FAQ

You have the right to consume electricity that you produce yourself, but you must comply with the connection conditions set by the relevant grid operator. In theory, it is technically feasible to supply your heat pump directly with electricity that you generate yourself using an intelligent controller. Ideally, you should ask your installer for advice on this matter.

The operator of a facility – in this case, you as an individual – is liable for the construction and operation of the facility in compliance with the applicable provisions and for all damages that may result therefrom. You should therefore check carefully that the drilling documents are complete. These should include:

the completed pressure test form as proof of the tightness of the geothermal probe once the probe has been placed (ask the drilling company if this report complies with VDI Guideline 4640);
the complete drilling report.

No. The Law of 19 December 2008 on water prohibits the direct or indirect discharge of water as well as other solid or gaseous substances. Groundwater heat pumps cannot therefore be authorised in Luxembourg.

The COP value is an important indicator for comparing the efficiency of heat pumps. The coefficient of performance (COP) measures the efficiency of a heat pump. Specifically, the COP value that dealers put on their devices indicates the ratio of thermal power to the drive energy (electricity) needed to generate it. This efficiency is determined on the basis of theoretical calculations or under specific test conditions. As a general rule, the COP must be greater than 4.3 for the installation to qualify for a subsidy.

Please note: performance figures are not necessarily indicative of the overall annual efficiency of the heat pump system. The annual coefficient of performance (ACOP) shows the ratio of annual heating energy production to drive and auxiliary energy consumption. It thus provides a clear picture of the efficiency of the system as a whole, including the auxiliary energy consumed, for example, by the heat pump and the brine circulation pump. It is therefore always necessary to determine the annual coefficient of performance for the installation site and the building in question. As a customer, always insist that this coefficient be calculated!

• The size of the installation must be calculated in accordance with VDI (Association of German Engineers) Guideline 4640. Ask your chosen drilling company for information on this subject.
  In addition, you can also have a heat load calculation and a geological survey carried out in order to establish the sizing.
• You must ensure that you have obtained all necessary permits before the works start.
• The exact date of the start of drilling must then be notified to the water management authority in advance. Ensure that the drilling company and the installer coordinate their schedules.
• Plan appropriate access to the site in advance.

Klima-Agence will be happy to advise you on this crucial question, which you should ask yourself at the start of your project. Contact us by telephone via our free hotline on 8002 11 90 or request a personal interview at home. Klima-Agence will also advise you on public subsidies and any municipal subsidies available, as well as on the possible procedures for setting up the installation.

Yes, it is possible to recycle these batteries. It is regulated by the amended Law of 19 December 2008 on batteries and accumulators and waste batteries and accumulators, which enacts European Directive 2006/66/EC into Luxembourg law. This directive requires at least 50% of the weight of batteries other than lead-acid and nickel-cadmium types, i.e. lithium-ion batteries, to be recycled.

The components that are currently most attractive for recycling are cobalt, nickel, copper and aluminium. In the medium term, the lithium recycling rate should improve to ensure supply.

For more information or instructions relating to the recycling of these batteries, which are considered to be industrial accumulators, please contact either SuperDrecksKëscht or the Ecobatterien asbl association.

To assess the environmental impact of batteries, it is necessary to take into account the rare and partly at-risk resources (lead, lithium, etc.) consumed, their origins and the mix of electricity used in the production of the batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries are made of cobalt, nickel, copper, aluminium and lithium, as well as other materials. Among these materials, the availability of lithium in particular is a hot topic. Over the short term, reserves are sufficient to guarantee the manufacture of the batteries; nevertheless, it will be necessary to improve the recycling capacity of lithium to ensure supply over the medium term.

Analysis of the environmental impact of these batteries is currently a major topic of research. Although there have already been positive developments in terms of cost effectiveness, performance and the environmental impact of batteries, they are still under intense development and significant progress is expected in the near future.

Thin-film panels (i.e. cells made of copper, indium, gallium and selenium, known as CIGS, and CdTe) are becoming increasingly common. This technology allows for greater energy savings and reductions in environmental impact than the current types, as the production method is simpler and the need for raw materials is lower. These cells are already showing yields higher than 20%. In addition, owing to their slimness, these modules offer more flexibility in terms of installation, allowing for curved shapes or easier integration into a façade or roof.

Beyond current technologies, the development of what are known as multi-junction cells promises even higher levels of efficiency through the stacking of single-junction cells. These cells are composed of two or more different active layers that enable different parts of the solar spectrum to be captured.

Thin-film modules are already available on the market; however, these technologies are still being developed. Commercial maturity can be expected in the next few years. These multi-junction cells are currently still under development but should be available on the market shortly.