In recent years, especially since September 2021, the price of energy has increased by up to 50%, mainly due to increased demand and the shortage of natural gas (the main resource used to produce electricity in Italy). For this reason, and also due to greater awareness toward more sustainable energy production, photovoltaic systems have gained widespread use in both residential and industrial sectors.
In the past year, the increase in photovoltaic systems with net metering has led to a surge in the injection of electrical power into the grid, causing the national lines to become saturated. As a result, more and more people are opting for systems without grid injection, also known as “off-grid.”
Below is a concise list of the main questions regarding photovoltaic systems offered by ULIX Innovation.
1) How does a photovoltaic system with net metering work?
Photovoltaic systems with net metering are the classic ones, also known as “on-grid.” The net metering contract is established with the GSE (Italian acronym for: Gestore dei Servizi Energetici), under which surplus energy produced is fed into the grid and is partially reimbursed through electricity bills.
2) Is it still convenient to install a system with net metering?
While net metering systems may seem convenient, they have several drawbacks, as listed below:
– The system is always connected in series with the ENEL meter. The inverter, the device that converts the direct current (DC) output from solar panels into alternating current (AC) at 220V for household use, communicates with the ENEL meter. If it does not receive feedback from the meter, it will not supply energy to the house. This means that in the event of a blackout, your photovoltaic system will not work, even during the day.
– Due to the increase in photovoltaic systems with net metering, the national electrical grid is no longer sized to support the increase in injected power. When the grid reaches saturation, the inverter is unable to feed excess power, goes into alarm mode, and stops producing. This happens, paradoxically, during periods of maximum photovoltaic production.
– The GSE pays little for the energy fed into the grid. The energy is paid at around 10 € cents/kWh, with a calculation that depends on the PUN (National Single Price). However, the energy drawn from the grid is paid at about 22 € cents/kWh (excluding taxes). It is therefore clear that it is better to consume the excess energy produced rather than feed it into the grid.
– The system with net metering involves the payment of costs for connection procedures to the national electrical grid, costs that are not applicable to off-grid systems.
3) How does a Ulix Innovation system differ from a classic net metering system?
The off-grid systems from Ulix Innovation offer the following advantages:
– Since they do not feed excess production into the grid, they work even in cases of national grid saturation, ensuring continuous production.
– Excess energy is stored in batteries and used at night. Only in the case of insufficient energy stored in the batteries will energy be drawn from the grid.
– Transportation costs and system charges are significantly lower compared to on-grid systems.
– The Ulix system guarantees a certain number of days of autonomy in case of a neighborhood blackout.
– To achieve complete autonomy from the grid, Ulix prepares the system for connection to a generator, which automatically activates when the battery falls below the minimum charge level.
4) How much does an off-grid photovoltaic system with storage cost?
The systems from Ulix Innovation have a cost comparable to on-grid systems. The additional cost of next-generation equipment is offset by the absence of grid connection fees.
The cost of a 6 kW system with lithium battery storage is around €13,000.00.
5) Can system charges be eliminated?
As illustrated in the ARERA table, the costs for transportation, meter management, and system charges include both a fixed and a variable component. Unfortunately, the fixed component cannot be eliminated (unless you decide to completely disconnect from the grid). The variable component, however, can be significantly reduced or eliminated if the energy stored in the batteries is consumed instead of being drawn from the grid.
6) Are there alternative storage systems to lithium batteries?
Absolutely. Ulix Innovation systems are compatible with the following storage systems:
• Lithium-ion batteries (standard solution, reliable, average lifespan of 10 years)
• Lead-acid batteries (cheaper than lithium, bulkier, average lifespan of 7 years)
• Graphene supercapacitors (80% more expensive than lithium, fast recharge, average lifespan of 50 years)
7) Can photovoltaic systems be installed on a balcony?
Certainly! Using a special frame, it is possible to easily install panels even on a balcony.
8) Can you disconnect from ENEL with photovoltaic systems?
Certainly! Ulix Innovation can design a custom system after conducting a site inspection of your home and assessing its feasibility. Anywhere in Italy, it is possible to meet your energy needs without drawing from the grid, provided there is enough available surface area on the roof or balconies. Contact us for a quote. However, completely disconnecting may result in the loss of the house’s habitability status. Therefore, it is always advisable to maintain the POD user account with E-distribuzione.
9) Can a photovoltaic system be installed in a historic center?
Unfortunately, the simplification amendment proposed in 2017 by Legambiente and some parliamentarians for the installation of photovoltaic panels in historic centers was rejected by the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities, despite the proposal allowing for panel installation at the same angle as the roof slope and ensuring they were not visible from the street. Therefore, to install a photovoltaic system in restricted areas, it is necessary to obtain approval from the local Archaeological Superintendent.
We hope that restrictions may be eased in the interest of consumers and for the protection of the environment.
