Photovoltaic heat as a building block of modern energy supply

For years, photovoltaics in buildings has been primarily associated with electricity generation. Classic own consumption often ends where household appliances and battery storage are saturated. At the same time, hot water and space heating in many buildings remain dependent on external energy sources. This is precisely where a technological approach comes in that not only stores or feeds solar power into the grid, but also converts it directly into heat.

Photovoltaic heat thus becomes an independent component of modern energy supply. The starting point is clear: buildings today are significantly better insulated than they were a few decades ago. The energy required for space heating is decreasing, while at the same time there is a growing desire to use as much of the energy generated in-house as possible. As a result, hot water production and heating support are becoming a greater focus of photovoltaic solutions. The idea behind this is pragmatic. Every kilowatt hour used in your own home does not have to be purchased or provided from fossil fuel sources.

my-PV and the focus on heat from solar power

my-PV is an Austrian manufacturer that specialises exclusively in the development and production of solutions for photovoltaic heating. The approach deliberately differs from classic heating systems or complex hybrid solutions. Instead of additional heat generators, the existing solar power is used directly to provide hot water and, in certain building concepts, also space heating. The systems are designed to be integrated into existing photovoltaic installations. It does not matter whether it is a single-family home, a multi-unit building or a commercial enterprise. The approach is particularly interesting for applications with high hot water requirements, such as in agriculture or smaller commercial enterprises. At the same time, the initial investment remains technically manageable and economically feasible for private households.

Heating element with electronics for continuous power control

A key product in the portfolio is an electronically controlled heating element that converts solar power directly into heat. Power control is continuous in the range from zero to approximately three and a half kilowatts. This allows the system to adapt flexibly to the currently available photovoltaic power without drawing electricity from the grid. The practical benefits are particularly evident in summer operation. During this period, hot water can be generated almost entirely from solar power, while gas or oil heating systems remain switched off. The photovoltaic system's own consumption increases significantly without the need for additional storage technology. For many end customers, this is precisely the decisive factor, because the solution is relatively easy to retrofit.

Priority control in conjunction with battery storage

An important aspect of modern energy systems is intelligent prioritisation. Photovoltaic heat does not compete with battery storage, but complements it. In systems with storage, the battery is charged first. Only when this demand is met is surplus solar power used for hot water or space heating. The systems are compatible with a wide range of commercially available manufacturers. This allows them to be integrated into existing systems without creating proprietary dependencies. This openness is a factor in the market that should not be underestimated, as many operators want to expand their systems gradually and do not want to be dependent on a single supplier. Typical areas of application at a glance:

• Hot water production in single-family homes
• Support for space heating in well-insulated buildings
• Agricultural businesses with high hot water requirements
• Small businesses and apartment buildings
• Retrofitting of existing photovoltaic systems

Space heating from photovoltaics in modern building structures

For a long time, space heating from solar power was considered unrealistic. This assessment has changed with improved insulation standards and lower heating loads. In well-insulated buildings, photovoltaic heat can now make a relevant contribution, especially in transitional periods. It does not necessarily replace a central heating system, but it does reduce its running times and the need for external energy. This approach is becoming increasingly interesting, especially in combination with low-temperature systems. The focus is less on maximum heating output and more on the intelligent use of available energy. The lower the heat demand, the greater the proportion that solar power can cover.

Self-sufficiency as a driver of market development

The desire for energy independence has increased noticeably in recent years. Rising energy prices and geopolitical uncertainties have raised awareness of how dependent many households are on external supply structures. Photovoltaics alone is not enough for self-sufficiency if electricity is only fed into the grid or stored to a limited extent. Photovoltaic heat closes precisely this gap. It extends the benefits of your own system to areas that were previously dominated by fossil fuels. Anything that is self-generated and used does not have to be purchased. This means that self-sufficiency is not an abstract ideal, but a measurable factor in everyday life.

Classification in the energy system of the future

Photovoltaic heat is not a substitute for all heating systems, but a useful component in a modular energy system. It works particularly well where efficiency, simplicity and the use of existing infrastructure are paramount. The approach deliberately avoids complex technology and instead focuses on direct conversion and clear priorities. my-PV is thus positioning itself in a growing market segment that is characterised less by high performance figures than by intelligent integration. This development shows that the path to greater independence does not necessarily lead through ever larger systems, but through better use of what is already available on the roof.