Having your own photovoltaic system is a promising way to actively help protect the climate and enjoy generating your own green electricity. But what if you don’t have your own rooftop space? klimaaktiv Haushalte shows that there is also an option for your (rental) apartment!
Mini photovoltaic installation
Mini photovoltaic installations are an ideal solution for tenants or owners to be part of the energy revolution. They are especially suitable for use in urban areas to generate energy even in small spaces. These systems generally consist of one or two modules that can be easily installed on the balcony scaffolding. They are simply hooked up to an outlet, and a built-in inverter converts the electricity so that it can be used directly in your own household. Surplus electricity can also be stored in small storage units for later self-consumption.
The advantages of balcony power stations:
- Environmental compatibility: Be part of the energy transition!
- Private consumption: These mini power stations mean you have the chance to reduce your energy costs. To give you an idea of the amount of electricity generated, here is an example: An assumed rather low estimated average annual yield of around 400 kWh to 450 kWh can be used to operate the refrigerator-freezer and washing machine for much of the year during the sunniest months. If energy-efficient appliances are used, there is still enough energy remaining to run a dishwasher. The annual yield and the associated degree of private use can be further increased by optimising the orientation and installation angle and by using a battery storage unit. In any case, standby consumption such as WLAN, TV, stereo, etc., can be easily covered with a separate photovoltaic module on the balcony.
- Simple installation and flexibility: Mini photovoltaic systems are mobile and can easily be taken with you when you move house.
- Space-saving: These systems can theoretically be installed in any sunny location.
What needs to be considered for your mini photovoltaic system?
The following points should be considered before purchasing a small balcony power station:
- Legal requirements: Find out about the legal requirements in advance. Contact your grid operator at least two weeks prior to the planned commissioning and ensure you have an electronic electricity meter. To be on the safe side, have the overall situation checked on site by a specialist.
- Installation: Talk to your lessor prior to installing a system. For condominium owners as well, the legal basis has yet to be fully clarified. Because the installation of a photovoltaic system on the balcony usually does not constitute a structural change to the shell of the building, lessors and owners’ associations need not actually be informed. The installation of the modules results in a change in the appearance of the building, however, and that, in turn, requires authorisation. This means that lessors and owners’ associations can prohibit the installation.
- Power feed-in: It is important that the power is fed directly into a wall outlet, not via an extension cable or power strips. There is also no remuneration for feeding electricity into a mini photovoltaic system.
- Site conditions: To avoid losses in yield, ensure there is no shade from neighbouring buildings or trees and that the orientation and angle of inclination are as ideal as possible.
- Purchase: When purchasing, also look for the CE marking, which guarantees that the system fulfils all EU-wide safety, health and environmental protection requirements and has been tested by the manufacturer. Certifications from independent testing institutes (e.g. TÜV) can also be helpful. In addition, the existing electronics should be checked by a qualified electrician prior to installation.
Photovoltaic subsidies – Harness the power of the sun and save on taxes
The acquisition costs for a balcony installation are generally between EUR 500 and EUR 3,000. Since the beginning of 2024, photovoltaic systems with a peak output of up to 35 kilowatts (kWp) have been exempt from VAT. This applies to the majority of all solar power systems installed on building rooftops and also applies to balcony power stations.
Mini photovoltaic installations are a promising option for balconies and limited space. However, if you have sufficient rooftop space available and want to be self-sufficient, you should invest in a rooftop installation – it’s worth taking a look at the klimaaktiv photovoltaic guide (in German).
