Plug-in solar device: the solar system for balconies and gardens, especially interesting for permanent campers

Plug-in solar – Balcony solar – Mini solar systems

Plug-in solar devices are both simple and somewhat complex. While installation and setup are quite straightforward, there are a few things you should be aware of. Xpert.Digital provides some important information on this topic.

What is a plug-in solar device?

Plug-in solar devices are small, mini solar power systems, essentially the smaller versions of the familiar rooftop or field-mounted solar panels. They are electricity-generating household appliances, not solar panels in the technical sense. They are usually sold as complete packages and installed like a plug-and-play system, simply by plugging them into a wall socket. The difference is that the generated electricity flows in reverse, from where other electrical appliances like televisions, refrigerators, or washing machines can draw power. This slows down the electricity meter reading. However, this requires that the electricity meter is a smart meter.

The main difference to a "normal" solar system is that the electricity produced is not fed into the public grid. The electricity meter runs slower or even stops completely while electricity is being generated. If the solar power from a plug-in solar device is not used by a consumer (electronic device) at the time of generation, it is wasted, unless a battery storage system is used. More on that later.

An example: Plug-in solar devices as balcony solar

Do I need to register a plug-in solar device?

In the EU, small power generators up to 800 watts are not subject to regulation. Nevertheless, the grid operator should be contacted before installation. Many grid operators offer a simplified registration process. They will also check whether a replacement of the electricity meter (smart meter exchange) is necessary.

Plug-in solar devices must also be registered with the Federal Network Agency after installation; this can be done online here: www.marktstammdatenregister.de

How do I mount or install a plug-in solar device?

Depending on how the plug-in solar system is purchased and ordered, a mounting kit for roof, wall, or balcony is usually included. Plug-in solar systems typically consist of one or two standard solar panels and an inverter that converts the solar power into 230 volts.

A special feed-in socket, which is usually not included as standard and should be used in accordance with VDE standards, is required. However, tens of thousands of plug-in solar devices are operated without problems using normal sockets and not these special feed-in sockets. Generally, though, we recommend hiring a qualified electrician for the installation of all electrical connections.

For self-consumption, a power output of 200 to 300 watts is recommended. More is certainly possible, but then an electrician should check the technical requirements. Consumer protection agencies recommend a maximum output of 600 watts for plug-in solar devices. The output should not exceed 600 watts, as this could overload the household electrical system.

A "real" solar power system only becomes worthwhile with a system output of over 2 to 3 kilowatts (kW).

Another example: Plug-in solar devices as window solar panels

How safe are plug-in solar devices?

Generally, an electrician should check the suitability and installation of the plug-in solar device. If you order the plug-in solar device from a reputable supplier, the former is usually already taken care of. Inverters, which allow solar panels to be connected to a wall socket, have been available for decades. These grid-tied devices have a protective circuit that cuts off the output voltage when disconnected from the grid. This eliminates the risk of electric shock when the plug is pulled.

Plug-in solar devices are safe if the microinverters used meet the same requirements as inverters for conventional solar systems. The installation standard also stipulates that an electrician must verify the suitability of the electrical circuit for feeding solar power into the grid.

What is the difference between camping and allotment gardens?

• If no mains electricity is available for camping or at your own allotment garden, then the only option is an off-grid solution.
• For those who want to be independent of shore power and the regulations of electricity providers, a plug-in solar device off-grid solution is also recommended.
• This is particularly interesting for long-term campers, who generally don't want to simply accept the more expensive electricity charged by the campsite operator. While the cost in a private household is around 25-30 cents per kWh (kilowatt-hour), depending on the tariff, it's usually more than double that at campsites. Typically, it ranges between 50 and 70 cents per kWh. To avoid unnecessary discussions with the campsite operator regarding the necessary smart meter for feeding electricity into the grid for self-consumption, an off-grid solution with a battery storage system is recommended.

Is a plug-in solar device worth it?

Especially when camping, the costs are almost doubled compared to a balcony solar system at home. This makes purchasing a battery storage system particularly attractive for long-term campers. Another advantage of a battery storage system over the other option is that the generated electricity isn't wasted when not in use, but can be stored.

Generally speaking, a plug-in solar device pays for itself in terms of energy savings within just a few years.

Are plug-in solar devices ideal for those on a budget and suitable for renters?

There's something for every budget, and smaller "solar power systems" are particularly worthwhile because they can be used and utilized almost 100% of the time without any problems. Take a refrigerator, for example, which runs 24/7 and therefore always needs electricity. In that case, a battery storage system isn't necessary as an additional cost factor.

Plug-in solar devices offer tenants an easy way to participate in cheaper solar power and contribute to the energy transition. However, the landlord's consent may be required if the installation alters the building's appearance or if secure mounting necessitates structural modifications.

With Xpert.Solar, we offer consulting services for companies planning a photovoltaic system for a flat or pitched roof – even without roof penetration!

 

• Planning photovoltaics on warehouses, commercial buildings and industrial buildings
• Industrial plant: Planning a photovoltaic open-field system or open-area system
• Planning solar power systems with photovoltaic solutions for freight forwarding companies and contract logistics
• B2B Solar Systems and Photovoltaic Solutions & Consulting

• Planning solar carports

Why Xpert.Solar?

Xpert.Solar is a project of Xpert.Digital. We have many years of experience in supporting and consulting on warehouse solutions and logistics optimization, which we combine under the Xpert.Plus umbrella in a large network. With Xpert.Solar, we combine the same expertise in the field of photovoltaics and renewable energies.

If you wish, you can also access our extensive market research and market intelligence data in PDF format. Learn more.

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Xpert.Digital – Konrad Wolfenstein

Xpert.Digital is a hub for industry focusing on digitalization, mechanical engineering, logistics/intralogistics and photovoltaics.

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