Everything about balcony power plants
What is a balcony power plant?
The main advantage of a balcony power plant is its ease of installation and operation: No costly permitting procedures or complex mounting structures are required. The solar modules are often attached to balcony railings, facades, or flat balconies using brackets. Thanks to the plug-and-play principle, households can generate their own solar power and optimize their self-consumption, even without prior photovoltaics knowledge.
In practice, a balcony power plant covers part of the daily electricity demand, depending on the orientation, roof pitch, balcony position, and time of year. The system is a practical alternative, especially in rental or owner-occupied apartments where large roof areas are not available. It makes a direct contribution to the energy transition, as every kilowatt-hour generated from renewable solar energy reduces the consumption of grid electricity from fossil or nuclear sources.
The output of a typical balcony power plant in Germany is often between 300 and 800 watts. Modern modules operate relatively efficiently even in diffuse light, resulting in noticeable production even on cloudy days. Integrated surge protection and an automatic shutdown mechanism in the event of a power failure ensure safety and prevent backfeeding into unauthorized grid conditions.
Finally, it should be emphasized that a balcony power plant not only contributes to saving electricity costs but also raises awareness of one's own energy consumption. Many users report that they use their electrical appliances more efficiently or adjust their consumption during adverse weather conditions to maximize their self-generated electricity.
What will change for balcony power plants in 2025?
Starting in 2025, new regulations will come into force in Germany that specifically affect balcony power plants. The goal is to further advance the expansion of decentralized solar power systems while simplifying the legal framework. The most important changes at a glance:
1. Increased reporting threshold: Balcony power plants with an installed peak output above 600 watts had to be reported to the Federal Network Agency by the end of 2024. Starting in 2025, this reporting requirement will be raised to 800 watts. Operators of smaller plants up to this threshold can thus largely avoid the bureaucratic burden.
2. Simplified registration process: For systems up to 800 watts, the registration process will be fully digitalized and completed online within minutes. Notices and feedback will be sent automatically via email, so homeowners no longer have to wait for mail.
3. Abolition of the EEG surcharge exemption: Small plug-in PV systems were previously exempt from the EEG surcharge. Starting in 2025, this special regulation will no longer apply. However, this only applies to new systems installed after the regulation comes into force. Existing systems will continue to operate under the old conditions.
4. Grid connection rules: Grid operators must integrate balcony power plants up to 800 watts with a single-phase connection into their low-voltage grid without additional grid compatibility testing. This shortens the approval period and reduces potential connection costs.
5. Further funding: Several German states have announced additional funding programs that support the purchase of plug-in solar devices with subsidies of up to €200 per installed kilowatt peak. This is intended to particularly benefit households in multi-family buildings.
With these innovations from 2025 onwards, entry into private solar power generation will become even more attractive and less bureaucratic.Anyone planning a balcony power plant should observe the new regulations and, if necessary, register their system before the end of the year in order to benefit from the existing framework conditions.
How much money can you save with an 800-watt balcony power plant?
The savings achieved by a balcony power plant depend on several factors: location, module orientation, season, self-consumption rate, and the current electricity price. Below is an example calculation for an 800-watt balcony power plant in Germany:
Yield assumptions: An 800-watt system produces between 750 and 950 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, depending on the state and orientation. We conservatively estimate 800 kWh/year.
Electricity price: The average electricity price for private households is currently (as of 2024) around €0.30 per kWh. Self-consumption therefore saves this grid purchase price.
Pure savings through self-consumption:
800 kWh × 0.30 €/kWh = 240 euros per year
There's also a small bonus when excess generation is fed into the grid. While the surplus feed-in tariff for mini-PV systems isn't guaranteed across the board, a surcharge of between 1 and 2 cents per kilowatt-hour is often paid. For 100 kWh of surplus feed-in per year, this equates to approximately an additional €1.50 to €3.00.
Total savings (example):
Self-consumption: 700 kWh × 0.30 €/kWh = 210 euros
Feed-in: 100 kWh × 0.015 €/kWh = 1.50 euros
= approx. 211.50 euros per year
This calculation represents an average value. In sunnier regions or with optimal module orientation, the savings can be higher. In addition, the investment costs for an 800-watt balcony power plant—including solar modules, inverter, and mounting system—have fallen in recent years and range between €600 and €900, depending on the provider. The payback period typically ranges between three and five years for self-consumption rates of 70 to 90 percent.
What happens if I feed in more than 800 watts?
The current standard for private plug-in solar devices in Germany allows a maximum feed-in power of 800 watts (single-phase) per household. What happens if this limit is exceeded?
1. Automatic shutdown: Most inverters for balcony power plants available on the market are configured to not exceed the maximum feed-in power of 800 watts. If this limit is technically exceeded, the inverter automatically reduces the power or shuts off the feed-in completely to prevent grid overload.
2. Legal consequences: Anyone who knowingly operates a system with an installed peak power of over 800 watts without appropriate registration and approval is committing an administrative offense. This can result in fines that vary depending on the federal state and the individual case.
3. Grid risks: If the feed-in power exceeds the limits of the house connection, voltage fluctuations can occur in the local grid. This puts a strain on household electronics and, in the worst case, can trigger fuses and circuit breakers.
4. Impact on grid infrastructure: Decentralized solar power must be safely integrated into the public low-voltage grid according to the applicable Grid Connection Ordinance (NAV). Exceedances without coordination with the grid operator can lead to undesirable impacts on other grid participants and do not contribute to grid stability.
Recommendation: If you want to install more power, you can opt for a classic small rooftop system, which can be installed up to several kilowatts.In this case, however, professional planning, registration with the Federal Network Agency and approval by the local network operator are essential.
Contact and further information
If you have any questions about balcony power plants, would you like to receive a quote, or book a consultation, please contact us by phone at +49 39262-8787-21 or by email at verkauf@gema-net.deIf you would like to make a direct, non-binding inquiry, please use the following placeholder for our online form: