For many years, the photovoltaic (PV) market was dominated by grid feed-in systems. Increasingly affordable solar modules and storage systems have been changing this picture. The resulting competitive situation is leading to new results when evaluating whether a grid connection makes sense for a particular use or not. However, off-grid applications for thermal energy are also gaining importance, such as solar-electric heating and cooking. Innovative system design as well as innovative storage and applications are shifting into focus.