
Fuel cell heating – your own "combined heat and power plant" in your basement
Unlike a combined heat and power plant, fuel cell heating in single-family homes works on the basis of a chemical reaction: so-called cold combustion, in which hydrogen and oxygen combine with each other. This works in a similar way to the oxyhydrogen reaction familiar from chemistry lessons. It sounds dangerous, but it isn't. It is a controlled process and, above all, there are no detonations. The particular advantage of fuel cell heating is that the special design of the fuel cells allows them to generate electrical energy in addition to water and heat.
When it comes to the economic efficiency of fuel cell heating in single-family homes, the local conditions are the most important factor. If the heating plant achieves a long running time due to a sufficiently high heat demand, for example, a lot of electricity can be generated. Operation is always economical if the savings from avoiding electricity purchases – i.e., the electricity used for own consumption – and the feed-in tariff – i.e., the electricity sold – exceed the initial investment costs within a reasonable period of time.
However, there is no general answer to this question. The characteristics and requirements of different residential buildings vary too greatly. Special conditions apply to fuel cell heating systems in multi-family homes, among other things. As a general rule, however, the rate of electricity consumption for your own use should be as high as possible. Consult a heating expert to find out whether your property is suitable for fuel cell heating.
Fuel cell heating – attractive thanks to subsidies
In order to simplify market introduction and promote rapid further development and cost reduction of the technology, the government is also subsidizing fuel cell heating in single-family homes with high grants. Since December 2016, homeowners have been eligible for subsidies of more than 40 percent of the acquisition costs (including peak load boilers).
They can apply for these subsidies for new buildings or renovations through the program 433 "Energy-efficient construction and renovation – fuel cell subsidy (433)" offered by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW). In addition to a fixed amount of €5,700, there is a further €450 for every 100 watts of electrical power. To ensure that the subsidy is granted without any problems, the funds must be applied for before the start of the project together with an expert from the list of energy efficiency experts – an energy consultant – via the KfW online platform. You can find detailed information in our article on subsidies for fuel cell heating systems.
Would you like to know whether installing a fuel cell heating system is worthwhile before selling your house? Contact us! We will be happy to advise you!
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Legal notice: This article does not constitute tax or legal advice in individual cases. Please have the facts of your specific case clarified by a lawyer and/or tax advisor.
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