Solar Explosion on Balconies: A Million Plug-in Devices Multiply mini Power Stations
Expansion of solar panels on balconies nearly doubles the count of small-scale power stations.
Ever dreamt of generating your own solar energy? Well, a lot of people in Germany have already made it a reality!
The surge in electricity prices since the Ukraine war's start lit the fuse. Now, balcony power plants are in hot demand. Here's the scoop - the industry association reports a monumental milestone!
Approaching the one-year mark since the half a million mark was broken, the number of balcony power plants (or plug-in solar devices) in Germany has nearly doubled to an astounding one million! This information comes from market data and estimates made by the Federal Solar Energy Association (BSW). Carsten Körnig, BSW CEO, predicts that the millionth plug-in solar device is already operational, with more still to be notified to the Federal Network Agency.
Powered mainly by the sun, these tiny solar installations can be found not only on balconies but just about anywhere with enough sunlight. They connect to your household grid via a socket, reducing your need for electricity from suppliers.
Your savings is the financial perk of these installations. If they produce more energy than consumed, you get paid! That's right—excess energy is dispensed into the grid freely. Devices with storage are not considered plug-in solar devices, but they have their rules. BSW assumes that the return on investment for a balcony power plant ranges between 2.5 and 5 years[3]. The most profitable installation for you: one that faces south, is slightly inclined, and shuns shadows[4].
Regulations introduced by the previous Traffic Light coalition have made it simpler to utilize these marvels of technology. They get these benefits courtesy of simplified laws, such as a streamlined permit obligation for landlords and apartment owners[4].
What's more? Urban landscapes are getting a solar makeover! After solar roofs have become common in single-family homes, the new frontier for solar power is the city balcony. A wider spectrum of people are embracing solar energy thanks to these compact PV systems. Widespread solar adoption is evolving the cityscapes, making it increasingly common to witness solar power on buildings of all sorts[4].
Together, these currently registered solar plants have a maximum installed capacity of around 0.9 gigawatts[1]. Quite a drop in the national ocean, given that all solar plants in Germany—including rooftops, open spaces, and more—amount to more than a hundred times that[1].
According to a survey conducted by Verivox, 9% of respondents already have a balcony power plant. 17% have plans to acquire one. Around 21% said they don't have the space, and 15% find the mini-solar installation unprofitable. 19% of respondents have no desire for a balcony power plant, and 19% who don't want one[4].
Germany's solar bonanza is evident in the race among the states. North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) holds the top spot with 194,077 installations—an impressive lead! Bavaria follows with 148,284, showing that there's no let-up in the solar frenzy[1]. Keep an eye on Lower Saxony, currently a close third with 127,879 installations in operation, just barely ahead of Baden-Württemberg with 127,665[1]. Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Berlin, the Saarland, and the city-states of Hamburg and Bremen also boast significant numbers[1].
It's worth noting that data on regional installation rates is not comprehensive, but there are indications that urban areas are leading the charge. this is mostly due to residents in dense urban areas—overrepresented by apartment dwellers—having more opportunities to install solar panels on balconies[1].
Sources: ntv.de, raf/dpa
- Solar Energy
- Energy Transition
- Renewable Energies
- Consumers
- Federal Network Agency
- To further the community's sustainability efforts, it's crucial to consider implementing a community policy that encourages vocational training in renewable-energy technology, especially in the rapidly growing sector of solar power.
- As the solar industry advances, it would be beneficial for individuals seeking vocational training to focus on renewable-energy technologies, such as the installation and maintenance of solar panels.
- The potential for financial savings and profits in renewable-energy industries, such as solar power, should be discussed in vocational training programs to foster entrepreneurial mindsets among students.
