The balcony power plant has almost been ordered – but the question still remains as to how and where it will be attached? There are various options for this. We explain what these are and what you should pay attention to when attaching them.
Balcony power plants are mini photovoltaic systems that usually only consist of one or two modules. Due to their relatively compact size, they can be installed almost anywhere outdoors – it doesn’t necessarily have to be the balcony railing. It can also be attached to flat roofs, facades or in the garden. All you need is the right fastening material. Let’s take a look at what options are available.
Before attaching the balcony power plant: This must be checked
- Which location is suitable for the balcony power plant? Do the dimensions fit? Is the load capacity sufficient?
- Should the system be expanded in the future – and is there still enough space?
- Are there specific regulations for installing a mini PV system and do permits have to be obtained?
- Can the mini solar system be optimally aligned and tilted to achieve the best possible energy yield?
Classic fastening of a balcony power plant: on the balcony railing
Attachment to the balcony railing is well suited for tenants because this form of installation can be quickly and easily dismantled. Practically, the building structure is not affected. Fixings for balcony railings are available in all suitable designs, for square or round railings as well as for large or small ones. This type of installation is popular because it is quick and easy with the right mounting and does not necessarily require skilled personnel. Lattice balconies are particularly suitable, as the fastening here works firmly and securely.
There are ready-made systems available commercially for attaching to a lattice balcony. As a rule, these can be mounted at the appropriate angle and realigned if necessary. Important to know: The steeper the angle, the more load the railing bears. It is best to fix the balcony power plant both above and below. It can also be attached to wooden or glass cladding; a small gap is enough for installation. However, if you have a balcony with concrete cladding, you will need to drill.
Click here for the grid holder offer at Kleines Kraftwerk
Wall mounting: bracket for facades and concrete balconies
There are also complete sets for installing a balcony power plant on the facade or on a balcony with concrete cladding, which include all the necessary materials for safe and easy installation and can be individually adjusted. However, there are a few things to consider when using this type of attachment:
- Since the building structure will be damaged, you should definitely consult the landlord beforehand.
- If possible, the insulation behind the facade should not be drilled through.
- Flat and angle mounting are possible. Angle mounting is often more recommended as more sunlight can hit the modules. However, the facade will be expanded quite a bit – so the space required for this should be available.
Click here for the wall mount offer on Ebay
Balcony power plant brackets for the garden or flat roof
Unused areas can easily be equipped with a balcony power plant. On the lawn or on the flat roof, the optimal (south) orientation and the appropriate angle can be adjusted using a stand – the electricity yield is optimized in this way. Stand mounts that can be mounted on flat open spaces are a particularly flexible option for installing a balcony power plant. Another advantage: The holder is extremely easy to install as it does not need to be attached anywhere.
However, the holder must be weighed down if possible, especially on flat roofs, otherwise it is vulnerable to wind and storms. This is possible, for example, with concrete slabs. If you want to be on the safe side, it is better to screw the holder to the surface. In this case, it is important to ensure that the roof is kept tight. Bitumen roofs, for example, can be resealed with liquid plastic.
Click here for the roof mount offer on Amazon
And here you can find the garden bracket offer at Kleines Kraftwerk
What you should consider when buying a holder for balcony power plants
It makes sense to buy a balcony power station bracket as a complete set that has been specially designed for the respective application and contains all the important components. But there are still a few things that those interested should have on their radar:
- Compatibility: Is the mounting system compatible with the weight and size of the respective solar module?
- Provider: Is the provider trustworthy? Is there a service hotline that could provide support in an emergency?
- Material: Is the material stable, weatherproof and rust-proof? Are there DIN certificates for the quality of the material? Examples of options include aluminum, stainless steel or galvanized steel.
- Extreme weather conditions: Can the module and bracket withstand large amounts of snow and storms?
- Maintenance: Does the holder make any maintenance work on the modules possible?
- Price: Price and performance should be right, good brackets cost between 50 and 100 euros per module.
This article contains so-called affiliate links. Further information are available here.