CitizenSolarConsulting

The LH-BürgerSolarBeratung advises Lüdinghausen residents and businesses on the purchase of photovoltaic systems

Photovoltaics - the conversion of sunlight into electricity - is one of the most important components of the energy transition. "However, the topic of PV systems is complex," explain Michael Weißenberg, Dieter am Wege and Burkhard Nolte from BürgerSolarBeratung. Since the beginning of 2023, the three retirees have been working with other advisors and a consultant in the town to advise citizens on this very topic on a voluntary basis. The town of Lüdinghausen launched the initiative in 2022. There are now twelve volunteer citizen solar advisors in Lüdinghausen who have received special training. LH-Bürgerberatung works closely with the BürgerEnergieGenossenschaft, which primarily deals with the construction of larger PV systems, e.g. on public roofs or open spaces.

"The whole process works like this: Citizens contact us and then we visit them at home," explains Burkhard Nolte. "We ask about electricity consumption, the number of residents, determine the roof orientation, roof pitch, discuss interest in an electric car, a heat pump, a storage system, etc.. Based on this, we calculate whether a purchase is worthwhile, how large the system needs to be and the expected return." "We also provide interested parties with information on all the providers we know in the area and offer to go through the offers afterwards. In other words, an all-round package," adds Dieter am Wege. "And the whole thing is individual, confidential, neutral, independent and free of charge."

Safe and low electricity price

Why photovoltaics? "A PV system offers many advantages. In addition to the CO2 savings, you have a secure, independent and low electricity price. Typical photovoltaic systems on single-family homes have a size of 8 to 15 kWp and pay for themselves after around 10 to 15 years. This means that the electricity cost savings plus the feed-in tariff cover the operating and investment costs of the system within a reasonable period of time."

Why buy a PV system now? "In the last two years, the cost of purchasing a photovoltaic system has fallen significantly, making it worthwhile for many homeowners and businesses to invest in a PV system."

160 consultations

The volunteers have now provided 160 consultations to private households. Many PV systems were also installed afterwards. "This has helped us to save around 500 tons of CO2 per year." "But there is still a lot of room for improvement," says Michael Weißenberg. "Because of the 6150 or so residential buildings in our city, only around 25 percent currently have a PV system on their roof." Since the middle of last year, the team has also been advising commercial enterprises. "There is still a lot of potential here too," says Weißenberg.

Another advisory service the team wants to tackle is tenant electricity. "There are currently hardly any PV systems on apartment buildings, as homeowners used to have to act as energy companies, , says Weißenberg. "However, the bureaucracy and administrative workload have been significantly simplified by the new law (Solar Package 1) from March 2024. We are also happy to convey this to homeowners."

Why are the 12 advisors so involved? "For one thing, it's a good thing for the climate and for the city," says Burkhard Nolte. "For another, it's great fun to get involved with a new topic after an active working life," says Dieter am Wege. Nadine Wenge

Make an appointment by calling 02591 926-334 or sending an email to info@lh-buegersolarberatung.de

www.lh-buegersolarberatung.de