Essedi Group

Schüco System: Photovoltaics and Energy Accumulation

April 23, 2019

The European Union has established a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (Directive 2009/28 / EC of 5 June 2009). Also within this date the reduction in energy consumption of 20% and the coverage of 20% of total energy consumption from renewable sources should be recorded. Also the National Energy Strategy (DL 8 March 2013) confirms this direction, outlining for the year 2020 the goal of 38% of electricity production from renewables.

The building world is therefore moving more and more around the issues of energy self-sufficiency and respect for the environment, aiming to achieve buildings with zero energy balance.

With Schüco, it is possible immediately to have maximum clean energy from your home system, increasing energy self-consumption and therefore saving bills. In fact, the company offers a complete and innovative system that combines the photovoltaic system with thermal storage and electrical storage devices that together significantly increase the energy independence of the home and greatly reduce the operating costs.

The Schüco system is mainly composed of 3 technological systems that can be integrated: the photovoltaic system, the heat pump for domestic hot water and the “intelligent inverter” to which the accumulation batteries are connected. The “system” thus composed is able to produce energy from a renewable source and to store the part not consumed immediately in special batteries to reuse it during the hours of low insolation or at night. Alternatively, the “system” can direct part of the electrical energy produced to an accumulation of water for sanitary use and bring it to a high temperature thus creating a sort of thermal energy reserve, without having used the boiler gas.

Thanks to the “intelligent” connection between the photovoltaic system and the electrical storage, specifically designed to increase self-consumption, priority is given to the instantaneous use (at the time of production) of the energy coming from the photovoltaic system, but in the case of electrical loads not function, the system proceeds to storage and re-use at other times of the day. The system is obviously designed to prevent the current from being released from the batteries into the national electricity grid. The possibility of using mostly the energy produced, but also to dispose of it in a deferred manner, thus greatly reduces the need to resort to the purchase from the external network and therefore the costs of the electricity bill and that of the gas for heating water.

To better understand the advantages of the integrated Schüco “system”, just think that the photovoltaic system alone already achieves a self-consumption percentage of about 30% with prudent management of electrical appliances. If the heat pump for domestic hot water is connected to the photovoltaic system, this value can reach 60%. Finally, the complete system, even with the storage device, allows to reach a percentage of independence from the network, that is, diautoconsumption up to 80%.

The inverter that “dispenses energy between appliances and batteries”, if connected to the Internet, allows you to monitor the entire system and get information on performance, consumption and returns. It also increases the living comfort of the building, being able to also serve as a temporary “back up” and give continuity to the power supply of the house in case of a blackout.

Guaranteed by Schüco, the “system” is designed to adapt to the needs of the family: both the size of the photovoltaic system (from 3 kW to 5 kW), and the number of accumulation batteries may vary according to need. In the same way, heat pumps of different capacities (100 or 300 liters) can be connected, in relation to consumption or the type of existing heating system.

Specifically designed for residential users, it also enjoys a series of incentives provided by the Government to promote the energy redevelopment of homes: in particular, replacing less efficient products with the new heat pump, you can request a 65% tax deduction while photovoltaics benefit from 50% deductions, (both have recently been extended to the Stability Law plant in 2014).

Schüco – Solutions for windows, doors, facades and solar systems. With a network of international partners, architects, planners and investors, Schüco realizes building envelope solutions in harmony with nature, focusing on man and his needs. The company is careful to meet the most stringent design, comfort and safety requirements and to reduce CO2 emissions, thanks to greater energy efficiency of the systems, preserving natural resources. Through its divisions (Building Envelopes and New Energies), the company provides targeted products for new constructions and renovations, able to meet the needs of people, in every part of the world. With over 5,000 employees and 12,000 partner companies, Schüco is present in 78 countries and in 2012 achieved annual sales of 1.8 billion euros.

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Photovoltaics with accumulation: is it worthwhile now?

April 10, 2019

How much does it cost and how much does it save to install a small photovoltaic system equipped with a battery storage system that maximizes self-consumption? We tried to understand this with some economic simulations based on current prices. Finding out that, thanks to tax deductions, the budget is already attractive.

The interest in storage systems to be combined with domestic photovoltaics in Italy in recent times is very high. No wonder: with electricity prices being among the highest in Europe and with the end of the feed-in tariff of the Energy Bill, in our country the watchword in PV, now more than ever, is maximize self-consumption (see also our Technical Special on PV and self-consumption ).

As we told (QualEnergia.it, FV and storage systems: what is being done in Italy? ), Some of the batteries matched to the plant has already started to install them, but the market is still basically still awaiting the regulatory provisions of the Authority for Energy. Regulations that are about to arrive: according to some rumors may be ready already at the end of the month .It is therefore time to understand if, with current prices, it is already convenient to install a small storage system combined with photovoltaics. We have built hypothetical business plans, discovering that thanks to the 50% tax deduction already now installing a small PV plant with storage seems like a good deal . There is talk of times of return on investment of about 9-10 years and an internal rate of 8-10%.

But let’s take a closer look at the economic simulations, for which we have availed ourselves of the precious advice of the engineer Rolando Roberto and his colleagues from ATER, the association of renewable technicians. There are two cases that we have hypothesized: the first refers to a house inhabited by 3 people with annual consumption such as to be able to assume a PV plant of 3 kWp and a storage capacity of 5.5 kWh effective; the second hypothesis was made by doubling consumption, thus installing a 6 kWp PV generator with an actual 11 kWh storage tank . In both cases for the productivity of the PV we have assumed that the plants are located in Central Italy.

What storage technology are we talking about? “While the prices of lithium batteries are falling, the market is moving using lead-acid products. The best compromise right now seems like gel batteries for long life solar applications ; we used a system equipped with this solution “, explains the engineer Roberto.

The cost? For the 3kWp PV system with 5.5 kWh battery we have estimated a price, including turnkey and VAT, of 14,200 euros , for the 6 kWp plant with an accumulation of 11 kWh, it goes up to 25 thousand euros . An initial cost to which we added the maintenance costs: in our analysis we have foreseen, in the 20 years, two replacements of the battery packs and a replacement of the inverter, assuming for the second substitution a price reduction of at least 30%.

The accumulations of our simulations are sized so as to increase self-consumption from 35 to about 90% , we hypothesized that the plants have the possibility to carry out the exchange on the spot and that the cost of electricity from the network increases by 4% year (average increase of the last years). The sizing was designed by analyzing the consumption profile in the various months of the year and by the time slots in which the user spends more. For simplification reasons we have considered a typical day without taking into account the midweek or holiday variations.

“We always remember – says the engineer Rolando Roberto – that the user who will most agree to install such a plant will be the one that concentrates consumption mainly in the evening . Keep in mind also future purchases like motorcycles or electric cars: you can hardly recharge them during the day under the shelter of your home “.

And we come to the results (which you find summarized with all the details in the attached pdf below). As mentioned, even with the current battery prices, decidedly high and for which a drastic drop is expected in the next few years, the economic balance seems acceptable, provided you can access the tax deductions of 50% (which will fall from 2015 to 40 % and from 2016 to 36%).

In our hypothesis the domestic 3 kW plant with accumulation repays in 10 years and, over the 20 years, there is a saving, net of expenses, of over 14,600 euros , with a return on the annual investment of 5 , 2%, an IRR of 8% and a NPV at the rate of 2%, which reaches € 19,800.

Even more convenient is the case of the 6 kW where, compared to IRR values of 10% and ROI of 6.3%, we have a return in about 9 years, a net saving of over 31,500 euros and a VAN of 38,600 euros.

So, quite good numbers, are we on the eve of a boom? The potential is there, but the times are perhaps still not very mature. “The economic convenience of storage systems is not yet such as to exceed that of traditional photovoltaic systems . For the moment it is a niche market, but that presents interesting potential “, commented after examining our simulations the engineer Francesco Groppi, professor of technical systems at the Polytechnic of Milan.

“Prices are evolving , technologies also”, comments Roberto. At the moment there are two aspects that hamper the development of the sector: the lack of an adequate incentive regime, given the still high costs, and the lack of a streamlined regulation: we will see if in the final version of the AEEG legislation there will be simplifications compared to the texts presented in the consultations.

Construction News, News

Deductions restructuring and mortgage growth

The sector has therefore welcomed the bonus prolongation decided by the Letta government’s stability law. Tax deductions on restructuring have had a powerful positive effect on restructuring loan applications in 2013. This is witnessed by a recent survey conducted by mutui.it in collaboration with facile.it.

Tax deduction restructuring: government measures push mortgage applications

While real estate sales and purchases appear to be falling steadily, and with them also mortgage applications for the purchase of a new home, loan applications for restructuring increase: between the months of July and December 2013, they increased for accuracy from 2.6% to 7.6% of the total.
Merit, according to the survey, own tax bonuses for the renovation and purchase of furniture, which push Italians to make improvements and renovate their homes.

The regions in which the increase was most evident are Campania, Tuscany and Trentino Alto Adige: here, the percentage of loan applications for restructuring on total loans reaches over 10%.

Going to see the characteristics of the required funding, we find that the average figure obtained for a mortgage restructuring was 72 thousand euros. The average repayment plan is around 15 years, the rate preferred by applicants is the variable rate (58% of cases) compared to the fixed rate.
The extension of the tax deductions restructuring in the stability law
The stability law has officially decreed the extension of the restructuring and mobile tax deductions for 2014. The bonuses allow citizens to deduct 50% of the expenses related to the works carried out until December 31, 2014, with a ceiling of 96 thousand euros for property.

The deductions will then go to 40% for the entire year 2015, to return to 36% from 2016 onwards (unless further extensions on which the executive is discussing). Recall that the deduction will always be spread over ten years.

Construction News, News

The coat that “RESPHIRA” .. an exclusive Essedi

Here is RESPHIRA: a coat that will not make you live, like in a plastic bag …….. an exclusivity of Essedi.

Here is a coat that will not make you live, like in a plastic bag …….. an exclusivity of Essedi

The winning features of RESPHIRA:

1. high density outer surface, EPS200, 10 mm thick, for unsurpassed mechanical strength;

2. pre-cuts on the high-density layer to deter the material

3. EPS80 body enriched with graphite to guarantee excellent thermal insulation and high breathability.

4. micro-holes passing through the whole panel for high transpiration; the EPS layer with higher density is further drilled to facilitate the disposal of steam on the separation surface between the two materials.

5. Closed cell panel, including holes, to minimize moisture absorption.

6. special surface finish to ensure an excellent adhesion of glues and skim coatings.

News, Renewable News

FV and storage systems: what is being done in Italy?

In Italy, high costs and regulations still to be defined are holding back the battery boom, an ideal solution to maximize self-consumption from photovoltaics. But who has already started moving. A trip to Italy of domestic storage, including intelligent inverters, batteries combined with home automation systems and storage connected to PV systems that do not enter the network.

The phase one of the world energy revolution can be said to consist in inserting a share of new renewable sources into old electrical systems thanks to public funding. Purpose, to lower the industrial costs of clean sources and to demonstrate that the old mantra “can only be marginal sources” had no basis. The phase will consist in adapting the electricity networks, so that they can operate with increasing percentages of non-programmable sources, such as solar and wind power, progressively overcoming the need for back-up by fossil sources. The symbol of this new phase is the accumulation of electricity.
These, in the form of batteries connected to the network, according to a study published at the end of December by the research company IHS, will know a real boom, rising from an installation of about 200 MW in 2013, to one of 6 GW in 2017, to arrive in 2020 to 40 GW of total installed power in the world. Part of these batteries will be used to make the production of large wind or PV plants programmable (in California they are already introducing obligations in this regard and in Italy will be used to access these plants to the future dispatching market), part will serve to avoid overloads in sensitive sections networks (as Terna experiments in Italy), and part will end up in homes and warehouses, to maximize the self-consumption of photovoltaic energy, making available at night what is accumulated during the day.
The thing seems tempting for users of photovoltaics, but in Italy for now everything seems to be silent. Almost. “In the relationship we have made for the Energy & Strategy group of the Milan Polytechnic – explains QualEnergia.it the engineerSimone Franzò – we have analyzed storage technology and convenience, concluding that it is the use of end users to have more possibility of growth in the near future, even if, at the moment, the cost of small accumulators is still too high to guarantee, in the absence of specific incentives such as the German ones, a return on investment in times appealing to families and even less for companies. But the price of batteries, also thanks to electric cars, is falling, and the threshold of convenience should be reached within 2-3 years “.

Confirm Marco Pigni of Fiamm, the largest Italian manufacturer of batteries: “It’s true, the costs are still high, so much so that for now we have sold our sodium-nickel zebra batteries, which offer the same performance as lithium, but using less rare and safer materials, only at Terna and for systems disconnected from the network or with an unreliable network. But the increase in our production should lead to a drastic price change of 30-50% within 3-4 years, and then recovering the price of the accumulator through increased self-consumption should take less than 10 years “.

But the regulatory uncertainties are also hampered by the use of batteries. “GSE has ruled out the possibility of using storage systems for incentivized PV systems – recalls Luca Zingale, scientific director of Solarexpo – while for the new one has been waiting for a technical regulation for years. In December, the AEEG presented a draft of consultation, which should lead to legislation by 2014. For this reason, the Italian small-scale market is almost at a standstill for now. Despite this, at Solarexpo-The Innovation Cloud 2013 have already seen various storage proposals and even more numerous will see this year, May 7 to 9 in Milan. I am sure that the possibility of combining batteries and solar will have a great success in Italy, a country with very expensive electricity, making it more convenient to install in many cases where the user is away from home during the day, and helping, with the increase in the amount of energy saved, those companies that will choose the SEUs as a means to cut the cost of energy. We do not neglect the psychological-political component of accumulation, which many expect as a means to make themselves as independent as possible of the great energy companies “.

In fact, there are those who have not waited for the regulations: “Since 2009, with the collaboration of the University of Ancona – Roberto Mattioli, sales manager of the Energy Resources company – tells Qualenergia.it – we are experimenting, with excellent results , storage systems in households and companies. Our approach has been to integrate them into an overall framework made up of renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, domotics and electric mobility. Paradoxically, however, now that we have the know-how and research data, the crisis in the sector, the credit crunch and the regulatory uncertainty, we make it difficult to proceed with product development “.

The giant Power One, the world’s second inverter manufacturer, clearly does not have these problems. “In six months – explains Paolo Casini, marketing director of the company that has its head office in Tuscany – we will sell our new 3.6 and 4.6 kW photovoltaic inverter, with a modular 2-liter lithium , 4 or 6 kWh, as needed. Its use should already be convenient in Italy, Germany and Great Britain, where, the high and rising cost of electricity, over the 20 years of life of a plant, and with a battery change after 10, should ensure an average profitability 5-6%. Naturally, at the beginning, we are counting on selling it mainly in Germany, thanks to the incentives, but we are sure that as soon as the regulations are ready and maybe the prices of the accumulators, which make up 70% of the cost of this product, will fall, will also be required in Italy. For our average family, in fact, already the 2 kWh version, should allow to move from an average consumption of 30% to one of 70%, greatly speeding the recovery of the investment. Especially if, as in our case, the storage system also contains software to optimize the use of electricity during the day, for example by talking to smart appliances and planning their use based on the expected solar production “.

But there is also an accumulation solution, which circumvents all regulatory problems. Both Solon Italia and Schüko have thought of offering storage systems combined with our systems, where the panels recharge the battery, but do not introduce electricity into the grid. As long as the battery is charged, the user uses his energy, when this ends the connection to the network opens. It is a system that interests those who consume a lot in non-diurnal hours “.

Soliberty Solonty, presented in October, is based on a similar concept, with lead batteries (less expensive than lithium, but also less long-lived) from 3.3 up to 10 kWh, usable by those who have incentivized facilities (with accumulation that is back-up to the home network), that new (with accumulation connected directly to the panels). At Solon, they promise to increase the self-consumption of solar electricity by up to 90%, without being fed into the grid by batteries. The downside of these systems is that any excess solar electricity, if the battery is already charged, can not be sold on the network. But it is a disadvantage that can be mitigated by the right combination of solar power and accumulator capacity.

News, Renewable News

Power Router accumulation and intelligent energy management

The Schüko PowerRouter is the best solution on the market, ideal for optimizing the use of self-generated solar energy. This intelligent system is a true “all-in-one” integrated solution that combines a solar inverter and a battery system in a single device.

Optimize self-consumption
In order to favor a better use of self-generated energy and minimize the withdrawal from the electricity grid, some countries have introduced facilities aimed at increasing direct use of self-produced solar energy (self-consumption). These measures favor users who immediately use self-produced energy without first transferring it to the network.
For the optimization of the self-consumption rate there are two possibilities: move the time of use of some household appliances (such as the dishwasher and the washing machine) in times of increased energy production, or accumulate the self-generated energy in batteries to use it at a later time.

Phase 1: generation of solar energy.
Phase 2: direct use of the energy produced.
Phase 3: accumulation for deferred use.
Phase 4: use of the accumulated energy.
Phase 5: excess energy entering the grid
Step 6: monitoring and control

PowerRouter Solar Battery for self-consumption
PowerRouter Solar Battery is the most efficient and productive way to take advantage of self-consumption incentives because it allows you to automatically store excess energy generated in batteries during the day to use it at night, adapting to the various circumstances . It favors the use of self-produced energy and minimizes the use of electricity, thus allowing to obtain, in addition to maximum independence, the highest possible savings on the energy bill.

To be independent:

from energy suppliers, with self-production and self-management of energy;
from the ever-increasing energy tariffs;
from network failures and supply interruptions in order to always count on electricity.

Control is in your hands!

One of the most outstanding features of PowerRouter is the possibility of being able to connect to the internet, a feature completely integrated into the system at no additional cost. The owner of the system has the opportunity to be constantly updated on the performance of its investments and its energy consumption and to better understand its total energy balance.

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BOOK REVIEW ~ JANE’S MELODY BY RYAN WINFIELD

February 7, 2019

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller–
What boundaries would you cross for true love?

That’s the question a grieving mother must answer when she takes in a young street musician she believes can shed light on her daughter’s death—only to find herself falling for him. A lovely but touching love story that will leave you both tantalized and in tears, Jane’s Melody follows a forty-year-old woman on a romantic journey of rediscovery after years of struggling alone.

Sometimes our greatest gifts come from our greatest pain. And now Jane must decide if it’s too late for her to start over, or if true love really knows no limits.

[First time reading: 4 starsSecond time reading: 4.5 stars]

What an unconventional and inspirational story about love, loss, and healing! It seems with this re-read I notice the little things I missed the first time around and it just makes me love the story even more! ♥ ♥ ♥
The story follows a 40-year-old mother Jane who has just done what no mother wants: bury her daughter. Struggling to accept Melody’s death, Jane unexpectedly stumbles into Caleb, a 24-year-old homeless musician. Their only link: a 1973 silver dollar coin that previously belonged to Melody. After snooping through Melody’s old things, she deduces that Caleb is her old boyfriend and since she desperately needs closure, Jane takes Caleb in, offering him a temporary job while she tries to fish for any extra information about her daughter.

As time passes, Caleb and Jane grow closer and soon a romantic relationship develops. I live for the forbidden and taboo and this hit the nail on the head! There wasn’t anything sketchy nor did I feel like their relationship was inappropriate; the way the author wrote the book completely charmed me. Jane and Caleb are such endearing characters, and their story is believable: I could see something deeper than lust and attraction setting the basis of their relationship, and to me that makes it all the more meaningful to read. Pre-Caleb time, Jane struggled with accepting Melody’s death and pretty much brushed off living life. She’s just fine.

(more…)

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BOOK BLITZ ~ BEFORE YOU BREAK BY CHRISTINA LEE

A lovely, emotional New Adult romance about a bad boy on the edge and a good girl about to lose control…

The star catcher of the college baseball team isn’t supposed to have skeletons in his closet. But Daniel Quinn is hiding a guilty past so dark he refuses to let anyone get close. Except there’s something about gorgeous, studious Ella Abrams that goes beyond the electric attraction between them—something that makes him want to open up.

Ella has suffered enough heartache and guilt to fill one of her psychology textbooks, but she keeps that part of herself hidden behind a bubbly exterior. Until she receives an anonymous call while working the suicide helpline and the voice on the other end touches something inside of her that she can’t ignore.

Soon Ella and Quinn’s physical connection heats up, even as their deep and revealing hotline talks intensify. But by the time Ella realizes that her seductive jock and her sensitive caller are the same guy, it might be too late to save him—or to stop herself from falling too far.

*A companion novel to ALL OF YOU*

At the theater, we bought popcorn, Milk Duds, and large sodas. After we settled in our seats in the crowded room, I opened the box of chocolate caramel confections and dumped them in the large tub.
“Um,” Quinn said, scratching his chin.
“Sweet and salty—it’s a musthave for movie watching.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes, seriously.” I picked up a Milk Dud, flanked it with two pieces of popcorn, and then brought it to his lips. “Here. I guarantee you’ll fall in love. You’ll never watch a movie without them again.”
“If you say so. . . .” He dragged the sweet and salty mixture into his mouth but kept my fingers enclosed between his lips. I held in a gasp while he ran his tongue over my thumb and then sucked on my forefinger before releasing my hand and chewing what remained.
“Agree,” he said around a mouthful of popcorn. “Wouldn’t want to be without them ever again.”
Quinn’s gaze latched on to mine. It felt like a bundle of feathers had been let loose in my stomach. “Guess you’ll have to come to every movie from now on. So I don’t forget.”
Speechless wasn’t even the word for what I felt in that moment. Dumbfounded might have been more like it, or maybe just struck stupid, because I couldn’t even move my lips to form any coherent words.
When the movie previews began, he turned toward the screen and reached for my fingers, interlacing our hands. Then he leaned close to my ear and said, “I expect you to feed me just like that the entire movie.”

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer. Christina lives in the Midwest with her husband and son–her two favorite guys. She’s addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything.

She believes in true love and kissing, so writing romance novels has become a dream job.

She also owns her own jewelry business, called Tags-n-Stones(dot com), where she hand-stamps meaningful words or letters onto silver for her customers.

She loves to hear from her readers. You can find her here:

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BOOK BLITZ ~ FIGHTING FOR LOVE BY L.P. DOVER

Book title: Fighting for LoveAuthor: L.P. DoverSeries: Second Chances #4Genre: NA Contemporary RomanceRelease date: March 9, 2014

Fighting for someone’s heart is more challenging than fighting for a title.

For a time, many years ago, love had grown, love was made, and in the end … love was lost. The decision to leave had been the worst mistake Shelby Dawson could have ever made. However, at the time—ten years ago—she felt her secret needed to stay hidden, even if it broke her heart and the heart of the man she loved. Back then, he was all hers and she was all his, but now things have changed and he isn’t the same guy she knew.

He happens to be the well-known MMA Heavyweight champion and famous bad boy, Matt ‘The Destroyer’ Reynolds, who once before struggled to help his family pay the bills. Now, he has money flowing with each undefeated win and an insurmountable number of women filling his bed. Everything is perfect for the illustrious fighter, until one day it all changes. In walks the girl from his past, the same girl who promised to stick by him but left and never looked back.

Their second chance to make things right will not come easy, for when one mistake is made an unwelcome consequence soon follows. Someone out there wants to rip them apart and they won’t stop until Matt and Shelby pay the ultimate price … their love.

USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.

Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can’t forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.

Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.

L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

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