Energy efficiency is mainly determined by the consumption of final energy. This is the energy directly supplied to the system (i.e., your home) to provide usable energy, typically in the form of oil, gas, or electricity. An energy efficiency class D corresponds to a final energy consumption of 100 to 125 kWh/m² per year. However, many single-family homes still meet standards E-G, meaning between 125 and 225 kWh/m² per year.
The most obvious way is to improve insulation to reduce energy losses. A house that loses less heat needs less supplementary heating. However, such renovations are often very expensive and time-consuming, which is why many homeowners try to avoid them. Another way to reduce final energy consumption and improve energy efficiency is to provide energy from other sources.
It utilizes solar radiation as heat, which can significantly reduce the consumption of gas or oil, improving energy efficiency.
To illustrate the practical impact, here’s an example: A house with an energy efficiency of E (150 kWh/m²) and a living area of 96 m² requires about 15,000 kWh of heat annually, mostly supplied from fossil energy sources. To improve the energy efficiency to class D, fossil energy consumption must be reduced to about 12,000-9,600 kWh/year. This can be achieved with solar thermal systems from AKOTEC. Just 3 AKOTEC Weiser Protect collectors can provide a solar coverage of 25%, generating approximately 3,000 kWh of heat per year.
This saving would be sufficient to meet the requirements of the Fit-for-55 plans. Moreover, solar thermal collectors can be combined with almost all conventional and renewable heating systems. The overheat-safe AKOTEC heat pipe tubes also simplify system protection and prevent cavitation from steam formation if pressure is properly maintained.
A solar thermal system to reduce the need for fossil fuels is often significantly cheaper, easier, and faster compared to extensive renovation measures and can meet the required standards depending on its size. Furthermore, the retrofitting of a solar thermal system can currently be subsidized by up to 25% for materials and installation.
Funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor and Energy with funds from the European Social Fund and the State of Brandenburg. Learn more.
