Balcony power plants: solar energy for tenants and small plant operators

Prior PV
2024-09-26 09:49:00

The energy transition and the use of solar energy are no longer just topics for homeowners with large roof areas. More and more tenants and small system operators are looking for ways to make their contribution to climate protection and at the same time reduce their electricity costs. This is where so-called balcony power plants come into play - an innovative and simple solution for generating solar power even in rented apartments or on small plots of land. This guide explains how balcony power plants work, which legal and technical aspects need to be considered and how you can benefit from this technology.

What is a balcony power plant?

A balcony power plant is a small photovoltaic system that was specially developed for use on balconies, terraces or small gardens. These systems usually consist of one or two solar modules and an inverter that converts the direct current generated into household alternating current (230 volts). The electricity generated is fed directly into the domestic power grid and can be used immediately for your own consumption. This makes balcony power plants particularly attractive for tenants or small system operators who do not have the opportunity to install a large photovoltaic system on their own roof.

Advantages of balcony power plants

  1. Easy installation: Compared to large photovoltaic systems, balcony power plants are easy to install. They can usually be set up on the balcony parapet or on a terrace. Some models are connected directly to the socket, which makes complex electrical installation unnecessary.

  2. Cost-efficient: The purchase costs for a balcony power plant are significantly lower than for a large photovoltaic system. A system that helps you cover part of your electricity needs can be purchased for just a few hundred euros.

  3. Flexibility: Since balcony power plants are small and mobile, they can easily be taken with you when you move. This makes them particularly attractive for tenants who cannot make permanent structural changes.

  4. Contribution to climate protection: With a balcony power plant, you can actively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and generate your own clean electricity. This not only reduces your ecological footprint, but also your dependence on fossil energy sources.

Technical requirements

Even though balcony power plants are designed for simple use, there are some technical aspects that must be taken into account:

  1. Module size and output: The most common balcony power plants consist of one or two solar modules with an output of up to 600 watts. These systems are designed to cover a small part of a household's electricity needs. You should ensure that there is enough space for the modules and that they are aligned at an optimal angle to the sun to ensure maximum efficiency.

  2. Inverter: The inverter is a central element of the system, as it converts the direct current generated into alternating current. Modern inverters are often already integrated and only need to be connected to a socket.

  3. Connection to the power grid: In Germany, a balcony power plant can be connected to the power grid via a normal household socket (Schuko plug). However, it is recommended to use a special feed-in socket (Wieland socket) to ensure the safe operation of the system.

  4. Meter: The use of a balcony power plant can only make sense if a meter with a backflow preventer is available. Old electricity meters without a backstop can turn backwards if you generate more electricity than you use. This is not permitted and must be avoided by replacing the meter.

Legal aspects

Before you put a balcony power plant into operation, there are a few legal points that should be considered:

  1. Notification to the grid operator: According to German law, every photovoltaic system, including small balcony power plants, had to be reported to the grid operator. This will generally no longer be necessary for balcony power plants as of May 2024. However, you must register your system in the Federal Network Agency's market data register.

  2. Permission from the landlord: Since a balcony power plant is visible from the outside and may interfere with the structure of the building, you should obtain permission from your landlord before installing it. In many cases, the landlord will have no objections, as balcony power plants do not require permanent structural changes and can be easily removed when moving.

  3. Feed-in and remuneration: Since balcony power plants are designed for self-consumption and only generate a small surplus, they are not designed to feed electricity into the public grid. There is therefore no feed-in tariff as with larger photovoltaic systems.

Economic considerations

A balcony power plant cannot cover the entire electricity needs of a household, but it does enable significant savings. With a 600 watt system, around 400 to 600 kilowatt hours of electricity can be generated annually, depending on the geographical location and the orientation of the solar modules. This corresponds to around 10 to 20% of the average electricity consumption of a single-person household. In times of rising electricity prices, balcony power plants can quickly pay for themselves.

Conclusion

Balcony power plants offer an excellent opportunity for tenants and small plant operators to get started using renewable energy. They are easy to install, cost-effective and flexible. In addition, they make a valuable contribution to climate protection and help reduce electricity costs. Even if there are some legal and technical aspects to consider, the advantages clearly outweigh the disadvantages. If you are interested in an environmentally friendly and independent power supply, a balcony power plant is a worthwhile investment.