FAQs on Energy, Efficiency & Automation

Modern systems equipped with automated control and cleaning systems operate almost entirely independently. Trash rack cleaners, hydraulic controls, and process visualization minimize the need for manual intervention. Routine visual inspections and software updates are generally all it takes to maintain peak performance.

Many existing plants still operate with outdated mechanical systems or control technology. Retrofitting modern turbines, generators, trash rack cleaners, and automation systems significantly increases efficiency while reducing maintenance effort.

In particular, modern control and remote monitoring technology enables virtually unattended operation. Plants can be automatically regulated, monitored, and adjusted remotely if needed. This enhances operational safety, lowers personnel costs, and optimizes energy yield.

Today, automation is the key to efficiency and safety. With individually programmed PLC systems, visualization tools, and remote monitoring solutions, Natur Energietechnik offers maximum control over all operating conditions—from water level regulation to performance monitoring.

Hydropower generates electricity without CO₂- emissions and actively contributes to the regional energy supply. Thanks to modern trash rack cleaners and fish-friendly intake structures, the impact on the ecosystem is significantly reduced. The goal is a harmonious balance between economic efficiency and environmental compatibility.

The duration depends heavily on the plant size, required permits, and construction effort. Small-scale hydropower projects can often be completed within 12 to 18 months. Modernizing existing systems significantly reduces this timeline. Natur Energietechnik supports you every step of the way—from the initial analysis to final commissioning.

Yes. Existing power plants can be equipped with modern control systems, sensors, and remote monitoring solutions. This allows data to be captured, analyzed, and used to optimize performance. Natur Energietechnik offers modular retrofitting solutions for this—without long periods of downtime.

Hydropower plants are among the most durable energy generation systems available. With proper maintenance, mechanical components such as turbines or generators can last for several decades, while control technology can be modernized modularly. This ensures the plant remains economically viable for generations.

With intelligent control technology, integrated monitoring, and automatic error alerts via SMS or email, you stay informed at all times. Natur Energietechnik offers error diagnostics and process monitoring systems that detect deviations early on and enhance operational reliability.

Whether in mechanical and plant engineering, custom machinery, industrial automation, or energy facilities—our solution expertise spans a wide range of industries.

We guide you step-by-step: Analysis → Concept → Engineering → Electrical Planning & Control → Manufacturing & Assembly → Commissioning. This ensures you receive all services from a single source—with one dedicated point of contact.

Through precise 3D engineering, compliant electrical and control cabinet technology, high-quality components from leading manufacturers, and long-term scalable automation solutions—this is how a durable, technologically advanced system is built.

Costs vary depending on the project scope, level of automation, and industry sector. Most importantly, our projects aim for long-term economic viability - achieved through reduced downtime, optimized energy and process flows, and lower maintenance costs. We will provide you with a detailed economic feasibility analysis in advance.

Our strength lies in the seamless integration of in-house manufacturing, electrical planning, and programming. This allows us to react quickly, implement short-term adjustments, and tailor solutions precisely to changing requirements—without lengthy coordination loops with external partners.

Yes, existing plants can generally be modernized and retrofitted with automation. Natur Energietechnik offers comprehensive services for this—ranging from technical consulting and adapting control technology to integrating new components. Our experts begin by assessing the existing infrastructure to develop a tailor-made concept. Modifications, expansions, and the integration of modern visualization and remote maintenance systems are also possible—customized entirely to your requirements.

Of course, we continue to support you after project handover: on-site commissioning, training for your operating or service personnel, and, if required, maintenance and technical consulting—ensuring your system runs reliably in the long term.

Our specialist department performs all safety inspections in accordance with applicable VDE and UVV (accident prevention) regulations—from initial testing to periodic re-testing. This includes, among others, inspections according to DIN VDE 0100-600, 0105-100/A1, 0702, and 0751. Special requirements, such as for schools, daycares, or public institutions (DIN VDE 0108), are also covered. Upon completion, you will receive full inspection reports, lists of deficiencies, and safety compliance labels for the tested systems—ensuring your equipment is operated safely, documented correctly, and in full compliance with standards.

Yes, in most cases, significantly so. Energy demand in commercial sectors, agriculture, and public institutions occurs during the day—precisely when the PV system generates electricity. This allows a large share of the power to be used directly on-site. Additionally, battery storage systems can buffer peak loads and further increase self-consumption. Natur Energietechnik analyzes your load profile, calculates the payback period and degree of self-sufficiency, and demonstrates how you can permanently lower your energy costs.

In principle, almost all of them—the decisive factors are structural load-bearing capacity, roof pitch, orientation, and shading. Large, unshaded surfaces made of trapezoidal sheet metal or sandwich panels are particularly ideal. Flat roofs or renovated fiber cement (Eternit) roofs can also frequently be utilized, provided they undergo a professional assessment. Natur Energietechnik evaluates the structural capacity, creates profitability calculations, and finds the optimal technical solution—ranging from commercial roofs to agricultural halls.

In addition to nationwide programs from the KfW, numerous regional subsidies exist for equipment such as battery storage, charging infrastructure, or self-consumption. Leasing or contracting models can also be financially highly attractive. Natur Energietechnik keeps you informed about current subsidy programs and works with you to develop the ideal financing strategy for your project.

Photovoltaics significantly reduce carbon emissions because electricity is generated right where it is needed—entirely without fossil fuels. Depending on the system size, several tons of CO₂ can be saved annually. Natur Energietechnik shows you how self-consumption not only reduces costs but also allows you to actively contribute to your corporate climate protection goals.

For companies, agricultural businesses, or municipalities, the rule is: the better the system is tailored to your electricity consumption, the more efficient it becomes. Self-consumption rates of 40% to 60% are standard—which is significantly higher than for residential systems. Through optimized load profiles and a suitable storage solution, you can sustainably reduce your costs. Natur Energietechnik supports you from analysis to implementation, showing you precisely when your investment becomes profitable.

Different regulations apply to commercial systems depending on their size and location. As a rule, a grid connection request to the local grid operator, registration in the Marktstammdatenregister (Central Master Data Register), and—for larger systems—technical certificates according to VDE-AR-N 4105 or 4110 are required. Natur Energietechnik handles all coordination with grid operators, prepares the necessary documentation, and ensures your system is connected to the grid in full compliance with all standards.

Smaller systems can be operated via the classic feed-in tariff (EEG), while direct marketing becomes mandatory for systems with an output of approximately 100 kW or more. For larger projects, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) may also be an attractive option. Natur Energietechnik will compare these models with you, calculate their profitability, and set up all technical requirements for metering, data communication, and billing.

Yes, under specific conditions, you can supply self-generated electricity to tenants, neighbors, or other business units. This requires appropriate metering concepts, legally binding agreements, and compliant billing processes. Natur Energietechnik evaluates the technical and legal requirements and works with you to develop a tailored concept for self-consumption or tenant electricity solutions.

In many German federal states, mandatory solar requirements (PV mandates) are already in effect—particularly for commercial new builds, major roof renovations, and parking lots exceeding a certain size. The specific details vary by region. Natur Energietechnik is well-versed in the current regulations and will support you in implementing them in a technically sound and economically viable manner.

Above a certain system size, connection to the medium-voltage grid is required. This involves specific technical grid connection rules (VDE-AR-N 4110) and documentation requirements, for example regarding grid protection and power quality. Natur Energietechnik prepares the necessary documentation, coordinates the certification process, and ensures a smooth and successful commissioning of your system.

Agri-PV allows you to use agricultural land for both energy production and farming simultaneously. Depending on the crop type, terrain, and your specific goals, this can be an economically and ecologically attractive solution. Natur Energietechnik evaluates your land, structural requirements, shading effects, and economic feasibility to develop a concept that optimally balances crop yields, agricultural operations, and technology.

Crucial—because downtime leads to losses in production and revenue. Regular maintenance, remote monitoring, and thermography ensure continuous operation and are often a prerequisite for warranty claims and insurance coverage. Natur Energietechnik offers service agreements with fixed intervals, comprehensive documentation, and proactive fault management—ensuring your system operates reliably for the long term.

Even in diffuse light, a photovoltaic system continues to generate electricity—albeit at a reduced rate. Snow may temporarily affect performance, but on tilted roofs, it usually slides off on its own. Your power supply remains secure: a battery storage system compensates for fluctuations in yield, and the public grid remains available at all times as a reliable backup. Natur Energietechnik designs every system to buffer weather-related variations, ensuring your power supply remains stable even when sunlight is limited.

Farmers benefit significantly from photovoltaics because agricultural sites often feature large, ideally oriented roof areas—such as those on barns or machine sheds. High daytime energy demand (e.g., for milking systems, ventilation, and cooling) can be perfectly covered by solar power. Natur Energietechnik develops customized system concepts that make your business more efficient and independent—including storage and self-consumption solutions.

Whether it’s a town hall, school, sewage treatment plant, or maintenance depot—municipalities have access to numerous roof and ground areas that are ideal for power generation. PV systems reduce operating costs, strengthen the regional energy transition, and can support community projects or energy contracting models. Natur Energietechnik supports municipalities throughout the entire process—from potential analysis and funding advice to turnkey implementation and facility management.

By storing excess solar energy for later use, it reduces your reliance on expensive grid power. Especially when combined with load management, peak loads can be avoided—which lowers both grid fees and overall energy costs. Natur Energietechnik calculates the ideal storage capacity and economic feasibility for your specific needs.

Yes—the investment can pay for itself within just a few years through savings on grid fees, peak load reductions, and an increased self-consumption rate. Natur Energietechnik provides an individual assessment to determine exactly when your storage system will reach its break-even point.

A battery storage system can be seamlessly integrated into energy management systems to intelligently control power consumption, generation, and storage. This allows you to maximize self-consumption and optimize your load profile. Natur Energietechnik provides systems with interfaces to common control solutions such as Loxone and other EMS platforms.

The space required depends on the capacity and design of the storage system. For many systems, a small area in the utility room or near the PV connection point is sufficient. If space is limited, outdoor solutions are an excellent alternative: weather-resistant, container-based systems that can be installed outside the building—for example, on your premises or next to the transformer station. Natur Energietechnik plans and installs storage systems tailored to your specific conditions—whether indoors or outdoors, scalable, and future-proof.

For farms with highly fluctuating energy demands—such as those from milking systems, cooling, or ventilation—a battery storage system ensures supply reliability and stable electricity costs. Natur Energietechnik designs storage systems that optimize the use of your self-generated power and balance out seasonal fluctuations.

The ideal storage size depends on your consumption profile, existing PV power, and your specific goals (e.g., increasing self-consumption, peak shaving, or backup power in case of grid failure). Commercial and agricultural businesses typically have higher power peaks and longer operating times than residential households, which is why system sizing requires a detailed analysis. Natur Energietechnik conducts a thorough assessment of your energy flow, calculates scenarios both with and without storage, evaluates economic viability and modularity (e.g., expandable capacity), and recommends the optimal system for your current needs as well as your future expansion plans.

A battery storage system smooths out peak loads, reduces grid power consumption during peak hours, and provides additional supply security in the event of grid failures. Natur Energietechnik seamlessly integrates storage solutions into your energy management, ensuring that your production or facility continues to operate reliably.

Yes—many federal states and municipalities offer grants, low-interest loans, and tax depreciation models for commercial and agricultural battery storage systems. As funding programs are subject to frequent changes, Natur Energietechnik keeps you updated on current opportunities, assesses your eligibility, and provides end-to-end support throughout the application and implementation process.

Modern storage technologies are robust and specifically designed for commercial use. Nevertheless, regular inspections and remote monitoring are essential, especially for large-scale systems with high storage capacities. Natur Energietechnik offers comprehensive maintenance and monitoring contracts to ensure the performance, safety, and longevity of your system over the long term.

A battery storage system can be integrated into your existing energy management system and coupled with various loads, such as refrigeration units, machinery, EV charging infrastructure, or lighting. We also account for the integration of control software and communication interfaces. Together, Natur Energietechnik will design a system architecture that ensures your storage, PV system, and energy consumers work together in perfect harmony.

A battery storage system allows you to utilize more of your self-generated solar power on-site, instead of feeding it into the grid or purchasing expensive electricity. This sustainably reduces your CO₂ emissions and helps your facility meet environmental and sustainability goals. For businesses and municipalities with an ISO 14001 environmental management system, the use of a storage system can be documented as a concrete measure to improve environmental performance. Natur Energietechnik helps you quantify your system's contribution to CO₂ reduction and integrate it directly into your sustainability strategy.

Absolutely! By linking your charging infrastructure with your fleet management system, you can prioritize specific vehicles, schedule charging sessions, and optimize energy costs. This significantly increases both efficiency and cost-effectiveness—especially when managing a larger fleet of electric company vehicles.

An energy management system (EMS) continuously monitors energy flows throughout your company, intelligently managing generation, storage, and consumption based on economic criteria. By prioritizing the immediate use or temporary storage of on-site energy—whether from solar or hydroelectric power—you avoid feeding electricity into the grid at low feed-in tariffs.

Simultaneously, the system automatically schedules energy-intensive consumers, such as machinery, charging infrastructure, heat pumps, or cooling systems, to operate primarily when sufficient self-generated energy is available or market electricity prices are at their lowest. Battery storage systems act as a buffer, capturing surplus energy for later use.

A critical factor is the reduction of peak loads. Through intelligent load management, high-power consumers are coordinated to avoid simultaneous spikes in demand. This not only lowers grid fees but significantly cuts overall electricity costs. Furthermore, integrated energy monitoring provides full transparency across all energy flows in your business, allowing you to identify savings potential and continuously optimize your operational energy processes.

An energy management system (EMS) interconnects all relevant energy generators, storage units, and consumers within your company. This includes, for example, hydroelectric power plants, photovoltaic systems, battery storage, charging infrastructure, heat pumps, or heating systems. Furthermore, machinery, production lines, cooling technology, or any other major energy consumers can be integrated. The primary goal is to provide full transparency of energy flows and to operate energy-consuming equipment precisely when self-generated energy is available or market electricity prices are at their lowest. Thanks to open interfaces, we can seamlessly integrate components from various manufacturers.

Ja. Moderne Energiemanagementsysteme lassen sich in der Regel problemlos in bestehende Gebäude und Anlagen integrieren. Bestehende Stromerzeuger/-verbraucher können dabei ebenso eingebunden werden wie vorhandene Gebäude- oder Maschinensteuerungen.

Durch offene Schnittstellen und flexible Steuerungssysteme können auch ältere Anlagen nachträglich in ein intelligentes Energiesystem integriert werden. So lassen sich Energieflüsse transparenter steuern und vorhandene Energiequellen wirtschaftlicher nutzen – ohne dass komplette Anlagen neu aufgebaut werden müssen.

Commercial energy flows are significantly more complex than those in private households. Production machinery, charging infrastructure, HVAC systems, and building services demand high levels of energy at different times. Without a centralized control system, this often leads to unnecessary peak loads, suboptimal self-consumption, and avoidable energy costs.

An energy management system (EMS) helps your business utilize energy more economically and efficiently. It ensures better use of on-site generated power, optimizes load distribution, and provides full transparency regarding consumption. This not only lowers costs and eases the strain on the power grid but also establishes the foundation for future-proofing your business through battery storage, dynamic electricity tariffs, and the expansion of your own renewable energy production.

Attractive subsidy programs are available for businesses, most notably through the "Federal Funding for Energy and Resource Efficiency in the Economy" (EEW). Of particular interest for energy management systems (EMS) is BAFA Module 3, which covers measurement, control, and automation technology, as well as energy management software.

Eligible for funding are the purchase, installation, and commissioning of EMS solutions (e.g., Loxone or Siemens-based systems). This includes:

• Complete metering infrastructure for monitoring energy flows.
• Hardware modules for controlling switchable loads.
• Sensors and control technology essential for EMS implementation.
• Software licenses and energy management software.
• Data loggers and database solutions for energy data analysis.
• Necessary network infrastructure.
• Training and onboarding sessions for the software.
• Full costs for cloud services (e.g., Loxone Exosphere).

The funding rate is determined by company size:

• Small enterprises: up to 45%
• Medium-sized enterprises: up to 35%
• Large enterprises: up to 25%

Natur Energietechnik not only supports you in the planning and implementation of your energy management system, but we can also provide the required Energy Efficiency Expert (EEE) verification and guide you through the entire application process.