In Germany, more and more people are installing solar panels, not on their roof, but on their balcony. In total, more than 400,000 systems have been installed in recent years.
Solar balconies essentially consist of just one or two panels and a mounting structure. The panels are connected to an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current, so that the electricity generated can be used in the home. Although the energy output is relatively small, users can install them themselves and they cost much less than a roof structure.
Sun balconies are especially popular in Germany. More than 50,000 installations were installed during the first quarter of 2024 alone. That’s what Euronews reports. According to an expert Euronews spoke to, around 200 megawatts worth of solar balconies have already been installed in Germany. On rooftops, the total installed capacity in the country is 80 times greater, but there are a number of reasons why solar balconies are gaining popularity.
Why are they popular?
Firstly, solar balconies make it possible for more people to generate solar energy. For example, sun balconies can be used by people who rent. Solar balconies also offer a solution for houses that are protected as heritage or that do not receive enough sunlight. Such panels can also be installed in apartments that do not have access to a roof.
The German government has encouraged the use of solar balconies by, for example, introducing feed-in tariffs, where people receive a fixed price for each unit of electricity they supply to the grid. The government has also taken steps to reduce red tape surrounding solar energy installations. Finally, subsidies are offered at a regional level to help cover the costs of solar balconies.
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Tags: Popular Germany generating electricity solar balconies
