Before you decide to install a balcony power plant, there are one or two requirements to be observed. If you ignore the applicable regulations for connecting a balcony power plant, the plug-in solar power plant will initially cause you quite a bit of trouble.
Connecting a balcony power plant – this is what you should bear in mind
The so-called balcony power plants also enable tenants to save on electricity costs. However, this is only possible if you observe the regulations that apply to the connection of balcony power plants.
- A prerequisite for installing a balcony power plant is the consent of the landlord, as the solar panels are usually attached to the façade. Before you purchase the solar panels, you should therefore first discuss your project with the landlord and obtain written permission.
- If you own a condominium, since the modification of the Home Ownership Act in 2020 you only need the majority approval of the owners’ association to connect a balcony power. However, even in this case, you must consult the other residents of the building in advance.
- In short: Before you start planning your balcony power plant, first check whether the intended location is suitable for solar panels at all. Then you take care of the necessary permits and after that it’s time to buy and connect the balcony power plant.
- Tip: If you are lucky, the installation of a balcony power plant is currently subsidised. For this reason, it is currently worthwhile to keep an eye on the various subsidy options beforehand.
Connecting a balcony power plant – how to determine the optimum mini solar system
Once you have found a sunny spot for your solar panels and have the necessary permits in your pocket, the balcony power plant goes into the planning phase. When planning the balcony power plant, the first question to focus on is how much electricity you permanently consume. As a rule, the energy you generate with the help of the balcony power plant is consumed in a ratio of 1:1. The generated electricity that is not consumed immediately is lost without storage.
- This means you first list the permanent consumers, such as refrigerator and freezer, air conditioner or aquarium, and determine their electricity consumption. If you are often at home during the day, also include the average electricity consumed in the calculation.
- Once you have calculated your “continuous power consumption”, it will be easier for you to find the balcony power plant that suits you best. You will find small solar modules with an output of 50 to 150 watts as well as solar panels with an output of 350 to around 400 watts in specialist shops. A solar panel with an output of around 380 watts can generate up to 300 kilowatt hours of energy per year.
- After all the preliminary work has been done, it is time to connect the balcony power plant. With a little manual skill, attaching the solar panels is quickly done. The most important part of installing the mini solar power system is the optimal orientation of the solar panels. If you do not have an outdoor socket on the balcony, you will also need to drill a small hole through the wall to lay the cable. Connect the balcony power system to a shock-proof Schuco socket outlet or a Wieland socket outlet.
- Finally, you must not forget to register your balcony power plant both with your grid operator and in the market master data register. If you wait too long before registering, you may be fined.
