Mini PV system: Is it worth it for my balcony?

Not every renter or homeowner has the space to install a solar panel on their roof. However, those who still want to generate their own electricity can do so with a mini PV system. It can be set up in a space-saving manner on a balcony, terrace, or in the garden and generates enough electricity during sunny hours to power a coffee maker or laptop. In this article, we've summarized what you need to consider when buying and setting up a mini PV system and whether such a balcony power plant is truly worthwhile for private households.

Is a mini PV system worthwhile for private use?

Of course, a solar power system makes an important contribution to environmental protection. By generating your own electricity, you become a little more independent from nuclear power and nuclear power plants. Nevertheless, the question naturally arises whether a mini PV system is economically worthwhile. Several factors need to be considered, which we have listed for you below.

The performance of a mini PV system

Mini-PV systems are available in different power classes. The solar system should be chosen so that its output is adapted to your own energy consumption.
If the system produces more electricity than you need for your daytime basic needs, some of the generated electricity is lost to you. This in turn reduces the yield and increases the amortization period.

Performance can be further enhanced by so-called MMP tracking. This is a feature in Microinverter EVT560, Hoymiles Mi600 or Hoymiles Mi1200 The system automatically determines the point of maximum power generation. This point depends on factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, and module characteristics. Using MMP tracking, the power output of the modules grouped into strings can be optimally adjusted to the current weather conditions, solar irradiance, temperature, and shading. This system optimizes the performance of the entire installation.

How much does a solar system for a balcony cost?

In the early days, installing a mini-PV system for personal use meant very high investment costs. However, due to increasing demand and improved technologies, a balcony power plant is now affordable for everyone. You will need:

• Solar Panels
• microinverter
• Power supply socket

• Cables and mounting hardware

The total cost will range from approximately €350,00 to €700,00, depending on the performance and quality of the individual components.

What does the yield of a balcony solar system depend on?

The yield depends significantly on the geographical location and orientation of the mini PV system. Southern Germany statistically receives more hours of sunshine, meaning the solar system can generate more electricity. It is also important to protect the mini PV system from shading whenever possible.

Tip: Our micro-inverters from Envertech and Hoymiles can solve the problem of shading at your site. Often, trees or buildings obstruct the sunlight and the solar panels during the day, resulting in reduced power production. You can solve this problem by connecting up to four modules to a single micro-inverter. If one module is shaded, only its output is reduced, while all other modules operate at full capacity.

Finding the right PV system for your own consumption

For a mini-PV system to be worthwhile for your balcony or terrace, its output must be matched to your basic energy needs. Basic energy needs refer to the consumption generated by devices in standby mode, refrigerators, and similar appliances. To determine these basic needs precisely, you can install a power meter between the device and the wall socket.

An example:

You have a base load of 200 W. However, you should choose a mini-PV system with a higher output, as the stated output is a maximum value. This is only achieved under ideal conditions, i.e., full sunlight without any shading. This condition is not consistently met, but only sporadically, if at all. Therefore, the output should always be slightly higher than your base load.

It is important that you install an electricity meter with a backstop, because if you generate more electricity than you consume, the meter will otherwise run backwards. In this case, you can expect penalties from the energy suppliers.

Tip: To find the right mini-PV system, take the specified Wp output of the system, halve it, and add a little extra. This will give you a good guideline for the actual output of the system, which you can then compare to your base load.

How much can be saved on electricity costs with a mini-PV system?

The specific figures, of course, always depend on the individual household, location, and consumption. It's worthwhile installing an electricity meter that records the system's output. You can document this output daily and then multiply it by your current electricity costs per kWh. This will give you a good indication of the system's economic benefits.

When will the mini-PV system pay for itself?

The payback period for a mini-PV system also depends on a variety of factors. It depends significantly on how much money you initially invested in the purchase, including all accessories. However, with a balcony solar system, it generally doesn't take as long as with a large rooftop solar array to recoup these costs through the electricity savings. Expect a period of approximately 5 to 7 years before you start making a profit with your system.

Feeding electricity into the public electricity grid

Operators of larger solar power plants earn money by feeding the electricity into the public grid and benefiting from the feed-in tariff under the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG). Obtaining such a tariff is virtually impossible for a mini PV system. Theoretically, you can produce electricity with such a system that is fed into the public grid. In practice, however, the amount generated is only sufficient for household use. To receive a feed-in tariff under the EEG, the amount of electricity fed into the grid would have to be recorded by a meter, and various reporting obligations as well as the 70 percent rule would have to be met. Furthermore, you would have to expect considerable resistance from your grid operator when applying, as the formal effort is disproportionate to the benefit.

 Tips for saving money when buying a mini-PV system

To ensure the system pays for itself as quickly as possible, you can do many things right right from the start. Therefore, we have compiled a few tips for saving costs.

1. High-quality components

   You're probably familiar with the saying, "Buy cheap, buy twice." This is especially true when installing a mini-PV system. A crucial component is the micro-inverter, which converts the direct current from the solar panels into grid-compliant alternating current. In our Shop We sell these inverters from renowned manufacturers such as Envertech and Hoymiles in a very high quality.

2. Buy used modules

   It is also possible to buy used modules. This allows the mini PV system to pay for itself more quickly.

3. Save costs through self-installation

   When the first mini-PV systems came onto the market, they had to be installed by a specialist company. Now, even non-professionals are allowed to install the balcony power plant themselves and register it with the grid operator. This allows you to save the high costs of hiring a professional. With a little skill, anyone can install a mini solar system. But be aware: you are then also responsible for ensuring the system holds up in storms.

Conclusion: Who benefits from a mini-PV system?

The solar system for balconies, patios, carport roofs, or gardens is so compact that it can be installed almost anywhere. If the landlord permits, the modules can even be screwed onto the balcony railing, taking up hardly any space for your comfortable outdoor seating area. From this perspective, the mini-PV system is suitable for anyone with access to an open space. Thanks to its straightforward assembly and simple commissioning, you don't even need significant technical skills to install such a system yourself.

Those who follow the tips mentioned regarding the installation of the system and the selection of a suitable microinverter can quickly generate profits with a balcony power plant. In any case, you will be making a valuable and important contribution to the energy transition and to independence from large-scale energy providers.
Energy companies that still generate electricity using nuclear power.