Want to know everything you need to know about a balcony power plant? Then you've come to the right place! By 2030, at least 80% of gross electricity consumption is to be generated from renewable energy sources. In addition to wind energy, solar power plays a major role in achieving this target. Solar and PV systems can not only be mounted on the roof of a house, but also on the balcony railing and generate sustainable electricity.
In this article, I would therefore like to provide you with everything you need to know about flexible balcony power plants. From how they work and the key benefits to tips for before commissioning. Let's go!
Important: How to recognize good balcony power plantsThe "Energiemagazin" has once again clearly summarized all the details in the linked, detailed guide. Today, however, we will primarily be looking at what a balcony power station actually is, how it works and what you need to bear in mind.
Definition: What is a balcony power station and how does it actually work?
Basically, a balcony power plant (often also called a balcony solar power plant) is a small PV system or solar power plant. Plug-in solar system, which is made from two to four modules and one inverter and is installed on the balcony.
The scope of delivery also includes the necessary cables, plugs and mounting systems. A balcony power station is therefore supplied ready to plug in and can usually also be set up and connect on your ownwithout having to hire an expensive specialist company.
How does a plug-in solar system work?
As with a conventional PV system on the roof, the modules made of silicon direct current from the incident sun rays. The inverter converts this into usable alternating current, which you can use to power your washing machine, TV or fridge, for example. It also controls the feed into the household grid to prevent overloads.
To do this, connect the assembled system simply with the nearest socket on the balconyso that the sustainably produced electricity is used preferentially. As a result, your electricity meter in the basement will run more slowly and your electricity bill will also be noticeably reduced.
Is a balcony power plant worthwhile for you?
Contrary to all Myths about solar energy (e.g. "too expensive" or "not worth it in Germany") are in circulation, a solar system on the balcony is worthwhile for you as a rule always - in two respects.
On the one hand, you reduce your ecological footprint significant. On the other hand, when used correctly, you can Reduce electricity costs by up to 40 percent and Save money through sustainable action.
Average the investment in a balcony power plant pays for itself within three years. Then you produce clean and sustainable electricity free of charge for many years.
Advantages: What are the advantages of installing a balcony power plant?
At this point, I would like to summarize the most important advantages that decisive for your decision are likely to be. If you decide to make a purchase, you can benefit from the following advantages compared to a rooftop system Advantages of a balcony power plant benefit:
- Manageable investment volume: A balcony solar system costs between 300 and 1,200 euros, depending on the dimensions.
- Opportunity for all: As a tenant or resident in a multi-storey apartment, you can also participate directly in the Energy turnaround participate and benefit from renewable energies benefit.
- Additional earnings opportunities: If you already have a permanently installed PV system on your roof, you can increase your yield even further with a balcony power plant.
- Easy installation: Assembly and installation are fairly simple - even if you don't have any specialist knowledge or manual skills.
- Flexibility: You can quickly dismantle a mini PV system for the balcony and simply reinstall it elsewhere when you move house.
5 tips: What should you consider when buying your balcony power station?
In the meantime, in this country Over 300,000 balcony power plants already installed. However, due to the large number of providers, the market has become somewhat confusing. I would therefore like to provide you with a few tips that you should always bear in mind when buying.
1. find out about state subsidies and changes to the law
Many federal states (or cities and municipalities) support you with Subsidies and tax reliefif you decide on a balcony solar system. You can get up to 500 euros, which should make your decision easier. So make sure you find out before you buy.
You should also take a look at the legal situation. In 2024, for example, the so-called "Solar Package 1" will be passed, a comprehensive piece of legislation that will make the Accelerating the widespread use of solar energy will. Balcony power plants play an important role in this and offer you financial opportunities as a result.
The package includes numerous measures to nationwide expansion of PV to press the button. With regard to balcony power plants, this is about the Reducing bureaucratic hurdles and easing during commissioning.
Some of these measures have already been implemented and I would like to briefly list them here:
- The permitted rated power is increased from 600 to 800 watts.
- Accordingly, a module output of up to 2,000 watts is permitted.
- Registration with the regional grid operator is no longer necessary. The system only needs to be registered online with the Federal Network Agency.
- There will be no meter replacement until further notice.
- VAT has been suspended (since 2023).
- A simple Schuko socket is sufficient for connection to the domestic power supply (since 2023).
- A balcony power plant is classified as an individual system. This facilitates installation in conjunction with a rooftop system.
- The limitation of the module area to 2 square meters no longer applies.
- Modules with glazing may be mounted at a height exceeding 4 meters.
- Landlords and owners' associations must permit installation.
2. determine your real demand for electricity
If you have decided to make a purchase, the first step is to determine your electricity requirements. The best way to do this is to simply take a quick look at your last electricity bills or alternatively use an appropriate online tool.
3. observe the correct dimensioning
With PV systems, it is common for the module power is dimensioned much higher than the rated power (feed-in power into the domestic grid). This ensures that the maximum value is usually reached even in poor weather conditions.
As the inverter locks the rated power at 600 (800) watts, this results in no network overload. With the current state of the art, you can use bifacial modules that generate electricity on both sides.
4. pay attention to good customer service and the warranty conditions
A balcony power plant is an investment that will (only) have a positive impact on your wallet after a few years. One Warranty of at least 20 years and reliable customer service are therefore essential.
It is important to make sure that you are reputable providers that works with certified balcony power plants, in which the the necessary safety and quality standards are met be
Therefore, pay attention to the following, relevant certifications for balcony solar systems:
- TÜV seal
- CE mark (Conformité Européenne)
- VDE mark (Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies)
- IEC 61215 or IEC 61730 (International Electrotechnical Commission)
5. note the choice of location
Contrary to the assumption conveyed by the name "balcony power plant", the Location not limited to the balcony railing. You can install a plug-in solar system wherever you have an area of 4 to 6 square meters that is sufficiently exposed to the sun.
This can also be both a Lawn as well as the Garden fence act. The House facade, the Veranda roofing or the Garage roof are suitable as a location.
To achieve the greatest yield, you should consider the following aspects:
- You have the highest yield potential in this country if all modules to the south with an inclination angle of 35° to the rear.
- If you and your flatmates are out of the house during the day, you will have consumption peaks in the morning and afternoon. Then it makes sense if the Half of the modules to the southwest and the other half to the southeast show.
- To be able to use the electricity produced at night, you should have a Storage solution think.
- Shading from trees, house walls and satellite dishes have a noticeable impact on power generation and should be avoided.
- When connecting to the mains supply, you should do without multiple socketsto rule out a short circuit.
- Sensitive components such as inverters, cabling, plugs and battery storage systems should be Protect from moisture and direct sunlight.
Install a balcony power plant and make a difference for the environment and your wallet
The climate change is the probably the greatest ecological challenge of our time. In order to master them, it is of great importance that we all work together to make suitable surfaces usable for solar energy. Balconies are ideal for this!
On its own, the yield of a balcony power plant may be manageable - but in view of the fact that millions of tenants and residents of multi-family houses will thus have direct access to photovoltaicsthe plug-in solar systems make a decisive contribution to climate-neutral energy generation.
"Be yourself the change you wish to see in this world."
Mahatma Gandhi (more at Environmental protection quotes)
I hope I have been able to help you with this article. Do you have any questions, suggestions or your own experiences with a small balcony solar power plant that you would like to share? Then I look forward to your sunny comment.
Stay sustainable and open to new ideas,
PS: Speaking of the sun! In the next blog article, I have the The most sustainable heat tips for the summer compiled. So take a look there too if you want to prepare for the days when the thermometer rises above 30°C.
