Retrofit storage for PV: Efficient AC coupling in the age of falling feed-in tariffs

Retrofit storage for PV: Efficient AC coupling in the age of falling feed-in tariffs 6

The days when photovoltaic systems only fed electricity into the grid are over. Retrofit storage systems open up new possibilities for existing systems to optimize self-consumption. In view of falling feed-in tariffs, an efficient increase in self-consumption is essential. AC coupling offers a technically mature, economical and uncomplicated solution for retrofitting existing PV.

Importance of retrofit storage systems for PV

The integration of retrofit storage systems into PV PV systems is becoming increasingly important due to falling feed-in tariffs. AC-coupled storage systems enable efficient retrofitting without changes to string cabling or inverters. Flexible adaptation to different system sizes and the use of dynamic electricity tariffs support an intelligent energy supply. Simple integration into the existing AC grid reduces installation time and costs. AC coupling thus increases the self-consumption rate and reduces dependence on fluctuating electricity prices - a decisive step towards modernizing existing systems in the current energy policy environment.

Retrofit storage for PV: Efficient AC coupling in the age of falling feed-in tariffs 1

The ATMOCE M-ELV battery with low-voltage technology enables simple and efficient retrofitting

Development of feed-in tariffs and effects on PV

Feed-in tariffs have been falling continuously since 2013, which has impaired the economic viability of many existing PV systems. The revenue from feeding electricity into the grid is often lower than the cost of purchasing electricity. Self-supply with self-generated solar power is therefore gaining in economic relevance. The challenge is to retrofit existing systems cost-efficiently with storage systems in order to increase the self-consumption rate and become independent of subsidy models. AC-coupled retrofit storage systems offer the perfect solution, as they can be integrated largely without changes to the existing installation.

Technical basics and advantages of AC coupling for retrofit storage systems

AC coupling enables storage systems to be connected directly to the AC circuit, eliminating the need for additional inverters. This significantly reduces both the installation effort and the costs. One example of this is the ATMOCE M-ELV battery, which is based on LFP cell technology in low-voltage systems. This technology ensures high operational reliability and long life cycles. An integrated battery management system controls charging and discharging processes precisely and adapts the energy flows to consumption and PV. The use of dynamic electricity tariffs supports flexible and economical self-consumption optimization. Load, generation and storage status are recorded via measuring circuits, which enables intelligent control and monitoring via an app.

Die modulare Skalierbarkeit von 7 bis 126 kWh und Ausgangsleistungen von 4,5, 9 und 18 kW erlauben eine bedarfsgerechte Anpassung an unterschiedliche Bestandsanlagen. Die flexible Ein- und Dreiphasigkeit sowie die Low-Voltage-Architektur (<30 V DC) gewährleisten eine sichere Montage und hohe Betriebssicherheit. Die direkte Wechselstromanbindung vermeidet aufwändige Wechselrichterwechsel oder Anpassungen der Stringverkabelung. Intelligente Steuerungssysteme optimieren den Betrieb nach individuellen Verbrauchsprofilen und maximieren die Eigenverbrauchsquote, was angesichts sinkender Einspeisevergütungen wirtschaftliche Vorteile schafft. Langlebigkeit und umfassende Garantien erhöhen die Investitionssicherheit und ermöglichen planbare Amortisationszeiten.*

*Sources: https: //www.atmoce.com/de/documentation, https://www.atmoce.com/de/battery-storage , https://www.atmoce.com/de

Intelligent control and monitoring of the ATMOCE retrofit solution to increase efficiency

The integration of the ATMOCE gateway enables comprehensive recording of all relevant operating data such as load profile, PV and storage status. On this basis, the battery is regulated according to demand, reducing load peaks and maximizing the self-consumption rate. The customer-friendly ATMOZEN app provides insight into the system performance at all times and enables targeted reactions to fluctuations in consumption. The control system takes dynamic tariffs into account and flexibly adjusts energy flows, which optimizes efficiency and grid load. Continuous optimization of storage operation takes place without on-site intervention. This technological networking sustainably increases the operational reliability and efficiency of existing PV.

Retrofit storage for PV: Efficient AC coupling in the age of falling feed-in tariffs 2

Conclusion: Sustainable energy self-sufficiency through efficient AC coupling with retrofit storage systems

AC coupling represents a decisive step forward for retrofitting PV PV systems, particularly in view of falling feed-in tariffs. The direct integration of the storage system into the AC circuit eliminates additional inverter hardware and reduces installation effort and costs. The ATMOCE M-ELV battery with low-voltage architecture and LFP cells ensures fast, safe integration via plug-and-play. It enables the use of dynamic tariffs and significantly increases the self-consumption rate. The integrated ATMOCE gateway ensures optimum operational management. In this way, AC coupling promotes an economical, efficient and future-proof energy supply and creates a robust basis for sustainable energy self-sufficiency in existing systems.

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TRITEC has been a leading photovoltaic wholesaler and reliable partner for PV, construction companies and investors worldwide for over 34 years. With many years of experience in photovoltaic system wholesale and large-scale plant construction, TRITEC offers innovative photovoltaic system solutions, efficient PV, precise planning tools and comprehensive performance controls for solar systems. The product portfolio also includes high-quality branded products from renowned photovoltaic manufacturers. With this technical expertise and a wide range of photovoltaic components, TRITEC supports customers in the successful implementation of sustainable solar projects.