Balcony power stations: Sustainable energy from the balcony - Now available in our store!

In times of rising energy prices, influenced by global events, many people are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs and live in a more environmentally friendly way at the same time. One increasingly popular solution is so-called balcony power plants, also known as balcony solar systems or mini PV systems. These small photovoltaic systems are easy to install and offer many benefits for both homeowners and tenants. In our store, we offer various solar panels with different mounting options to meet the individual needs of our customers.

What is a balcony power plant?

Balcony power plants are compact plug & play solar systems with an output of up to 600 watts. They consist of solar modules that can be installed directly on the balcony or on a façade. The electricity generated can be fed into the household grid immediately via a normal socket. This eliminates the need for time-consuming installation work and the need to hire an electrician, which significantly reduces the purchase costs.

Advantages of balcony power plants

Simple installation: Most balcony power stations are designed so that they can be installed without a great deal of effort or specialist knowledge. A simple bracket allows them to be attached to balconies or facades, and they are connected via a standard socket.

Cost savings:

As no complex installation work or approvals are required, many of the costs that would be incurred with larger PV systems are eliminated. In addition, the system pays for itself more quickly, as most of the electricity generated is used for self-consumption.

Environmentally friendly:

With a balcony solar system, you make an active contribution to environmental protection by reducing your CO2 footprint and relying on renewable energies.

Flexibility:

Balcony power plants are particularly attractive for tenants, as the modules can be easily dismantled and taken with you when you move house.

In our store you will find a large selection of solar panels and mounting systems tailored to your needs.

Legal situation and permits in Switzerland

In Switzerland, small, plug-in PV systems with an output of up to 600 watts can be installed without a permit. However, these systems must be registered with the local electricity company. This does not apply to core zones and protected objects such as cultural and architectural monuments, where special regulations may apply.

Remuneration for the energy fed into the grid

Even if only a small amount of energy is fed into the grid with a maximum production capacity of 600 watts, the feed-in must be remunerated in accordance with Art. 15 of the Energy Act and Art. 11 and 12 of the Energy Ordinance. If the grid operator refuses to do so, this can be reported to Elcom.

Maximum output and number of modules

The 600 watt limit refers to the maximum output of the inverter. This means that more module power than 600 watts can be installed as long as the DC input values of the inverter are complied with. Typically, two modules with a peak power of around 400 watts each are used to make optimum use of the 600 watts.

Monitoring and smart home integration

Many micro inverters offer the option of visualizing the yield via an app. A practical and universal solution is the myStrom Smart Plug, which can also be configured as a production meter for PV systems. The myStrom app can be used to monitor the electricity generated and create rules to optimize self-consumption.

Battery solutions for balcony power plants

Although storage solutions are now also available for mini PV systems, these are often not practical due to the high costs and low efficiency of 600 watt systems. Direct self-consumption of the electricity generated remains the most efficient use.

Balcony solar for owners of large PV systems

Owners of large PV systems can also benefit from a balcony power plant. By mounting them vertically on balconies or facades, additional electricity production can be achieved, particularly in the winter months when the sun is lower and roof systems are less effective. This offers an ideal supplement to the existing PV system.

Conclusion

Balcony power plants are a practical, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to reduce your own energy costs and make a contribution to climate protection. They are easy to install, flexible to use and also offer an attractive solution for tenants. By combining them with smart home technologies, self-consumption can be optimized and the electricity generated can be used efficiently. Balcony power plants are an excellent option for anyone looking for a simple and quick solution to produce electricity sustainably.

Visit our store and discover our selection of high-quality solar panels and mounting systems that are perfectly tailored to your individual needs. Take the opportunity to reduce your energy costs and make a valuable contribution to environmental protection at the same time!