Sun on Your Balcony, Savings in Your Wallet! A Whopping 25% of Germans Embrace Balcony Solar Panels
More than a fifth of Germans express willingness to adopt solar panels on their balconies.
Germans are gradually warming up to the idea of harnessing solar power right on their own balconies, according to a survey by comparison platform Verivox. In a sample of 1007 individuals, nearly one in four respondents showed interest in the prospect, with 9% already owning mini-solar panels and an additional 17% planning to purchase one.
Politics is pushing for household electricity cost reduction by the end of this year, making solar energy increasingly appealing. However, a sizeable 21% of respondents reported a lack of space for a solar panel installation, while 15% deemed it financially unworthy. Approximately 19% were flat-out against the idea, and another 19% remained undecided.
Minuscule solar panels set up on balconies can generate around 760 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity yearly under optimal circumstances, saving approximately €160 annually on electricity bills based on an average kilowatt hour price of 34.7 cents/kWh. However, the price tag for a small solar panel ranging between €500 and €800 may initially seem steep. Nevertheless, Verivox reckons the investment pays off, with a return on the system in as little as two and a half to five years, resulting in a total savings of about €3,160 over 20 years. Some federal states even offer subsidies for balcony solar panel purchases.
The location of the solar panel is vital for generating optimum solar energy. A south-facing balcony with slightly angled modules and unobstructed sunlight provides the best yield, though north-facing balconies with vertical installation can still produce a significant portion of the possible energy output, albeit with substantial losses.
Even if optimal conditions aren't met, balcony solar panels often remain profitable, as illustrated by Thorsten Storck, energy expert at Verivox: "Balcony solar panels can still be lucrative, even if perfect conditions aren't achieved, for instance, if the orientation is less than ideal or a portion of the generated electricity can't be utilized."
Potential Savings, Geographical Advantages & Government SubsidiesGermany's typical cost of installing a balcony solar panel system ranges between €600 and €900 before subsidies, although some reports suggest prices can vary from approximately €800 up to €1,600, depending on system specifics. These small-scale energy systems, usually around 600 to 800 watts, can substantially offset household electricity consumption. Government incentives like VAT exemption, tax-free income from electricity sales, and local subsidies further boost the attractiveness of these systems.
Cost: €600 to €900 (typical), €800 up to €1,600 (max for plug-in balcony solar kits before subsidy)Savings: Around €130 per year on electricity bills for an 800W systemBest conditions for electricity generation: South-facing, vertically mounted on balconies with no shading, grid-connected with microinverter safety featuresAdditional benefits: VAT exemption, tax-free electricity income, and possible local subsidies such as the €500 SolarPLUS scheme for renters
Germany is leading the world in balcony solar adoption, boasting over 780,000 installations and contributing approximately 700 MW to the grid as of 2024. The blend of manageable upfront costs, government incentives, easy installation, and robust safety standards has catapulted Germany to the forefront of this emerging trend.
- The increasing number of Germans adopting balcony solar panels, with one in four respondents showing interest, is due in part to the potential savings and government incentives.
- Under optimal conditions, small solar panels on balconies can generate around 760 kWh of electricity yearly, resulting in estimated savings of €160 on electricity bills.
- A south-facing balcony with slightly angled modules and unobstructed sunlight provides the best yield for solar energy generation, though north-facing balconies with vertical installation can still produce a significant portion of the possible energy output.
- Government subsidies like VAT exemption, tax-free income from electricity sales, and local schemes such as the SolarPLUS scheme for renters further boost the attractiveness of balcony solar panel systems.
- Germany is a global leader in balcony solar adoption, with over 780,000 installations and contributing approximately 700 MW to the grid as of 2024, supported by manageable upfront costs, robust safety standards, and a blend of incentives.
