Balcony Solar Panels: A Lucrative Option for 25% of Germans
Approximately a fourth of Germans express interest in solar panels installed on balconies.
A study by Verivox, exclusively unveiled to Funke media group newspapers, reveals that a quarter of Germans are open to installing solar panels on their balconies. Currently, only 9% have these mini solar panels installed, but 17% are planning to acquire a balcony power plant.
Located in the heart of Europe, Germany might not bask in endless sunlight, but that isn't stopping the enthusiasm for balcony solar power. Around 21% of respondents in the survey aren't hopeful due to a lack of space, while 15% believe it isn't financially worthwhile. Interestingly, 19% aren't keen, and another 19% are indecisive yet. The data was compiled by Innofact with 1007 participants in March this year, and the findings were weighted to mirror the overall population.
Assuming ideal conditions, a solar panel with an output of 800 watts can generate approximately 760 kWh of electricity annually. If 60% is self-consumed, it results in an estimated savings of around 160 euros per year, based on an average kilowatt-hour price of 34.7 cents/kWh.
State-led Incentives
Prices for a solar panel for a balcony range from 500 to 800 euros. For a garden or terrace, they cost between 400 and 700 euros. The initial investment is typically paid off in 2.5 to 5 years for this example calculation, according to Verivox. Over a 20-year period, approximately 3160 euros in electricity costs can be saved. Furthermore, some federal states offer subsidies for the purchase of balcony solar panels.
Balancing Efficiency with Practicality
Thorsten Storck, energy expert at Verivox, explains that the location is the only factor determining a system's yield. A south-facing balcony, a slight angle, and clear sunlight provide the best results, but even with less than optimal conditions, balcony solar panels can still be profitable. However, those with north-facing balconies and vertical solar panels may experience significant losses, as they often achieve less than a third of the potential yield.
While these panels' efficiency is paramount, their cost-effectiveness is also affected by various factors. Quality and efficient solar panels, government subsidies, and competitive products like Enphase Energy's IQ Balcony Solar System contribute to their widespread appeal in Germany. Despite their limitations, balcony solar panels remain an appealing solution for many households, and the market continues to expand as technologies evolve and incentives increase.
Solar energy, solar industry, solar panels, solar promotion, electricity price, government subsidies, and innovative products are all associated with balcony solar panels.
- The study by Verivox reveals that 17% of Germans are planning to acquire a balcony power plant, joining the 9% who already have small solar panels installed.
- Assuming optimal conditions, a 800 watt solar panel can generate approximately 760 kWh of electricity annually, potentially saving around 160 euros per year.
- State-led incentives, such as subsidies for the purchase of balcony solar panels, help offset the initial investment, which typically ranges from 500 to 800 euros.
- Thorsten Storck, an energy expert at Verivox, notes that the location is the only factor determining a system's yield, with south-facing balconies and clear sunlight providing the best results, even though less than optimal conditions can still yield profits.
- Innovative products like Enphase Energy's IQ Balcony Solar System, combined with government subsidies and the rising tide of green energy promotion, contribute to the growing appeal of balcony solar panels in Germany.
