Balcony Solar Power in Germany: A Growing Trend
Around a fourth of German residents consider installing solar panels on their balconies.
The realm of solar energy in Germany is expanding, with a significant number of people opting for solar panels on their balconies. According to a recent survey by Verivox, a quarter of Germans are open to installing a solar panel on their balcony, making it an increasingly popular choice for homeowners.
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The survey, which questioned 1007 individuals in March, found that nine percent of Germans have already installed a mini solar panel, and a further 17 percent are considering buying a balcony power station. A breakdown of responses shows that roughly 21% of respondents don't have sufficient space for a balcony power station, while 15% don't see it as worthwhile. Another 19 percent don't want one, and 19 percent are undecided.
Financial Implications
Under ideal conditions, a balcony power station capable of generating 800 watts can produce around 760 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year, reducing electricity bills by approximately 160 euros, given an average kilowatt hour price of 34.7 cents/kWh. The purchase cost for these systems ranges from 500 to 800 euros, and for larger gardens or terraces, the cost is between 400 and 700 euros. According to Verivox, the purchase costs are recouped in 2.5 to 5 years, and systems running for 20 years can save up to 3160 euros.
Even when ideal conditions for solar energy generation are not met, the investment remains profitable. Thorsten Storck, an energy expert at Verivox, states, "Balcony power stations often make sense even if the ideal conditions are not met... It just takes a bit longer."
The Impact of Location
The yield of the system is primarily determined by the location. A south-facing balcony, moderate angle, and shadow-free solar modules maximize solar energy yields. However, residents with north-facing balconies and vertical installation may only achieve a third of the possible yield.
As Germany continues to embrace solar energy and financial incentives such as the SolarPLUS scheme support homeowners, the number of balcony solar installations is likely to increase. This trend underscores the importance of sustainable energy options for urban dwellers with limited space.
Sources: ntv.de, mau
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] For more information on the growth and potential of balcony solar in Germany, check out our data on market size, costs, savings, and yield factors.
- The growing trend of balcony solar power in Germany, as revealed by a Verivox survey, has opened up community aid opportunities for small and medium-sized undertakings in the solar panel and energy industries.
- With the increasing number of Germans considering buying a balcony power station, there is a need for aid for small and medium-sized undertakings in the finance sector to provide affordable loans for these investments.
- The average savings of around 160 euros per year from a 800-watt balcony power station, as calculated by Verivox, could potentially boost the revenue of small and medium-sized businesses in the energy sector.
- The technology used in balcony solar panels is another area where aid for small and medium-sized undertakings could be beneficial, as advancements could increase efficiency and reduce costs.
- As the number of balcony solar installations increases due to financial incentives, there is a potential for small and medium-sized businesses in the technology sector to develop innovative solutions for energy storage and management.
