Balcony solar: 600W balcony power plant with storage as a balcony solar system – consultation with Xpert.Solar

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.

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

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

Compared to ground-mounted photovoltaic systems or rooftop solar panels, balcony solar systems and solar carports a relatively new segment of the photovoltaic industry. The advantages of these 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 result in households saving up to 20% of their annual electricity consumption.

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.

The first silicon photovoltaic cell was developed as early as 1954. Photovoltaic technology has been continuously expanding since around 1980. The first patent for solar roof tiles dates back to 1993. In 2005, the Solar Park, with a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), was the largest solar park in the world. Only the newer and more efficient solar modules of recent years have become suitable for energy generation via so-called balcony power plants.

With a balcony solar system, solar power is generated directly where it's needed. Compared to a rooftop solar system, it's easy to install. It's also easy to dismantle and transport if you move. It's space-saving and compact. Most importantly, it's completely straightforward to connect to your existing household electrical system. Just plug it in and you're done.

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

Balcony solar power systems are particularly well-suited for covering the base load of continuously running devices such as refrigerators and freezers, Wi-Fi routers, and the many electronic systems that operate in standby mode. Furthermore, a plug-and-play balcony solar system provides valuable assistance in operating air conditioners. These are becoming increasingly popular in Germany due to ever-hotter summers and are being used more frequently in households. Since they provide relief primarily during the day, they can be ideally powered by the solar energy produced during the day. In this way, these small energy consumers don't create too large a gap in a household's energy balance.

For homeowners and renters, there are numerous other ways to efficiently use a mini PV system. For example, it can be used to heat the water in the pools that are increasingly common in gardens. Since heating your own swimming pool allows you to use it throughout the hot summer months, nothing stands in the way of extended swimming enjoyment at significantly reduced electricity costs. The same applies to operating small greenhouses, which require electricity to create a warmer microclimate, and this electricity is supplied by plug-in systems.

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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