Balcony power plants: The mini is good for this

Plugs in and the current flows: Solar power systems for balconies, the garden hut, the carport and house and garage walls can be operated as easy. Such compact photovoltaic systems with plugs for ordinary sockets are not only for homeowners, the first step towards their own electricity production, but also for tenants.

"The attraction of these devices is that they are easily set up and operated by lay people," says Martin Brandis, energy consultant of the Federal Consumer Center. As a rule, the manufacturers delivered are sufficient for this, the support from a specialist company is usually not necessary.

How do the systems work?

The essential element of these solar systems from the shelf are one or two panels that together generate a power of the highest 600 watts. The solar radiation generates direct current, which is then converted into a network current in the device. And it merges into the domestic power grid via an ordinary Schuko connector.

For safety, you should make sure that the selected model can actually be connected to usual home sockets. Otherwise there is a risk of overload and in the worst case. There are also models that provide a special energy socket.

The big advantage: the panels can not only be installed quickly via the sockets, they can also be reduced quickly and you can take them with you. And that's why they are suitable for tenants as well as for house and apartment owners.

Are there special conditions for tenants?

You should ask the house owner about his approval before the structure, lawyer Julia Wagner from the owner association Haus & Grund Germany recommends. Because this bears the responsibility that his property will certainly bear this system and that neighbors are not impaired by glare or tasting.

Where can I hang these photovoltaic systems?

The systems need an area on or on the building, such as on a balcony. "In order to optimally use the sun's rays there, the panels should be aligned to the south," advises energy expert Brandis. The inclination of the solar modules also plays a role for maximum power yield. "Between 20 and 30 degrees inclination is optimal."

Minor deviations from these specifications, for example because the systems are crazy to avoid the shadow of neighboring buildings or trees, are not very important. Even vertical assembly on the facade is possible.

What do the systems cost?

The devices, also known as the balcony power plant, cost between 400 and 800 euros, depending on the equipment. "It is mainly driven through online shops, in construction or do-it-yourself markets you can still see them rarely," reports Martin Brandis.

Extra costs can arise, for example if there is no Schuko socket nearby or if the selected models require special energy tank cans. Where they are missing, they must be set and connected by a specialist company.

In addition, the network operators expect a two-direction current meter so that the solar power, which is not used directly in the household, can be forwarded-free into the general power grid. The network operators bear the acquisition and installation costs of these devices, but for the end consumers a monthly or annual rent is due for the counter.

Good to know: the systems are largely maintenance-free and designed for a good 20 years.

How much electricity can I produce with it?

"On average, a solar plug creates up to 600 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity a year," says Bernhard Weyres-Borchert from the German Society for Solar Energy (DGS). "It should be noted that the yield can also be significantly lower depending on the location and local conditions."

With an annual electricity consumption of an average of around 1200 kilowatt hours (kWh) per person, the potential is manageable. In addition, the system generates the majority of the electricity from solar energy in summer, while the yield should remain low in winter.

Do the systems for the energy transition contribute?

Every bit of electricity from sustainable energies does. “These concepts do not play a major role in the energy transition. With greater distribution, especially in densely populated metropolitan areas with many rental apartments, their importance could increase, ”says Brandis.

_Surf tip: solar system on your own roof? You can also rent 1. _