Welcome to the PRISMA® PVT world of knowledge. Here you will find concise answers to frequently asked questions, in-depth information on PRISMA® PVT technology as well as selected videos, helpful studies and practical downloads. Discover content that is easy to understand and helps you to realise the full potential of hybrid PVT systems in a simple and comprehensible way. The world of knowledge is constantly being expanded so that you are always up to date.
PRISMA® PVT - Products
Please also take a look at our download area for our collector information.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in many cases the use of a PVT system is worthwhile - especially if both electricity and heat are required on the property. With PRISMA® PVT combine photovoltaics and solar thermal energy in one module and utilise your roof surface twice as efficiently. This allows you to:
- up to 90 % of the hot water demand cover,
- a significant proportion of the Power consumption generate them yourself,
- the Increase self-consumption and long-term Significantly reduce energy costs.
A further advantage: thanks to the active cooling of the photovoltaic cells, PRISMA® PVT achieves a higher thermal conductivity compared to conventional PV modules. higher electricity yieldespecially in summer temperatures. In combination with a heat pump or a buffer storage tank, the economic efficiency also increases.
Whether a PVT system pays off in your specific case depends, among other things, on the Roof area, Alignmentthe Energy requirement and the available funding programmes from. BAFA and KfW offer various subsidy programmes that significantly reduce the purchase costs.
The yield of a PRISMA® PVT system depends on several factors - e.g. the location, the roof pitch, the orientation and the size of the system. Nevertheless, typical values can be given (information without guarantee):
electricity yield:
A PRISMA® PVT system with, for example, 10 modules (430-450 W each) can generate around max. 4,500 to 5,000 kWh electricity depending on the solar radiation and roof orientation.
Heat yield:
At the same time approx. 2,000 to 3,500 kWh thermal energy generated - ideal for the Hot water preparation and/or to Heating support (e.g. in combination with a buffer storage tank or a heat pump).
Thanks to the active cooling of the PV cells PRISMA® PVT can be used in summer up to 10 % more power than conventional PV systems. At the same time, the system provides heat even in diffuse light - and thus utilises the solar potential of your roof surface all year round.
Cooling with PRISMA® PVT is realised via an integrated, water-led channel system on the back of the modules. This system absorbs the heat generated by solar radiation and transfers it via a heat exchanger to a buffer storage tank or another heat source in the house.
This so-called Active recooling has two main advantages:
More electricity yield through cool PV cells
Photovoltaic cells lose efficiency when exposed to heat - the warmer they get, the lower their output. Active cooling ensures that the cells work at the optimum temperature. The result: Up to 10 % more electricity yield compared to conventional, uncooled PV modules - especially on hot summer days.
Simultaneous heat utilisation
The extracted heat is not wasted, but specifically utilised - e.g. for Hot water preparation, to the Heating support or as an efficient Energy source for a heat pump. This turns excess heat into a valuable yield.
Cooling is therefore a central element of PVT technology: it improves the Electricity productionincreases the Overall efficiency and enables a Dual utilisation of solar energy - on the same roof surface.
Yes, the PRISMA® PVT system is designed in such a way that it Flexible integration into existing heating systems can. It is suitable for both New buildings as well as for the Retrofitting in existing buildings.
Typical applications:
Combination with heat pumps (air, brine or water):
The PVT system provides additional energy for the heat pump circuit and thus significantly improves its efficiency - especially at low outside temperatures.
Connection to buffer storage tank or stratified storage tank:
The heat from the PVT modules can be fed directly into a storage tank and utilised as required - e.g. for hot water or to support the heating system.
Supplement to existing heating systems:
PRISMA® PVT can also contribute to the reduction of fossil fuels as a regenerative heat source in conjunction with gas or pellet heating systems.
The energy distribution for a PRISMA® PVT system takes place in two separate but harmonised systems: for Electricity and for Heat.
1. Electricity distribution (photovoltaic share):
The solar power generated is converted into standard household alternating current via an inverter and then:
- consumed directly in the household (e.g. for lighting, household appliances, heat pumps),
- temporarily stored in an electricity storage unit (if available),
- or fed into the public gridif more is generated than required.
An intelligent energy management system can optimise self-consumption, for example by activating consumers specifically when the sun is shining.
2. Heat distribution (thermal component):
The heat generated from the modules is utilised via a Water-based pipework system to a Buffer storage tank or Stratified storage in the house. From there, the heat is utilised as follows:
- to the Hot water preparation (e.g. for shower or kitchen),
- to the Heating support (e.g. for underfloor heating or radiators),
- or as Heat source for a heat pump.
A control system ensures that the energy is distributed efficiently and used as required - depending on the time of day, outside temperature and consumption profile.
In short:
As with any PV system, the electricity flows into the house's power grid, while the heat is integrated hydraulically - e.g. into the storage tank, heat pump or heating circuit. Both energy flows work parallelbut Intelligently coordinatedto utilise the energy in the best possible way.
PRISMA® PVT modules are extremely Easy to clean and for a Long-term, low-maintenance operation designed. Both the photovoltaic and the thermal part of the module work reliably for many years - with minimum effort.
What you should know:
Self-cleaning surface:
The modules have a special glass surface on which rain usually washes off dirt particles automatically. In regions with heavy air pollution or pollen count, occasional cleaning may be advisable - however, as a rule only 1-2 times per year.
No moving parts:
The modules themselves contain no mechanically moving components. This eliminates the typical wear and tear and minimises the need for maintenance.
Low-maintenance hydraulic system:
The water system integrated in the modules is closed, pressure-tested and equipped with high-quality materials. When professionally installed, it requires Only little controlfor example, as part of an annual heating or storage tank check.
Long-term security:
The modules are designed for a service life of 25 years and more designed. The function remains intact even after decades - provided the system is operated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
As a rule No manual snow clearance required. The PRISMA® PVT modules have a number of properties that make Rapid snowmelt promote:
Why snow usually melts by itself:
Heat dissipation at the module surface:
As the PVT modules not only generate electricity, but also heat, they give off heat even at low levels of solar radiation. heat to the module surface. This significantly accelerates the melting of snow - often even in daylight.
Glass-glass surface with low adhesion:
The smooth, high-quality glass surface ensures that snow sticks less well and slips more easily - especially with roof pitches from around 20 degrees.
Optimised arrangement:
Due to the installation in an inclined position and the heating from the inside to the outside, snow often slides off by itself - much earlier than with conventional PV modules.
When does an eviction make sense?
Only for Prolonged periods of heavy snowfall and permanently low temperatures In rare cases, it may make sense to remove snow manually - however only with suitable aids (e.g. telescopic, soft snow pushers) and without damaging the modules.
In most regions of Germany, this is not necessaryas the thermal effect of the modules ensures a Automatic defrosting provides.
Conclusion:
Thanks to the integrated heat generation and the high-quality module surface, PRISMA® PVT modules are Particularly suitable for winter. As a rule, the system itself ensures that snow melts quickly - without any additional measures.
No, that Cooling system for PRISMA® PVT modules works Absolutely noiseless.
Cooling takes place via a Closed, water-operated system without moving parts such as pumps or fans in the modules themselves. The heat is absorbed by the natural water cycle and transferred to a storage tank or a heat pump. Quiet, efficient and vibration-free.
What you can expect in concrete terms:
No noise on the modules:
There are no active components on the roof - there are Neither whirring fans nor humming motors.
Noise only possible in the plant room (as with any heating system):
Only in the Hydraulic unit or in the area of Heat pump Depending on the system, low flow or pump noises may occur. However, these are at the level of conventional heating systems and are Not in the living area.
Particularly suitable for quiet residential areas:
Thanks to its silent function, PRISMA® PVT is also ideal for Detached houses, Terraced houses or buildings with high Sound insulation requirement.
Conclusion:
The PRISMA® PVT cooling system works Quiet and unobtrusive in the background - without compromising your living comfort.
The economic efficiency of a PRISMA® PVT system depends on several factors - among others on your Electricity and heat consumptionthe Size of the systemthe Locationthe Energy pricesthe available Support programmes and how you operate and use the system.
Typical amortisation period:
In many cases, a PRISMA® PVT system already pays for itself after 7 to 11 years - in some cases also considerably faster if high self-consumption rates are achieved and a state subsidy (e.g. BAFA grant) is utilised.
Why PRISMA® PVT can pay off particularly quickly:
- Double utilisation of the roof area (electricity + heat)
- Increased self-consumption = lower energy costs
- Higher electricity yield through active cooling
- Independence from rising energy prices
- Eligible for funding through various programmes
The higher your energy requirements and the better the system is customised to your needs, the quicker the investment pays for itself. PRISMA® PVT is particularly efficient in combination with Heat pump, Buffer storage tank and/or Electricity storage.
Conclusion:
PRISMA® PVT is not only a climate-friendly solution, but also an economically sensible investment - with high self-sufficiency and long-term energy savings.
In most cases no building permit is requiredwhen the PRISMA® PVT system on a pitched roof is installed. Like photovoltaic or solar thermal systems, it is then considered a Project without authorisation according to the respective state building regulations.
What you should bear in mind:
- Roof mounting (standard case):
Installation on the roof of the house is usually licence-freeas long as there are no listed building or special structural requirements.
- Flat roofs, garages, outbuildings:
No authorisation is usually required here either - unless special conditions apply, e.g. in the development plan or in protected areas.
- Ground-mounted systems or large commercial projects:
Here you can Building or nature conservation licences be necessary. The same applies to installations on listed buildings.
- Mandatory reporting:
Irrespective of the authorisation requirement, every electricity generating system must be registered with the Network operator and in the Market master data register be registered with the Federal Network Agency. This also applies to PVT systems.
Conclusion:
For private house roofs, the following is usually No building permit required. However, an individual assessment may be advisable - particularly in the case of special building specifications, in conservation areas or in the case of a different type of installation.
The PRISMA® PVT modules are characterised by a Modern, elegant design which is harmoniously integrated into the roof architecture.
Key features:
-
The PRISMA® PVT RBX modules are characterised by a Modern, elegant design which is harmoniously integrated into the roof architecture.
Key features:
- Glass-glass construction:
High-quality glass cover on both sides ensures an elegant, smooth surface - durable, UV-resistant and colour-stable.
- Colouring:
The PRISMA® PVT RBX modules are jet black (Full Black) and have no light-coloured cell connections on the front. This gives them a Calm, homogeneous appearance.
- Frame:
Slim, black aluminium frame with clear edges - ideal for discreet roof integration.
Uniform appearance:
As electricity and heat generation are combined in one module, there is no visual break between the PV and solar thermal modules. The roof looks Uniform and tidy.
Conclusion:
PRISMA® PVT connects Technical performance with aesthetic claim. Whether for new buildings or existing roofs - the modules blend unobtrusively but with high quality into the overall appearance.
For PRISMA® PVT systems In Germany you can choose from several State and regional funding programmes benefit. These significantly reduce the investment costs and shorten the amortisation period.
1. Federal subsidy for efficient buildings (BEG) - BAFA subsidy
Responsible: Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA)
2. KfW promotional loans
Low-interest loans in conjunction with BAFA grants, e.g. as part of the programmes KfW 261/262 (BEG WG/EG).
Particularly interesting for larger projects or refurbishments.
3. Regional funding programmes
Many Federal states, Municipalities and Public utilities offer additional subsidies or bonuses - e.g. subsidies per kW or m² of collector area installed.
Combination with BAFA subsidies is often possible.
4. Feed-in tariff & self-consumption advantage
For the electricity fed into the grid, you will receive a EEG remuneration.
More importantly, the solar power you use yourself replaces expensive grid electricity - which saves energy costs in the long term.
Conclusion:
With the right subsidies, a PRISMA® PVT system can pay for itself. amortise significantly faster.
So that a PRISMA® PVT system works optimally and can be installed safely, your roof should fulfil certain structural and technical requirements.
1. Load capacity
The roof must be able to bear the additional load of the modules (empty weight approx. 33kg per module) and the substructure.
The static suitability is checked in advance by the installation company.
PRISMA® PVT modules are somewhat heavier than pure PV modules due to their glass-glass construction, but are within the usual load range.
2. Alignment & inclination
Optimal: South-facing with approx. 30-45° inclination
Well suited: South-east or south-west orientation
East or west-facing roofs can also be utilised, albeit with a slightly reduced yield.
3. Roof area
For a standard module (approx. 1.76 m × 1.10 m), you need sufficient contiguous space depending on the planned system size.
Free from major shading (trees, neighbouring buildings, dormers) for the best possible performance.
4. Roof cladding & condition
The roof covering (e.g. tiles, slate, sheet metal) should be in good condition.
With older roofs, it may be advisable to replace the roof cladding before installation.
5. Access & installation route
Safe access for installation (e.g. scaffolding or roof hooks) is required.
It must be possible to lay pipework from the roof to the plant room.
Conclusion:
Almost any solid single-family house roof can be used for a PRISMA® PVT system - the decisive factors are Load-bearing capacity, alignment and freedom from shading.
One PRISMA® PVT system can be easily combined with additional photovoltaic modules. This allows you to optimise the benefits of both technologies: Power and heat generation with PVT plus Maximum electricity production through pure PV.
This is how the combination works:
Separate electrical connection
Both PVT and pure PV modules are connected to the inverter - either via Separate MPP trackers or Own invertersdepending on system size and orientation.
This means that each module works optimally without any loss of performance due to different temperatures or irradiation conditions.
Thermal circuit only for PVT modules
The water-based cooling and heat utilisation applies exclusively to the PVT modules.
Additional PV modules only supply electricity.
Flexible arrangement on the roof
PVT modules are preferably installed in places where heat can be utilised particularly efficiently (e.g. south-facing, close to the pipework).
Pure PV modules can cover additional roof areas to maximise the electricity yield.
Energy management
An intelligent control system can coordinate both sources in order to Own consumption and optimally integrate the electricity storage system or heat pump.
Conclusion:
The combination of PRISMA® PVT and additional PV modules is Technically easy to realise and increases the overall output of your solar system - more electricity, more heat, more independence.
Your question has not yet been answered? No problem - we are always here for you! Click here!
Get in touch with us!
Give us a call or send us an e-mail for a non-binding consultation.
Conclusion
A decision that pays off
A PVT system such as PRISMA® makes optimum use of the existing roof area of your detached house - and reliably supplies electricity and heat from a single source. This not only improves the energy efficiency of your home, but also permanently reduces CO₂ emissions and makes you less dependent on rising energy prices. The technology is manufactured in Germany, designed for durability and comes with a 25-year performance guarantee on the PV. In combination with a heat pump, storage system and state subsidy, the result is a well-thought-out solution - for greater self-sufficiency, greater cost-effectiveness and greater security for the future.
Please note!
As a manufacturer/wholesaler, we only supply the specialised trade and craftsmen.
If you are a private customer and would like a quote, please send your request for a quote to your local installer.
However, we are happy to offer you as a private customer an initial consultation or information by e-mail.
