Self-Consumption
Share of self-generated solar electricity consumed directly in the household rather than fed into the grid.
Also known as: Own Consumption, Self-Consumption Rate
What Is Self-Consumption?
Self-consumption refers to the share of self-generated solar electricity that is consumed directly on-site. The higher the self-consumption, the more economical the PV system, as self-consumed electricity is significantly cheaper than purchased grid electricity.
Calculating the Self-Consumption Rate
The self-consumption rate is the ratio of self-consumed solar electricity to total generation:
Self-consumption rate = Self-consumed solar electricity / Total generated solar electricity x 100%
Without storage, the rate typically ranges from 25—35%. With a battery storage system, it can be increased to 50—70%.
Measures to Increase Self-Consumption
- Battery storage to store surplus electricity
- Adjust consumption timing: Run washing machine and dishwasher during the day
- Heat pump coupled with solar electricity
- EV charged during the day
- Smart home systems for automated consumption management
Economic Advantage
| Scenario | Self-Consumption Rate | Savings per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Without storage | 25—35% | approx. 22 ct/kWh |
| With storage | 50—70% | approx. 22 ct/kWh |
| Feed-in | — | approx. 8 ct/kWh |
Every self-consumed kWh saves the difference between the electricity price and the feed-in tariff — currently about 22 cents per kWh.
Related Terms
Self-Sufficiency Rate
Share of electricity consumption covered by the own PV system -- indicates independence from the electricity grid.
Feed-in Tariff
Legally guaranteed remuneration for solar electricity fed into the public grid, governed by the EEG.
Battery Storage
Energy storage for PV systems that stores surplus solar electricity and releases it on demand.
Surplus Feed-in
Operating model where solar electricity is primarily self-consumed and only the surplus is fed into the grid.