Anyone who wants to buy a balcony power plant can use their own electricity generation from the first sunny day. Mini solar systems convert solar energy into usable electricity. In order for this to work as efficiently as possible, users should pay attention to a few things when purchasing.
A balcony power plant consists of one or more solar modules that are connected to a socket via the inverter. These convert sunlight into energy and feed the electricity generated directly into the home network or a storage device. This can reduce your electricity bill in the long run. If you want to buy a balcony power plant online, you should go through a few points in advance – we’ll show you what they are below.
Note: You can read what is important before buying a balcony power plant here: Save energy with a balcony power plant: What tenants need to know
Buy a mini PV system: The complete, ready-to-plug-in set
Three components are necessary to install a balcony power plant:
- The solar module
- An inverter
- A connection cable with cable and Schuko plug or a Wieland set
All components can be purchased individually – but this is quite tedious and in the end the price can add up. It is easier to buy a complete balcony power plant set. With a so-called plug-in mini PV system, all important elements are already included in the scope of delivery. Only brackets, WLAN modules or other special components are not always included. An optional storage unit for the balcony power plant usually also needs to be purchased.
If you want to buy a complete balcony power plant set, you could find it from the provider Kleines Kraftwerk, for example. There are ready-made complete packages for the lattice balcony in various sizes as a single version with one solar module, as a duo model with two modules and as a Quattro option with four solar modules. The larger the area of solar panels, the more electricity generation is possible. Under optimal conditions, the manufacturer promises 430 to 1,720 kilowatt hours of electricity generated per year, depending on the set.
Power: 600 or 800 watts?
Performance is a crucial factor when users want to buy a balcony power plant. At the moment, the limit for the amount fed into the home network in Germany is still 600 watts. In 2024, this limit will be raised to 800 watts, but this is currently still pending.
This means: The maximum output of the solar modules should now be at least 800 watts be. When purchasing a balcony power plant, an 800-watt inverter should be included. The best option is a throttleable inverter that can be adjusted to the permitted wattage.
Click here to find a complete throttleable balcony power plant set on Amazon
Store excess electricity: Buy storage for a balcony power plant
If you don’t want to feed electricity directly into the house network, you can connect a storage device between the mini PV system and the socket. In this way, an inverter with a maximum of 1,500 watts is also possible. With a powerful battery storage system, the energy generated can be used exactly when it is needed – it does not automatically flow into the public grid when not in use. If a storage tank is to be purchased for the balcony power plant, it is recommended to pay attention to the following components:
- Powerful lithium batteries for high storage capacity
- Connection cable for the inverter and the solar modules
- Management system for controlling storage processes
Above all, the storage system should of course be compatible with the existing balcony power plant. There is also the option to buy complete balcony power plant sets including storage – then users are on the safe side.
Click here for the balcony power plant storage offer at Kleines Kraftwerk
After purchasing a balcony power plant: The optimal installation
Once the balcony power plant has been purchased, the next step is correct installation for optimized power generation. Important: The position and orientation of the modules. Before you buy, it is therefore an advantage to think carefully about where and how the balcony power plant should be installed. Some complete sets for balconies already include brackets. Lattice balconies are particularly suitable for fastening. If there is no bracket available when purchasing a plug-in balcony power plant, this can be purchased separately.
Click here to find a solar module holder on Amazon
This is important for the efficient performance of the solar module:
- Orientation: If possible, face south to get the maximum amount of sunlight.
- Tilt angle: The light should hit the solar cells as vertically as possible.
- Shading is to be avoided.
- cleaning and maintenance: Dirt, dust and other debris should be removed regularly as these can affect light absorption.
Buying a balcony power plant: What is important?
Buying a mini PV system is a great way to reduce your electricity bill. Of course, it takes a few years for the acquisition costs to be amortized. Since mini solar systems are designed to last for a long time and the manufacturers often offer a guarantee of more than ten years, buying a balcony power plant is still worthwhile in the long term.
Ready-to-plug models are the simplest solution for installing a small photovoltaic system with little effort and without the help of a specialist. If you want to buy a balcony power plant, you should make sure it has a sufficiently high output and is easy to install, as well as having a sunny balcony. You can optionally purchase an additional balcony power plant storage system so that you can use the electricity generated as efficiently as possible.
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