Solar systems on balconies: Landlords must not ban them - energy experts clarify

Created: 08/31/2022 05:03

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 the balcony, but the owner of the apartment forbids this.

He must not, say experts from the Energy Agency.

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.

Anger about solar system: tenants outraged - "Should save energy and reduce waste.

will not be modernized"

Weber researched on the Internet and found a judgment that strengthened the environmental protection position, which he sent to his landlord.

"A day later I got 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.”

Landlord prohibits solar system: Energy Agency takes position

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.

By the way: everything from the region is also available in our regular District Munich newsletter.

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.

Rules when installing solar systems: pay attention to appearance 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 for solar systems - inform the local distribution network operator

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 used by the owner, an old meter could be required.

Energy consultant Sassmann advises interested parties to apply for funding: "Many municipalities in the Munich district 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

You can find more current news from the district of Munich at Merkur.de/Landkreis München.