Balcon power plants in Berlin: A simple path to your own power supply

Balcon power plants in Berlin: A simple path to your own power supply

The importance of balcony power plants for sustainable energy future

balcony power plants are on the rise and convince more and more households in Germany. These small solar systems, which can be easily installed on the balcony, the terrace or in the garden, are not only a financial investment, but also a contribution to the energy transition. In the first half of 2024, the Federal Network Agency alone registered 220,000 new facilities - a significant increase compared to the previous year. This rapid growth is partially favored by the new solar package 1 of the Federal Government, which makes it easier for citizens to register and use such systems inside.

The functionality of these devices is intuitive: a solar module converts sunlight into electrical direct current. This is converted into alternating current via an inverter and can be used directly in your own household. Consumers: Inside, about 40 percent of the electricity requirement of a single -person household can cover itself. "The correct use and installation of plug solar devices can bring significant savings on electricity costs," explains Dr. Hermann Dinkler, energy expert at the TÜV association. It is particularly important that the systems are installed properly so that they correspond to the technical standards and work reliably.

A challenge for many households is the optimal use of the generated electricity. Without the use of storage systems that store excess energy, households can only use a part of the current produced. In a typical working week, there are often discrepancies between electricity production at lunchtime and the actual need, which reduces efficiency. Storage solutions that now have more and more providers in their range offer a promising opportunity to make this disadvantage.

Another advantage of the solar systems is the favorable financing through public funding that is offered in most federal states. These financial aids, mostly provided by the municipalities, make the purchase more affordable and motivate many to actively participate in the energy transition.

simplified reporting obligations and secure operation

In May 2024, the solar package 1 came into force, which significantly lowers the bureaucratic hurdles for the registration of balcony power plants. The previously required message from the electricity network operator does not apply, which simplifies the installation of the devices. Only a simplified registration in the market master data register is necessary, which makes it easier for the user: on the inside to contribute their own piece of the energy transition.

For safe use, the following is essential to follow certain security guidelines. For example, no more solar devices may be connected to a multiple socket to avoid overload. The German Solar Energy Society has also established a safety standard for plug solar devices, the integration of which is expected into upcoming product standards for the end of 2024. This should ensure that all devices meet the necessary safety requirements.

conclusion: one step in the right direction

balcony power plants are a natural part of the future energy supply. They not only offer the option of covering individual electricity requirements, but also making an important contribution to sustainability and independence from large energy suppliers. The support from the new solar package 1 and the provision of public funding strengthen the trend towards more personal responsibility in energy use and show that citizens can be actively involved in the process of the energy transition.