The power limit for balcony power plants should actually rise from 600 to 800 watts from January 2024. But these and other planned changes are still being delayed because the Bundestag vote on them is not scheduled until mid-January. What users of balcony power plants should know now.
Anyone who has decided to purchase a balcony power plant should know the most important legal regulations before purchasing. This year, some regulations surrounding mini solar systems are set to change.
Balcony power plant: These rules must be observed in 2024
In its photovoltaic strategy, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection has summarized all the regulations for operating a balcony power plant that will apply from 2024. This includes:
- Power supply of up to 800 watts: Operators of balcony power plants should be allowed to feed a total of up to 800 watts into the power grid. The upper limit is currently 600 watts.
- Easier registration: While operators previously had to be entered in the market master data register and reported to the network operator, at least the latter will no longer apply in the future.
- Schuko plug: The connection of the balcony power plant with a Schuko plug should be officially permitted in 2024, even if this has not been explicitly prohibited so far.
- Temporarily permitted – counters running backwards: Anyone who currently wants to connect a balcony power plant needs a bidirectional meter. From this year it should be possible to connect the mini solar system to a reverse meter – at least temporarily until a new meter is installed.
These balcony power plants will be usable from 2024
Anyone who is currently thinking about purchasing a balcony power plant does not have to wait until the federal government has decided on the new regulations for small solar systems before purchasing. Systems are already available that are equipped with an inverter that can be upgraded from the currently permitted 600 watts to 800 watts once the new regulations come into force.
One such mini solar system is the ready-to-plug complete set from Kleines Kraftwerk. The balcony power plant is equipped with two bifacial solar modules, each with 430 watts. The set also includes an 800-watt inverter from Hoymiles and a five-meter Schuko cable – ideal for operation from 2024.
Here you can find the offer from Kleines Kraftwerk
- Model: Small power station duo without bracket (complete package)
- Solar modules: two panels, each with 430 watts, bifacial, with the latest TOPCon technology
- Inverter: 600/800 watt Hoymiles with WiFi
Practical: The inverter is WLAN-capable. With a suitable app, the user can check the energy generated by their balcony power plant at any time. The Balcony Power Plant Duo receives another plus point for the use of the latest TOPCon technology, which allows the maximum performance of the system to be fully exploited.
Balcony power plant from Pianeta: High yield thanks to four solar panels
The Pianeta balcony power plant is particularly suitable for those with a lot of space. After all, the complete set, ready to plug in, comes with four solar modules. Also included is a 600/800 watt inverter from Hoymiles.
Click here to see the offer on Ebay
- Model: Pianeta plug-in balcony power plant
- Solar modules: four modules with 410 watts each
- Inverter: 1,500 watt Hoymiles inverter, can be throttled to 600/800 watts
Due to the higher number of solar modules, Pianeta’s Balcony Power is able to generate more energy than is currently permitted. With the inverter, the wattage can initially be reduced to 600 watts and later to 800 watts. The larger system is still practical, especially if locations with less optimal conditions are to be equipped with a mini solar system.
Balcony power plant with electricity storage
A major disadvantage of balcony power plants is that the energy generated cannot yet be stored. The manufacturer Anker has developed a solution for this and brought a balcony power plant with storage onto the market. One disadvantage is the still very high price for the set. If you still want to spend the money, the SOLIX RS40B B model is a system with two solar modules, inverter, brackets and storage.
Click here for the offer on Amazon
- Model: Anchor SOLIX RS40B balcony power plant with storage
- Solar modules: two panels with 410 watts each
- Inverter: WiFi inverter 600 watts, upgrade to 800 watts possible
A big advantage of the mini solar system is that the included solar bank stores the electricity generated. This means that the energy not used can also be used later and is not simply lost.
Balcony power plant: This is important for 2024
If you want to buy a balcony power plant, you should choose a model that has an output of at least 800 watts. The right inverter is also essential for this. This should be designed for 800 watts or, at best, be able to be upgraded to this wattage. After the setup, you should register with the market master data register as soon as possible. The network operator is automatically informed and then takes care of replacing the meter. These new regulations are intended to make it easier for balcony power plant owners and anyone who would like to become one in 2024 to operate their own small mini solar system – even if the Bundestag’s necessary change to the law in Solar Package I is still a while away.
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