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How Photovoltaic Systems Work

A PV system consists of many individual solar cells connected to form modules. Each solar cell is made up of two layers of silicon that are differently doped to create an electric field. When sunlight hits the solar cells, the energy of the photons is absorbed by the electrons in the silicon. This excites the electrons and causes them to move, resulting in an electric current. The excited electrons move through the electric field in the solar cell and generate direct current (DC), which is then transmitted through the module’s wires. Since most household appliances and the power grid require alternating current (AC), the generated direct current is converted into alternating current by an inverter and therefore made usable.

Advantages of a decentralized energy supply

Decentralization offers numerous advantages over centralized energy systems. A decentralized energy supply can significantly reduce the costly and time-consuming expansion of the power and heat network. At the same time, it promotes broad societal participation and avoids the formation of monopolistic structures. This allows property owners and local energy cells to independently meet their energy needs while flexibly responding to local conditions.

The role of PV systems

Photovoltaic systems are ideal for decentralized power generation because they can be installed on the roofs of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This allows the generated electricity to be used where it is needed, reducing the need for expensive power lines and extensive grid expansions. Additionally, photovoltaic systems can be combined with various storage systems and heat generators to ensure a stable energy supply even with fluctuating availability.

Challenges and the future of storage technologies

The coordination and storage of surplus electricity are the biggest challenges of our energy transition. Storage technologies are essential to ensure supply security during periods without solar power. PAUL addresses this issue through the smart coupling of sectors: by using AI-assisted coordination of heat pumps as electricity consumers and hot water storage modules for demand-based energy retrieval.
If you are interested in heat pumps, we have a separate journal entry on that topic as well.

Renewable Energies: A 100 percent solution!

A recent study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) and the Technical University of Berlin shows that Germany can meet its entire energy needs for electricity, heat, and mobility 100 percent from renewable energies. This would be possible without extra-European energy imports and considering the actual grid infrastructure costs. Such an approach would significantly reduce the need for large-scale grid expansion and make the energy transition more cost-efficient. At PAUL, we also believe that the tools are already available today to provide emission-free energy to the energy-intensive housing market through smart sector coupling.

Conclusion: The Future is Decentralized

The shift to decentralized energy supply offers immense benefits for the environment, society, and the economy. Photovoltaic systems will play a key role in this, as they enable emission-free and flexible power generation and energy supply. In conjunction with heat pumps and AI coordination, we can collectively create a sustainable and independent energy future.

Der Beitrag Photovoltaics: A central piece of decentralized power supply erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.

Given the goals of the heat transition, the building industry faces a clear task: greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 55% by 2030. Buildings are to be climate-neutral by 2045. The associated challenges are immense. Time is of the essence, and previous solutions have proven to be resource-intensive. Achieving compatibility between climate protection and profitability seems difficult. PAUL Tech develops innovative technologies and solutions to minimize the CO₂ emissions of properties while simultaneously increasing their value.

“Our goal is to achieve a fully decarbonized residential portfolio by 2045. The solution developed by PAUL Tech for intelligent and dynamic heating control convinced us and helps us to achieve our sustainability goals,” says Michael Achberger, Head of Construction & Development at Fundamenta Group Deutschland AG.

“I am very pleased with the trust placed in PAUL by Fundamenta Group Deutschland AG. Taking this step with us means tapping valuable energy and CO2 savings potentials and developing portfolios towards stability and future viability, towards ‘green heating’,” comments Sascha Müller, CEO and Board Member of PAUL Tech AG.

About Fundamenta

Fundamenta Group Deutschland AG (“Fundamenta”) is an independent real estate asset manager and a subsidiary of Swiss Prime Site based in Switzerland. Fundamenta specializes in the conception, development, and active management of real estate investment products/portfolios. Focused and individual solutions are developed for the various investment needs of our institutional investors, family offices, and UHNWIs. The goal is to ensure optimal value creation for the managed properties through active asset and investment management. Currently, assets under management (AuM) amount to approximately 1 billion euros with around 4,000 residential units in the most important German economic centers.

Swiss Prime Site is the largest real estate company in Switzerland and one of the leading real estate companies in Europe. The total portfolio of around 26 billion Swiss francs in assets includes both properties owned and properties managed for third parties in the Swiss Prime Site Solutions business area, in which Fundamenta is integrated. Swiss Prime Site was founded in 1999, is headquartered in Zug, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange.

www.fundamentagroup.de

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The heat pump harnesses natural energy from the environment to heat or cool buildings, delivering significantly more efficient results than conventional heating systems. By using heat pumps, we can not only reduce our ecological footprint but also become more independent from fossil fuels in the long term.

The heat transition is thus not only an ecological concern but also an economic and political field. The transition to heat pumps requires investments in infrastructure and technology and challenges existing business models. However, this is precisely where the opportunity lies to develop innovative solutions and overcome dependence on finite resources.

How does a heat pump work?

The heat pump operates with a refrigerant, a liquid that vaporizes at very low temperatures. To generate heat for heating, the liquid refrigerant absorbs energy from the environment. Due to the environmental heat, the liquid refrigerant vaporizes into refrigerant vapor in the evaporator. A compressor compresses the refrigerant vapor, making it very hot. The hot refrigerant vapor then releases its heat to the heating circuit, cooling down and becoming liquid again. The pressure drops via the expansion valve, cooling the refrigerant and returning it to its initial temperature. Then the cycle begins again.

Advantages of a heat pump

• To provide heating and hot water, the heat pump requires energy. The majority of the energy comes from the environment, with only a quarter being produced by electricity.
• The energy from the environment is free and unlimited.
• Heating costs thus remain stable.
• Due to low electricity consumption, rising electricity prices are less relevant.
• By additionally utilizing a PV system, self-produced and freely generated electricity can be used to operate the heat pump.
• The heat pump itself does not produce CO2.

It is time to consider the heat transition and the heat pump as a central component of our path to a sustainable future. The elimination of fossil resources is not only an ecological necessity but also an opportunity for innovation and progress. Let us together shape this transformation and ensure sustainable heat supply for future generations.

Der Beitrag The Heat Transition and the Heat Pump erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.

The City Day NRW brings together 39 cities, including 23 independent cities and 16 cities within districts, with a total population of around nine million residents. As the municipal umbrella organization, it represents about half of the state’s population.

We had the privilege of presenting our cooperation at the invitation of Neusser Bauverein GmbH, where our innovative technology helps to increase the energy efficiency of buildings, thus saving energy, CO2, and costs. A big thank you goes out to Niki Lüdtke for the wonderful opportunity that has arisen for us.

Steffen Römer (PAUL Tech) & Niki Lüdtke (Neusser Bauverein)

Special thanks also go to Mayor and Chairman of the City Day NRW, Thomas Kufen, as well as Mayor Reiner Breuer, for their interest in PAUL and their visit to our booth at the Neuss City Hall.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share our innovations with leading figures in municipal administration and to promote our vision of a sustainable future.

Der Beitrag We.Make.Future erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.

For many households, district heating is thus an attractive alternative to heat pumps. However, customers are often subject to a monopoly and can practically not change providers. Consumer advocates also criticize the lack of transparency in prices, which can vary significantly from municipality to municipality. Additionally, the high energy prices of 2022 and 2023 are now partly affecting customers.

The price of district heating consists of two main components: a basic price and a usage-based price. The basic price covers all costs that arise independently of actual consumption. This includes expenses for the generation and transport of district heating, as well as personnel costs for the operation and maintenance of the network infrastructure.

The network infrastructure and thus the connection to the district heating network is not feasible for all of Germany, and the reasons for this are diverse:

Infrastructure: The district heating network is not extensively available in Germany. Especially in rural areas or regions with low population density, the infrastructure for district heating is often not sufficiently developed or economically viable to realize.

Geographical conditions: The geography and topography of Germany play a role in the availability and feasibility of district heating networks. In areas with difficult terrain or geographical obstacles such as mountains or rivers, the construction of district heating pipelines can be technically challenging and costly.

Economic viability: The economic viability of a district heating connection depends on various factors, including the investment costs for the construction of the pipelines and the availability of heat sources. In some areas, the high investment costs and low demand for district heating can make implementation unlikely.

Existing heating systems: In regions where efficient heating systems are already widespread, the transition to district heating may be less attractive from an economic perspective, especially if the existing systems have not yet reached the end of their lifespan.

Infrastructure investments: The construction of a district heating network requires significant investments in infrastructure, including laying pipelines over long distances and possibly constructing heat centers for the generation and distribution of heat.

Planning and approval: Planning and approval of district heating networks can be time-consuming and costly, as various regulatory approvals must be obtained and extensive planning work is required to determine the network structure and route of the pipelines.

Technical challenges: The construction of district heating networks can be technically challenging, especially in urban areas with densely built streets and underground infrastructure such as gas, water, and electricity lines. This can lead to higher construction costs and longer construction times.

Overall, connecting to the district heating network and expanding this network are associated with significant costs and challenges, which means that it is not feasible for all of Germany and can be expensive.

Continue reading to learn about the solutions PAUL Tech offers to drive the heat transition forward.

Der Beitrag Why District Heating doesn’t drive the Heat Transition erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.

Before the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, there were a series of international efforts and historic conferences in the field of climate protection. A wonderful overview of previous climate negotiations up to 2023 can be found here: Interactive Timeline (European Parliament).

These conferences and efforts marked important milestones on the road to the 2015 Paris Climate Conference and demonstrated the increasing awareness and growing urgency to address climate change.

Impacts and Significance for the Real Estate Industry

The impacts of the Paris Climate Conference on the real estate industry in Germany are diverse. On one hand, the agreed-upon measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions lead to an increased focus on energy efficiency and sustainability in the planning, construction, renovation, and operation of buildings. This means that real estate companies must increasingly transition to green technologies to meet the new standards and fulfill the requirements for environmentally friendly buildings.

On the other hand, stricter regulations and requirements for energy efficiency can affect existing property values, especially if older buildings do not meet the new standards and are therefore less attractive or profitable. This leads to increased demand for renovation and refurbishment projects to bring existing properties up to date.

“We are now involved in many discussions with banks that finance real estate. Banks want to know how to make their loan portfolios taxonomy-compliant without immediately having to issue new credit. We support asset managers and portfolio holders in increasing their portfolio value without capital expenditure measures or at least avoiding discounts.”

Sascha Müller, Board Member and CEO of PAUL Tech

We aim to transforming the real estate market to achieve carbon neutrality well before 2045.

In the coming years, heat supply must be fundamentally converted to climate-neutral energy sources and efficiency improvements must be made to existing heating technology. 1/3 of existing buildings have an energy efficiency class worse than D and are thus major CO2 emitters. This is where our PAUL Performance technology comes in.

Der Beitrag The Paris Climate Agreement: Turning Point for the Real Estate Industry erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.

The challenges for the real estate industry are enormous. Time is short, and existing solutions are resource-intensive. The agreement of climate protection and profitability seems unachievable. At PAUL Tech, we show that it is possible. And today.

As an energy platform, our mission is to develop innovative technologies and solutions to minimize CO2 emissions from buildings while maximizing their value.

How do we do this? PAUL ensures an increase in energy efficiency with existing heating technology. The interplay of our self-manufactured IoT-enabled hardware and our specially developed artificial intelligence (AI) ensures that heating and hot water systems always operate in the optimal and highly efficient operating window. The heating network is continuously adjusted to the actual needs of the connected users. PAUL provides continuous adaptive hydraulic balancing, digitizes heat distribution in the building, and significantly reduces energy demand. Our control system, PAUL Performance, which ensures adaptive hydraulic balancing, is TÜV certified.

Cutting costs.

PAUL reduces energy consumption, heat demand, and emissions of your systems. And all without investment costs. A reduction in energy consumption of an average of 15% is guaranteed. In many cases, a reduction in heat demand of up to 40% is possible. The energy demand of your buildings is minimized to the optimum over 10 years. And our service is a maintenance service that can be allocated according to operating cost regulations. Furthermore, you simultaneously create an optimal preparation for climate-friendly heat, as PAUL Performance makes your buildings ‘heat pump ready.’

Increasing value.

The energy efficiency of buildings proves to be a decisive factor for their profitability. PAUL makes your buildings more energy-efficient and thus helps increase the value of your property by improving the building energy efficiency classes. With PAUL, for example, an old building classified as G or H (<200 kWh/m²a) can be promoted to class E – a quantum leap for the building stock. This prevents their devaluation to the extent of so-called Stranded Assets. In addition, cheaper follow-up financing is often possible.

By digitizing your building, you have cost transparency and can also meet future legal requirements. This provides a valuable contribution to your ESG report and a fast and cost-neutral solution for the heat transition. Slowing down ancillary costs provides your contribution to affordable housing.

And 2024? Existing buildings will be CO2-neutral!

PAUL, with its currently unique complete solution, is not only an already available answer to current challenges but also a measure with a future through forward-looking planning and continuous optimization. The control system PAUL Performance reduces energy demand so that heat pumps can be used. Through the additional installation of photovoltaic systems, the heat pumps can be operated with self-generated electricity. Result: Existing buildings can already be operated CO2-neutrally by 2024.

Der Beitrag Cutting Costs, Increasing Value: The Agreement of Climate Protection and Profitability Is Achievable. Today. erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.

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The challenges facing the building industry are enormous. Many conventional solutions to reduce energy and CO2 consumption cost a lot of money, time, and additional resources. In addition, there is a need for fair and sustainable tenant policies with socially acceptable rents or operating costs. Meanwhile, energy prices and CO2 taxes continue to rise.

Using digitization of the heat network and artificial intelligence for more energy efficiency. The PAUL Performance control system targets the building’s heat network, optimizes the existing heating system, and digitizes the central building technology by attaching sensors and so-called actuators – motorized valves – to the existing hot water and heating system in the basement. This can be done quickly and minimally invasively without the need to enter the residents’ apartments.

The sensors capture relevant data in real-time. From consumption behavior, location, outside temperature, and technical equipment, a transparent digital profile of the building is created, which can be viewed at any time via PAUL Live, the digital twin of the building. In the dashboard accessible to the customer, the system is visualized 1:1 with all data points displayed, allowing temperatures or temperature trends to be tracked in real-time.

Using artificial intelligence, the heat network is then continuously adjusted to the actual needs of the connected users. This means that compared to static or dynamic hydraulic balancing, the PAUL control system automatically and permanently ensures adaptive hydraulic balancing.

Taking into account the energy-saving effect in hot water heating and heating performance according to their share of the total demand, results in at least 15% energy savings for the entire building. This simultaneously means a reduction in CO2 emissions and an improvement in the energy efficiency class of the building. Without the need for an initial investment, this results in lower energy costs and a reduction in CO2 taxes without sacrificing comfort for the residents. The obligations of the GEG are fulfilled.

From increased energy efficiency in the heat network to the climate neutrality of existing properties. Where the PAUL Performance control system makes an efficient network out of an existing one, the PAUL Net Zero energy platform lays the groundwork for climate neutrality. In principle, anyone already using PAUL Performance can upgrade to PAUL Net Zero.

PAUL Performance makes existing properties “heat pump ready.” This means that anyone considering replacing their existing heating system with fossil energy forms such as oil, gas, and district heating with a heat pump will find an excellent foundation with the PAUL control system.

Immediate effects and future impacts The PAUL control system now offers a solution to the building industry and residents – quickly and cost-neutral. Energy and CO2 savings start from the time of commissioning and immediately contribute to achieving the goals of the heat transition. PAUL is forward-looking and contractually commits to its commitment for at least 10 years. During this time, energy savings are maximized. Additional inventory can be optimized within a year. With the now efficient heat networks in the building, the properties can be equipped with photovoltaics and heat pumps in the next step.

Der Beitrag Optimization of Heat Networks and Heating through Artificial Intelligence. erschien zuerst auf Paul Tech AG.