilled to see so many of you join us to delve into cutting-edge solutions for boosting energy efficiency in buildings through smarter use of photovoltaic systems. This article captures the key insights we shared during these interactive sessions.
As the world embraces renewable energy sources, photovoltaic (PV) systems have come to the forefront, capturing sunlight and converting it into electricity. PV technology is key to the reduction of carbon emissions. However, a major hurdle remains: how to make the most of the solar power we capture, right where and when it is produced?
The Role of Photovoltaics in the Energy Transition
Switzerland has set ambitious goals for its energy transition, aiming to significantly increase the share of renewable energy in its national energy mix by 2050. A major component of this strategy is the expansion of photovoltaic installations. PV is expected to account for a substantial portion of the country’s electricity production, providing a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Photovoltaics also offer substantial benefits at the property level. PV systems reduce reliance on external energy sources, lower energy costs, and enhance property values. This makes PV systems an attractive investment for property owners, offering both environmental and economic advantages.
Challenges of Photovoltaic Integration
Despite their benefits, integrating PV systems into the existing energy infrastructure poses significant challenges. The primary issue is the temporal mismatch between energy production and consumption. Solar power generation is highest during the day when sunlight is abundant, but this often does not coincide with peak energy usage times in residential and commercial buildings.
Additionally, the variability in solar power production, influenced by weather conditions, can lead to periods of overproduction and underutilization. This not only reduces the efficiency of PV systems but can also destabilize the energy grid, leading to potential energy waste and financial losses for PV system owners.
Enhancing Self-Consumption with Smart Technologies
To address these challenges, innovative solutions are needed to optimize the use of solar energy and enhance self-consumption. One such solution is “WATTime”, a cutting-edge technology by ECCO2 designed to synchronize energy demand with solar energy production.
WATTime utilizes predictive algorithms and ECCO2’s existing digital infrastructure to adjust the operation of energy-consuming systems, such as heat pumps, in real time. By forecasting PV production and aligning energy consumption patterns, WATTime maximizes self-consumption, enhancing the return on investment for PV systems.
The Predictive Advantage
The key to WATTime’s effectiveness lies in its predictive capabilities. By analyzing weather forecasts, historical energy consumption data, and buildings’ thermal characteristics, WATTime can accurately forecast PV production and adjust the operation of heating systems accordingly. This approach transforms buildings into thermal batteries, storing excess solar energy in the form of heat and releasing it when needed, thus maintaining comfort while minimizing energy costs.
Future Developments
WATTime is being rolled out in phases, with the initial phase focusing on optimizing heat pump operations. Future phases will expand the system’s capabilities to collaborative energy management across multiple buildings or even entire neighbourhoods. This will enable the creation of local energy networks, where surplus solar energy can be shared and utilized more efficiently.
Conclusion
Maximizing photovoltaic self-consumption is crucial for enhancing energy efficiency and supporting the broader transition to renewable energy sources. Innovative solutions like ECCO2’s WATTime are paving the way for smarter, more efficient use of solar power, offering significant benefits for property owners and contributing to national energy goals.
By embracing these technologies, we can overcome the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources, reduce our carbon footprint, and move towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.
For more information on how ECCO2 Solutions can help you maximize your photovoltaic self-consumption and improve energy efficiency, feel free to contact us directly.
Link to the recording of the webinar:
