Can I live self-sufficiently with my own balcony power plant?

No, you won't be able to live completely self-sufficiently with a mini-PV system. However, a solar system for your balcony can produce enough energy to cover the basic power consumption of your standby devices or run your laptop or washing machine during the day. After a few years, the balcony power plant will have already paid for itself. By connecting several solar panels with an inverter, you can increase your yield even further. This means that the mini-PV system on your balcony makes an important contribution to the energy transition and also to your own private electricity consumption.

Are balcony power plants allowed?

Before 2017, balcony power plants were something of a rebellious statement on the energy transition. By producing a portion of their own energy, consumers gained a degree of independence from the major energy companies. However, at that time, installation violated the DIN VDE 0100-551 standard, placing balcony power plants in a legal gray area. Grid operators threatened many consumers with legal action. Consumers also faced bureaucratic hurdles. Since the implementation of the
According to the draft standard VDE 0100-551, the connection of balcony modules to the final circuit is permitted.

Reporting obligations to the network operator

Since April 27, 2019, owners of balcony solar panels for private electricity generation up to a total output of 600 watts can register their system with the grid operator themselves. Previously, this was only possible through an electrician.

Does the balcony power plant require approval from the landlord or homeowner?

Installing a balcony solar power system constitutes an alteration to the home's electrical wiring, which entails insurance risks. It also changes the appearance of the house. For these reasons, the homeowner must consent to the installation of a mini PV system. In the case of condominiums, the consent of the owners' association is required.
are required for operation.