Landlords may not ban balcony power plants
Created: 08/28/2022, 08:00
By: Charlotte Borst
This is how tenants tap into the sun with a solar system: You can install a compact solar system on the balcony or terrace.
It pays for itself after a few years.
© J. Sutter/ DPA
A tenant in Unterschleißheim wants to install a solar system on his balcony, but the owner of the apartment forbids this.
Experts from the Energy Agency say it mustn't, and they explain why.
District/Unterschleißheim
– Solar modules or plug-in power plants produce an amazing amount of electricity and are also of interest to tenants because they save electricity costs with a small, compact solar system on a well-aligned balcony.
Nevertheless, some landlords want to ban the systems.
This is also the case with Emil Weber from Unterschleißheim.
The tenant wrote to Münchner Merkur that he wanted to contribute to environmental protection and would like to install a solar system on his balcony in the apartment building.
"Unfortunately, this was rejected by the real estate company with the short sentence: The landlord doesn't want it," writes the 43-year-old.
Outraged tenants: “We should save energy and reduce waste.
will not be modernized"
Weber researched the Internet and found a judgment that strengthened the environmental protection position, which he sent to his landlord.
"A day later I received a letter from a lawyer," reports Weber.
No response to his inquiries as to whether the landlord could possibly install a solar system on the roof and what charging stations for e-cars look like.
Weber is outraged: "Our rents will be increased, we should save energy and reduce waste.
There is no modernization.”
Energy Agency comments
When asked by Münchner Merkur, the Ebersberg-Munich energy agency commented on the case: "Simply to say that the landlord doesn't want it is currently no longer a valid argument and is not acceptable," says energy consultant Tobias Sassmann.
"Landlords are no longer allowed to ban balcony power plants if they are installed safely," says Sassmann, referring to recent court decisions.
Only the risk of fire and falling must be ruled out.
The modules must not dazzle neighbors either.
If you have a large balcony or a large terrace with a socket, you can easily set up a system.
"Anyone who wants to install the system permanently on the balcony or facade should first check the rental agreement to see whether attachment requires approval." Then you should contact the landlord and get their consent, recommends Sassmann.
optics and safety
Owners of condominiums also have to obtain the consent of the co-owners as soon as the external appearance of the property is changed: "You can bring the question to the homeowners' meeting.
There are even sample applications for this,” says Sassmann.
If objections are raised, there are usually only two arguments: "optics and safety", so the system should be installed safely and professionally so that there is no risk of falling or fire.
Sassmann also strongly recommends taking out extended liability insurance to cover any damage.
Bureaucratic requirements
But in addition to the practical aspects, the future operators must also observe bureaucratic requirements and inform the local distribution network operator about the system.
Even if the electricity produced is mainly consumed by the owner, an old meter could be required.
Energy consultant Sassmann advises interested parties to apply for subsidies: "Many municipalities in the district of Munich support the PV balcony modules financially."
He also has a tip for landlords: "You could develop a concept and offer it to your tenants, so that the tenants can all buy the same model, which is then professionally installed."
Online regulars' table
Many citizens who want to find out more about balcony solar systems are now contacting the Ebersberg-Munich Energy Agency.
That's why there is now a monthly online regulars' table there.
The next appointment is on Thursday, September 15 at 3 p.m.
Registration online at www.energieagentur-ebe-m.de