Balcony power plant: 800W balcony solar panel with storage as a balcony solar system – More than 600 Wp consultation with Xpert.Solar

Plug-and-play mini-PV systems, balcony power plants or balcony solar – Image: Xpert.Digital

Permit-free, plug-and-play mini-PV systems are small solar installations with a maximum of two solar modules and an inverter with an output power of up to 600 VA (Germany) or 800 VA (EU regulation). They can be connected directly to a standard household socket or, via a suitable power outlet, to the user's own private electrical circuit.

The following topics will be addressed:

• The background: What you should know about it
• A brief note on DKE, VDE, DIN
• VDE is neither mandatory nor a legal basis
• The CE marking requirement!
• EU: Network rules should apply from 800 watts – not in Germany!
• Cable fire due to power line overload?
• Schuko or energy socket
• The limit: Plug-and-play mini-PV systems with a maximum of 2 solar modules
• Recommended purchase, guide price: 600 Watt / VA balcony solar, plug-and-play mini-PV system
• Recommended purchase, guide price: 700 Watt / VA balcony solar, plug-and-play mini-PV system
• Recommended purchase, guide price: 800 Watt / VA balcony solar, plug-and-play mini-PV system
• Options
• Plug-and-play mini-PV systems for industry, retail and municipalities
• For solar installers, plumbers, electricians and roofers
• For private households

More information here:

• PV / Solar Buying Guide: Plug-and-play mini-PV systems 600 / 800 watts / VA and more – Buying recommendation

In light of continuously rising temperatures, the debate surrounding climate change is steadily intensifying in Germany as well. This is one of the reasons why more and more consumers are considering the use of renewable energies. Solar energy is increasingly coming into focus. The growing interest in photovoltaic systems for home use demonstrates that consumers can do more for the environment than simply purchasing their electricity from a green energy provider.

In addition to large-scale rooftop systems, small plug-in solutions that can be connected directly to the electrical circuit are becoming increasingly common. This article explains how these mini-PV systems can significantly reduce electricity consumption in your home while protecting the environment.

The advantages of small solar power plants are obvious: The electricity produced when there is sufficient sunshine can be used directly in the household for personal consumption. Since modern PV systems have a capacity of 150 to 600 watts, they can produce up to 600 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. This can save households up to 20% of their annual electricity consumption. Purchase costs in the three-figure euro range mean that a plug-in system pays for itself in about seven to ten years.

Besides the cost, the simple setup and straightforward connection to the household electrical supply are key advantages of plug-in systems. Particularly appealing for renters is the fact that the space-saving modules can be easily removed from balconies or terraces when moving. This makes them the ideal power generator for private consumers interested in generating their own green electricity in an environmentally friendly way.

There are now numerous offers for small solar power systems online, most of which cost in the three-figure euro range. These typically include one or two standard solar modules and a mounting kit for roofs, walls, or balconies. In addition, an integrated inverter is required to convert the solar power into 230 volts for grid connection, along with a connection cable and plug. Thanks to their plug-and-play design, these small PV systems can be easily connected to the household electrical grid.

Before commissioning your own solar power system, several legal hurdles must be overcome. Just like larger PV systems, the mini solar systems permitted since 2018 also fall under the Renewable Energy Sources Act. Therefore, due to the Low-Voltage Connection Ordinance, plug-in PV models must be registered with the Federal Network Agency and the responsible grid operator. It is important to note that the systems must not exceed a feed-in capacity of 600 watts. Tenants must also obtain permission from their landlord before installation. Homeowners may need the approval of their owners' association. Furthermore, there are a number of important details to consider before and during installation.

The space-saving and convenient installation of the modules on the balcony, thanks to their simple plug-and-play assembly, opens up a gateway to a still young and untapped market. In 2020, there were approximately 58.67 million people in German-speaking countries with a balcony or terrace.

Number of people in Germany who own a balcony or terrace

Balcony owners – Interesting market for balcony solar – Image: Xpert.Digital

Survey in Germany on balcony or terrace ownership by 2020

2020

• 58.67 million – Yes, I own a balcony or terrace
• 11.97 million – No, I have neither a balcony nor a terrace

2019

• 58.21 million – Yes, I own a balcony or terrace
• 12.39 million – No, I have neither a balcony nor a terrace

How is the solar energy market developing? Where are new opportunities emerging? In addition to providing technical solutions for photovoltaics and logistics, Xpert.Digital also conducts in-depth research. This includes the use of AI. For a few topics such as..

• Artificial intelligence in the field of renewable energies
• Over 30% of solar installers have not yet arrived in the digital age
• Criticism: TOP 100 SEO not so top after all
• Well equipped for no-line commerce

We publish the latest developments at irregular intervals. The outcome usually depends on many parameters and decisions. Generally, however, the course of events can be predicted if no further significant changes occur in the planned decisions and developments.

Regardless of whether devices are used indoors or outdoors, any excess electricity theoretically flows back into the general power grid if no energy storage system is present. However, since these amounts are very small and not continuously available, agreeing on a feed-in tariff with the electricity supplier is usually not worthwhile.

Instead, integrating an additional energy storage system offers further advantages. It allows solar energy generated during the day to be stored as reserves for periods of low sunlight or nighttime hours. Users of their own balcony solar system thus only need to draw the additional electricity required from the grid during times without sunlight. In this way, they save money month after month and can simultaneously contribute to the energy transition.

An example: The energy storage system for optimizing the self-consumption rate

Energy Storage System (ESS) from LG Electronics

LG Electronics offers energy storage systems (ESS) to optimize self-consumption. An additional transfer switch ensures emergency power supply. The web monitoring function allows installers and users to check the system status anytime, from anywhere.

👉🏻 Here you can calculate the electricity savings with an electricity storage system yourself.

👉🏻 How much can you save with a battery storage system? Use the Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Economics' independence calculator to find out how efficient your storage system is.

Manufacturers of photovoltaic energy storage systems / battery inverters

👉🏻 At Alpha Solar you can find the LG Electronics energy storage system for €6,748.00 including 19% VAT and meter. *1 Advertisement

👉🏻 For further questions and advice, you can contact us here at any time.

Balcony solar system with 630 Wp (and more possible), mini solar system in plug and play version

A balcony solar power system must not exceed 600 watts if you install it without an electrician. Since the end of April 2019, an electrician is also no longer required to register your balcony solar power system with your current electricity provider. For further information, simply contact your electricity provider for your home network. There is usually a separate online registration process for such mini PV systems.

This goes well with:

• Mini PV systems – the extra boost of energy
• Plug-in solar device – the solar system for balconies and gardens, especially interesting for permanent campers

At Alpha-Solar, you'll find a variety of balcony solar systems, also known as balcony power plants. The selection ranges from 315 Wp to 1360 Wp. We offer the most well-known solar module brands, including JA Solar, Jinko Solar, Q CELLS, and Haitai Solar. These mini solar systems are easy to install and can be used as a plug-and-play solution. As an alternative to shipping, Alpha-Solar also offers in-store pickup. We have Alpha-Solar pickup points located throughout Germany where you can collect your balcony solar system. This saves you on shipping costs. Prices range from €278 to €1,078.

👉🏻 Overview of balcony solar systems from 315 Wp to 1360 Wp at Alpha-Solar. *1 Advertisement

👉🏻 For further questions and advice, you can contact us here at any time.

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