However, not everyone can put a large solar system on their roof. An alternative for tenants and apartment owners are plug-in solar devices for the balcony or terrace, so-called balcony power plants. This also makes you a little less dependent on international energy prices. The Brandenburg Consumer Center explains the function and benefits.
Balcony power plant: a principle of solar power generation with many names
Plug-in solar devices are also known as mini solar systems, plug-and-play solar systems or balcony power plants. These are small photovoltaic systems consisting of one or two standard solar modules, an inverter and a maximum output of 600 watts. A typical solar module is around 1.00 meters by 1.70 meters in size. The inverter converts the direct current from the solar system into 230 volt alternating current for the household. The self-generated electricity flows into the socket on the balcony and from there supplies the television, refrigerator or washing machine that are connected to other sockets in the apartment.
Advantages of balcony power plants
A key advantage of plug-in solar devices is that they are easy to install and can be quickly removed and reinstalled even if you move. They can be attached or set up on balcony railings, outside walls, roofs, on terraces and in gardens. The devices are tilted towards the sun (to the south) with as little shade as possible.
“So far, they are the only technology with which tenants can actually generate renewable energy for their own consumption. Such devices can also be an interesting purchase for homeowners to start generating their own electricity.”
Joshua Jahn from the Brandenburg Consumer Center
Balcony power plants are very economical
The purchase costs of a plug-in solar device are only a fraction of those of a classic solar system on the roof. They depend on the size and amount to around 400 to 1,000 euros. There may also be costs for the mounting device and replacing the socket. Annual electricity generation is 200 to 600 kilowatt hours, depending on size and location.
“With an electricity price of currently 40 cents, you can save 80 to 240 euros per year on electricity costs with a plug-in solar system. The acquisition costs are therefore recovered after just five to eight years.”
Joshua Jahn from the Brandenburg Consumer Center
The balcony power plants can be used for 20 years or longer.
What should you consider before use?
For rental and condominiums, the consent of the landlord or the homeowners' association is required before being attached to the balcony railing or the house wall. A module can be placed on the balcony without consent. Plug-in solar devices must also be registered with the local electricity network operator and the Federal Network Agency (market master data register).
“Unfortunately, the network operators make it more difficult to connect plug-in solar devices because they insist on installing a special feed-in socket. In our opinion, this is not necessary as the devices can also be operated safely with a normal socket. “I can and can plug an electric grill with five times the power of 3000 watts into the balcony socket without any problems.”
Joshua Jahn from the Brandenburg Consumer Center
A little digression: solar tables – another trend for balconies and terraces?
How can you still use a photovoltaic module to promote the energy transition, even with small components? New or used solar modules as a table top are ideal. Because they can withstand hail and heavy snow loads on roofs and are therefore insensitive. Only the table legs still need to be attached. An inverter is also necessary to process the electricity generated so that it can be fed into the home's power grid via the socket.
Get independent advice
If you have any questions about plug-in solar devices or saving energy, please contact your consumer advice center.
The consumer advice center's energy advice service offers the largest independent range of advice on the subject of energy in Germany. Since 1978, it has been supporting private consumers towards an energy-conscious future with currently over 700 energy consultants and at more than 900 locations. Every year, more than 150,000 households receive independent and neutral advice on all energy topics, such as energy saving, thermal insulation, modern heating technology and renewable energies. The energy efficiency measures brought about by a year's worth of consultations lead to energy savings equivalent to a freight train over 100 km long full of hard coal.
Source: Brandenburg Consumer Center
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