A micro combined heat and power (CHP) unit produces electricity and heat, which can be used to supply energy to a single-, two- or multi-family house. Powered by natural gas or other fuels, such as liquefied petroleum gas or vegetable and fuel oil, about 90 percent of the fuel is converted into renewable energy. A micro-CHP covers an electrical output of 2.5 kW to 15 kW and is ideal for supplying electricity and heat to houses or small businesses.
No bigger than a refrigerator or a washing machine, a micro-CHP can be excellently placed and installed in the basement. Thanks to noise and vibration insulation, the micro-CHP is barely audible, even when it is working at full capacity. Even though a micro-CHP costs an average of 15,000 euros or more, the investment pays off after about ten years. The more power is needed, the more expensive the purchase. But in the long run, electricity and heating costs are saved. In addition, the value of the property is increased.
If the micro-CHP unit produces excess electricity, this can be fed into the public grid. The environmentally friendly CHP units are subsidized by the federal and state governments in the form of numerous funding programs. These include a loan from the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), a grant from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) or other subsidies. Anyone who decides to purchase a CHP unit should first find out about the numerous subsidy options.
Source: Your CHP
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