Our expert, Florian Arens, who has been leading photovoltaic projects at JANS since September 2024, answers some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic of solar power.
Harnessing power from above – installing a photovoltaic system with the JANS expert team
For most people building a new home, solar power is a key consideration. But understanding all the details is another matter entirely – and sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
That’s where JANS comes in: our team of photovoltaic experts takes care of every aspect of your solar power system, from roof measurements and subsidy applications to installation and grid connection.
What is the best way to utilise the electricity generated by my solar panels directly?
As you barely receive anything now for feeding your excess electricity into the public grid, this is a question I hear very often. We recommend customers purchase battery storage and a smart wallbox, which can communicate with the inverter. The inverter is designed to recognise when excess electricity is being generated and then, for instance, charge the electric car at the wallbox before feeding in the excess to the grid.
Am I able to operate by PV systems on my house during a power outage?
Many people assume this happens automatically, but that’s not the case. It requires an additional component called a backup switch, which is easy to install. In the event of a power outage, the switch must be activated manually so that the house can be supplied by the PV system – but only as long as the sun is shining and the battery still has capacity.
Can I use excess electricity from my PV system to operate my heat pump or my hot water storage tank with a heating element?
Yes, there is also a system for this. The inverter detects when there is surplus electricity or when the storage tank has not yet reached the desired temperature, and then diverts the excess energy into the hot water system.
How can I make sure I don’t end up buying electricity at high prices under Luxembourg’s variable tariff while selling my own electricity too cheaply?
In this case, a smart meter makes it possible to benefit from the best available electricity tariff. Many manufacturers now offer meters with features that track electricity prices. Using the country code, the meter identifies its location and, when connected to the internet, can access all relevant data. This allows it to intelligently control the charging and discharging of the battery.
How much money can I save with my own PV system? Can I live off-grid with it?
I always emphasize that going completely off-grid with a PV system isn’t realistic, as power demand is simply too high during the long winter months. In summer, from around April or May, it is generally possible to meet energy needs with a battery storage system tailored to the installation. In most cases, the battery can cover electricity consumption overnight. However, from September or October onwards, as the days get shorter and sunlight hours decrease, the battery often can’t fully recharge and therefore cannot bridge the gap until sunrise – making support from the power grid necessary.
Can I add battery storage at a later date?
Yes, that’s possible. Storage capacity can be doubled or even tripled with relatively little installation work. However, I always recommend that customers first monitor their system for 12 to 18 months to establish a benchmark and understand how it performs and is used. For a larger battery to pay off, the PV system needs to run longer and generate more surplus electricity. It’s best to track this for at least a year, after which capacity can be increased later on with some additional cable bridges and components.
How do things work if I want to plan a PV system with JANS?
We start by arranging a consultation with the customer to review the options for their property. My colleague, master roofer and carpenter Tobias Brück, uses a drone to take photos of the roof and determine the optimal panel orientation. At the same time, I discuss the preferred positioning of the panels and cable ducts with the customer and check the electrical distribution. Following this initial consultation, we create a 3D model of the house based on the drone images, which helps us determine the ideal panel layout. Once the order is confirmed and the first instalment is paid, we begin planning the installation of the modules and the subsequent grid connection.
Do you offer assistance in applying for subsidies?
Yes. We are a highly specialised team so we can take care of all aspects of PV systems and help with applying for subsidies. My colleague Sabrina Bügler is responsible for this area. She handles all the necessary paperwork and guides customers through the whole process.
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If you would like to plan a photovoltaic system with us, simply contact our team at +352 957506 or via email at info@jans.lu.
