Holger Laudeley is the owner of Laudeley Betriebstechnik and has been an expert in photovoltaic systems for 30 years. He has developed an innovative solution for developing large roofs – even if the building's electricity needs are low. Laudeley combines a large system for full feed-in with a small system for self-consumption.
Laudeley, who runs a small business with his wife, has been installing photovoltaic systems for three decades. During this time, the solar technician has done almost everything that can be done with solar energy.
Join our webinar about planning and design of large PV rooftops, February 12
For example, the former professional soldier has built a small solar valley around his own company building. Buildings and carports are covered with photovoltaics, as are many neighbouring buildings in the industrial park in Ritterhude near Bremen.
New opportunities in the Renewable Energy Sources Act
But the system that Laudeley Betriebstechnik installed at the end of 2023 is a real novelty. One of his neighbours owns a large warehouse with a roof made of trapezoidal sheet metal, which is ideal for photovoltaics. However, the building itself only houses a small office for a car dealership and storage space. Electricity is only needed during the day.
The approximate demand is a modest 4,000 kilowatt hours per year. According to Laudeley's calculations, a small photovoltaic system that could cover this self-consumption with a rate of more than 90 per cent would have an output of around 2.2 kilowatts. But in times of the solar boom, who installs such a small system?
Making electricity costs disappear
This is completely uneconomical for tradespeople. ‘Ultimately, it comes down to three computers in the office, a photocopier and lighting,’ explains Laudeley. A conventional roof-mounted system is not worthwhile for that – not even if a towing service is added to the car dealership.
Also see: New EU Solar Rooftop Standard unlocks huge potential
But Laudeley has come up with a concept that is perfectly tailored to this case, which is not uncommon in Germany. ‘I asked the owner, Mr Carstens, if I could use his roof for 20 years if, in return, I could magically reduce his electricity costs,’ says Laudeley with a grin. (Martin Jendrischik, abbreviated hs/hcn)
