Balcony power plants are a viable solution to use solar energy. © Photojog/PantherMedia
Balcony power plants: Use them to generate your own electricity with the power of the sun! A solar system on the balcony or terrace is worthwhile in the long term when energy prices rise.
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Balcony power plant: Do I need a permit?
Especially in view of the rising energy costs, it is a great temptation to generate one's own green electricity with solar energy. So-called balcony power plants, i.e. mini photovoltaic systems, can be bought ready for installation for just a few hundred euros. They are not permanently installed and can be removed or changed at any time.
For balcony solar systems up to a maximum of 600 watts, you do not need an official permit. But the mini-photovoltaic system must be registered in the market master data register of the Federal Network Agency and with its own grid operator! However, this can be done easily online. You should carefully reconsider whether a really large photovoltaic system is worthwhile, because it involves more effort.
These balcony power plants do not require a permit:
- KESSER Solar Panel Monocrystalline
- ECO-WORTHY Solar System 480W
- BLUETTI AC200MAX balcony power plant with solar generator
- Mini format for the window: Sunnybag Leaf PRO
- ECOFLOW mobile power storage system
Professionally connecting the balcony power plant in the apartment building
Whether it's a balcony, roof, house wall or terrace: If you rent a house, you must first ask the landlord for permission before installing the solar panels. Even in the case of condominiums, residents cannot do as they please. The consent of the house community is necessary before the installation of a PV system, as there is an intervention in the appearance of the house.
Most mini balcony power plants can be installed by yourself with technical understanding and skill, but if the system is not installed properly, the operator – i.e. you – is liable for damage! It is advisable to invest a few euros in the installation by a specialist. In addition to the mini solar system, there are a few tricks that can be used to save electricity.
Good to know
- Balcony power plants feed electricity into the house grid via a socket, there is no remuneration.
- Mini photovoltaic systems are subject to the VDE standard DIN VDE 0100-551-1.
- In the case of standard-compliant balcony power plants, an electrician should first check the house network.
- A specialist is recommended for the installation and connection of the balcony solar system, but can theoretically be carried out on your own.
- VDE-compliant balcony solar systems require a special energy plug (e.g. Wieland plug connection).
Expandable: KESSER solar panel monocrystalline
Balcony power plant: KESSER solar panel monocrystalline © WMK Trading GmbH
To the offer at OTTO
With this solar panel, which can be expanded as required, you remain flexible: The smallest set of 1 corresponds to 100 watts and can be supplemented with additional modules. Monocrystalline photovoltaic solar panel technology is considered one of the most advanced solar panel technologies.
Price: from 94,80 €
| ✔️ Incl. mounting device and instructions for easy installation |
| ✔️ High efficiency, service life at least 20 to 30 years |
| ✔️ Best possible solar yields even in low light conditions |
| ✔️ Robust and rust-proof aluminum frame, weather-resistant |
| Amazon reviews: 4.4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Off-grid complete set: ECO-WORTHY solar system 480W
Balcony power plant complete set ECO-WORTHY with 480W © ECO-WORTHY EU
To the offer on Amazon
The whole package for green electricity: with inverter and battery, off-grid: 4x 120W solar panel, 60A charge controller, 2x 50Ah lithium battery and 1500W inverter.
List price: €1,399.99
| ✔️ Perfect for homes, workshops, garden sheds and places where there is no electricity |
| ✔️ Lithium iron batteries still retain 3000% of capacity after 80 cycles |
| ✔️ Same size as 100W solar panel, but converts 20% more electricity |
| Amazon reviews: 4.2 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
With generator: Set with portable power station
Balcony power plant with solar generator: BLUETTI AC200MAX © BLUETTI EU
To the offer on Amazon
This powerful balcony power plant has four stands that can be firmly placed on any surface, with the pre-drilled holes in the panel also allowing for quick assembly and suspension.
List price: 3.306 €
| ✔️ Folding size 41.1 x 42.7cm, 4.3kg, easy to transport and install |
| ✔️ Solar/AC/Auto/Generator/Lead-Acid Battery Charging |
| ✔️ 4,000 watts of peak power are enough for espresso machines or dishwashers, among others |
| ✔️ 3pcs SP120 120W solar panel in series create from 0-100% in 7-7.5 hours |
| Amazon Reviews: 5 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Mini format for the window: Sunnybag Leaf PRO
Balcony power plant in miniature: Sunnybag Leaf PRO © SUNNYBAG GmbH
To the offer on Amazon
Super small, super flexible – ideal for window sills or mini balconies. The Sunnybag LEAF PRO solar panel is the most powerful flexible outdoor solar charger in the world. Winner of numerous awards, including the ISPO Award in Munich.
List price: 99 €
| ✔️ 7.5 watts of power, smartphone and tablet charging via USB in record time |
| ✔️ Fastening system with integrated hooks, included loops, carabiners and suction cups |
| ✔️Every single solar panel is tested and certified in Austria |
| Amazon Reviews: 4 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Balcony power plant with storage
Balcony power plants provide energy for immediate consumption. Surplus energy then goes into the public power grid – without financial compensation. But the surplus electricity can be stored instead of being given away free of charge. With a power station, this storage function can be retrofitted to solar panels.
ECOFLOW mobile power storage system
Retrofitting balcony power plants with storage: ECOFLOW Powerstation (EFDELTA) © Ecoflow-EN
With a battery capacity of 1260Wh, this portable powerhouse can easily power your essential home appliances in the event of a power outage.
299 € on Amazon
| ✔️ 1,800 W output power and 11 outputs to power 90% of all household appliances |
| ✔️ Pass-through charging function: can power devices at the same time while charging |
| ✔️ Fully charge in 4-8 hours |
| ✔️ Noise level is below 50 dB (2 meters distance) |
| Amazon reviews: 4.7 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Balcony power plant: Which solar system for the balcony is suitable for me?
The energy transition begins on a small scale: On the other hand, there is a large selection of mini-photovoltaic systems. If you are planning to reduce electricity costs and relieve the burden on the environment with your own balcony power plant, you are spoilt for choice.
Before that, however, you should know the following about balcony power plants:
| ❌ No storage: | The electricity is immediately available for consumption and is not stored |
| ✔️ Feeding electricity into the grid: | Overproduction is fed into the grid, but without remuneration |
| ❌ No operation in the event of a power failure: | The inverter needs the mains frequency of the power grid. If you want to have electricity despite a power failure, you need a solar system with storage or a power station |
Mini photovoltaic systems can halve electricity costs
Setting up balcony power plants correctly
To make the most of the sunlight on the balcony, the panels should face south. In addition, the optimal inclination plays an important role for maximum current yield: between 20 and 30 degrees inclination are ideal. Since your balcony power plant feeds surplus green electricity into the house grid via a socket, you should set up the mini PV system near an appropriate entrance. Depending on the manufacturer, there are different mounting systems, the exact installation can be found in the instructions for use. If you want to be sure that everything is really professionally assembled and ready for use, it is worth having the electrician come.
