23.04.2024

Solar balcony boom in Germany

More than 400 additional solar systems have been installed in Germany, with most of them taking up space seamlessly on people's balconies.

New data shows that at least 50 of the PV units were added in the first quarter of 000 alone.

“This boom is a direct result of Germany's very strong solar culture. Solar balconies are part of the wider energy transition across Europe. A clear trend is seen to use all possible man-made infrastructure for solar production. Railway tracks, highways, parking lots, car roofs, cemeteries, building facades... The list is long, why not add the balconies too," he tells Euronews Jan Osenberg, Policy Advisor at the SolarPower Europe Association.

How do solar balconies work?

The main thing that distinguishes solar balconies from rooftop solar panels is that they are a much smaller system. Essentially, the technology consists of one or two panels plugged into an electrical outlet. They produce only about 10 percent of the energy of residential roof systems.

Osenberg roughly estimates that Germany has about 200 MW of installed balcony solar, compared with 16 GW of capacity from the residential rooftop sector.

From the customer's point of view, the main difference is that it is much easier to install a photovoltaic system on the balcony. The kit can be purchased online and does not require an electrician to set up. Unlike rooftop installations, where certified installers are recommended to avoid the risks of fire and structural damage.

In short, the panels are placed on a mounting structure and attached by cables to an inverter that converts the electricity from DC to AC, which enters the outlet through a simple plug.

Who are solar balconies for?

“The main reason for the success of balcony solar systems is that they enable solar energy to be used by people who could not do so before. Most people don't own a house or can't install a rooftop solar system for a number of reasons - heritage protection, shading or something else. For them, balcony solar is attractive because they can use it to generate their own electricity and reduce their household bills," explains German solar panel manufacturer Meyer Burger.

Germany was one of the first countries to invest in solar technology and now produces the most solar electricity in Europe. But – as everywhere – the apartment blocks were late.

“The multi-unit sector of rooftop solar has been out of the solar boom. This sector has been really neglected," says Osenberg.

He attributes this to the challenges of getting all building owners to agree to rooftop solar, as well as the difficulty of sharing electricity between different apartments.

“However, with balcony solar, it suddenly becomes very, very simple. All those people who couldn't get solar for the last 10 years now have a way to access it. This wave of new solar owners isn't just taking advantage of cheap electricity; they are also empowered to take their place in the energy transition. Balcony solar really has this empowering momentum that people who start to have a solar system, start to track their electricity usage, start to feel like someone who is a leader in the energy transition, someone who supports the energy transition and already is part of it," says Osenberg.

How did Germany help people get solar energy on their balconies?

In 2000 Germany, the boom in installing solar systems on roofs was coming. The government then encouraged people to opt in by rewarding them with feed-in tariffs, such as giving a fixed price for each unit of electricity sent to the grid.

The natural continuation of the original trend is currently underway – instead of on roofs, people are installing photovoltaics on their balconies. Measures such as the removal of VAT are further contributing to the popularity of balcony solar.

Subsidies are also available at a regional level, with Berlin offering up to €500 – potentially half the cost of a kit.

"The technology pays for itself in about three years. So with a life of about 20 years, it's a very easy investment for citizens," says Osenberg.

According to the main market data register, North Rhine-Westphalia currently has the most balcony solar systems with more than 80, followed by Bavaria with more than 000 and Lower Saxony with more than 60.

"In addition, the size of balcony solar systems is also gradually increasing, with the trend gradually moving to four active panels," adds Osenberg.

what you should Know

There is constant innovation on the solar scene, of course – and balcony solar is no different. If you're tempted to join, here are some things to be aware of.

Small scale storage is an option. Although these systems don't tend to produce much excess electricity, more manufacturers are offering storage systems for balcony-specific solar energy. The batteries – which fit between the panels and the inverter – are smaller than for rooftops, but are still handy for people working outside during the day who can use the stored energy in the evening.

Apps can help you track your electricity usage. Some kits come with apps that allow you to see how much electricity your PV system is producing and how much of your energy needs they cover.

Make sure your kit is sustainably produced. For Meyer Burger, this means that the panels "do not contain lead or other toxic substances (such as PFAS - everlasting chemicals) and are produced without forced labor under decent social and ethical standards."

"Balcony systems must be safely installed. Although they encourage a do-it-yourself approach, you should take the installation seriously. As the modules weigh up to 24 kg, they can cause serious damage if dropped from a higher floor,” explains Osenberg.