Tax rules for photovoltaics: PV systems mostly tax-free since 2023
Tax rules for photovoltaics: PV systems mostly tax-free since 2023. Private photovoltaic systems and...
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How can you save electricity costs with a balcony power plant?
High electricity prices in Germany are affecting more and more households and people. This makes the question: How can I save on electricity costs all the more important? Balcony power plants offer the perfect solution. We'll explore how and to what extent you can save money with balcony power plants, what the requirements are, and what the whole process costs. With SolarFantasie, you're on the right track when it comes to reducing electricity costs.
What exactly are balcony power plants?
Balcony power plants are mini solar systems that you can install on your balcony/roof/terrace/garden and connect to your power grid via a socket.
The way balcony power plants work is easy to understand. Just like a large photovoltaic system on a roof, they convert solar energy into solar electricity. This happens when sunlight hitting the solar modules generates direct current in the photovoltaic cells. This is then converted into standard alternating current for the home by a device called an inverter, which is connected to the panels. The generated energy travels via a cable from the inverter to your home's power outlet and is fed into the home's electrical system. There, it can then be used to power your electrical devices.
What you should pay attention to when buying a balcony power plant
Especially in light of the currently exorbitant electricity prices and rising energy costs, more and more people are considering balcony power plants. Because your balcony power plant makes it possible to reduce electricity consumption and electricity costs in the long term. By 2024, 780,000 of these balcony power plants were already in operation in Germany.
There are many manufacturers of plug-in solar systems on the German market, so it's especially important to choose a durable and suitable system. That's why we've listed all the important points you should consider when purchasing a balcony power plant:
1. Area calculation
Calculating the area is, of course, a basic requirement for properly installing your balcony power plant. The appropriate area and location for the installation should be determined in advance. Whether this is on the balcony or railing, the roof, or even the facade depends on the local conditions and the amount of sunlight. Here, care should be taken to ensure that the solar modules are facing south, if possible, and not in shady areas. For installation on roofs, a sloped surface is ideal.
2. Quality of solar modules
The quality and efficiency of the solar modules can make a big difference in the amount of electricity the balcony power plant can produce.
3. Microinverters
The microinverter is also of particular importance. When selecting a balcony power system, you should ensure that the microinverter's output matches the output of the solar modules. You should also consider the quality and efficiency of the inverter. Furthermore, make sure that the inverter meets the necessary certifications and standards.
4. Suitable storage system (optional)
Which storage system is best for your balcony power plant depends on several factors. This also depends on your actual electricity consumption and the savings you want to achieve.
For most households installing a small photovoltaic system, a capacity of 1 to 2 kWh is sufficient to store an entire day's worth of excess solar energy. The larger the photovoltaic system, the greater the storage system capacity required.
Conclusion: Balcony power plants help you save electricity costs
As we can see, balcony power plants are a simple and effective way to reduce your electricity bill while contributing to the energy transition. A particularly advantageous feature is that installing balcony power plants requires minimal effort, and this small plug-in solar system can be mounted directly on balcony railings, terraces, or house walls. The generated electricity can be used immediately for household appliances, reducing the amount of expensive electricity drawn from the grid.
Although balcony power plants depend on individual factors such as location, orientation and consumption habits, they offer a very good opportunity for every household to reduce energy costs and become more independent from rising electricity prices.
Balcony power plants: Frequently asked questions
1. Is a balcony power plant worthwhile?
The short answer is: Yes. An 800-watt balcony power plant is worthwhile if you have a suitable location for the installation, one that is sunny and south-facing and not in the shade. You can also choose from various components, systems, and options that help you feed solar power from your balcony power plant into your home grid and save money.
2. What has changed for balcony power plants in 2024?
Due to the high demand in Germany, the legislature passed several laws in mid-2024 that make the operation and use of balcony power plants less bureaucratic. This allows tenants to install balcony power plants on their balcony railings – landlords can no longer prohibit this without good reason.
3. How many watts do balcony power plants need to have?
Balcony power plants currently have a legal limit of 800 watts when feeding into the grid.