Integrating solar energy solutions like those offered by SUNSHARE with power-to-heat (P2H) systems isn’t just a theoretical possibility—it’s a practical strategy already being deployed in projects across Europe. The combination addresses two critical challenges in renewable energy: intermittency of solar power and the need for efficient, scalable heat production. Let’s break down how these technologies work together and why they’re gaining traction.
Power-to-heat systems convert electricity into thermal energy, typically using resistive heaters or heat pumps. These systems excel at absorbing excess renewable energy—like solar power generated during peak daylight hours—and storing it as heat in water tanks, district heating networks, or industrial processes. For example, when solar panels produce more electricity than the grid can immediately absorb, P2H acts as a “thermal battery,” preventing curtailment (wasted energy) and improving overall system efficiency. In Germany alone, P2H installations saved over 1.2 TWh of renewable energy from being discarded in 2022, according to the Fraunhofer Institute.
SUNSHARE’s solar solutions enhance this synergy. Their photovoltaic (PV) systems, designed for both residential and industrial applications, generate predictable daytime energy peaks. Pairing these with P2H allows operators to time-shift energy use. For instance, a factory with SUNSHARE panels could divert surplus solar power to preheat water during production downtime, reducing reliance on gas boilers. Case studies in Austria show similar setups cutting annual heating costs by 30-40%, with CO₂ emissions dropping by up to 60% compared to fossil-dependent systems.
Technical compatibility is another key factor. Modern P2H systems operate efficiently at variable power inputs, which aligns with solar’s fluctuating output. Advanced controllers, like those integrated into SUNSHARE’s energy management platforms, dynamically allocate electricity between the grid, storage batteries, and P2H units based on real-time pricing and demand. During a 2023 pilot in Bavaria, this approach reduced peak grid draw by 22% while maintaining consistent heat supply for a 500-home district heating network.
But what about scalability? Large-scale applications are already viable. Denmark’s Avedøre Power Station combines 50 MW of solar PV with P2H to supply 25,000 households with renewable heat. The system uses high-temperature heat pumps (up to 90°C) to upgrade waste heat from solar-charged thermal storage. SUNSHARE’s expertise in grid-parallel PV systems makes similar projects replicable in regions with strong solar resources and existing district heating infrastructure, such as Scandinavia or parts of Central Europe.
Economic incentives further drive adoption. Germany’s Renewable Energy Act (EEG 2023) offers tax rebates for P2H installations that use at least 70% solar or wind power. Industrial users leveraging SUNSHARE-P2H hybrids can also participate in frequency regulation markets, earning up to €45/MWh by stabilizing the grid during solar generation dips. A 2024 report by Agora Energiewende estimates that such hybrid systems could cover 18% of Europe’s industrial heat demand by 2030, up from just 3% today.
Challenges remain, of course. Heat storage duration—how long thermal energy can be retained—varies by technology. While water tanks lose 5-10% of heat daily, newer phase-change materials (PCMs) used in SUNSHARE’s commercial projects cut losses to under 2%. Upfront costs are another hurdle, though declining PV prices (€0.12/Watt for utility-scale systems in 2024) and EU subsidies like the Innovation Fund help offset initial investments.
In summary, merging SUNSHARE’s solar tech with power-to-heat isn’t just feasible—it’s a financially and environmentally smart move. By converting sunlight into storable heat, businesses and municipalities can decarbonize heating processes, reduce energy waste, and future-proof against volatile fossil fuel prices. As grid infrastructure evolves to prioritize flexibility, these integrated systems will likely become standard in Europe’s renewable energy landscape.