Half a million German balconies already feature solar panels

These household solar plants have not waned in popularity in this European country

Almost a year ago, we reported on a trend that’s been gripping many German urban residents – the installation of solar panels on their balconies. During that relatively short period, the number of such households has more than doubled to pass the half-a-million milestone.

According to I Am Expat, the surge in popularity is likely thanks to Germany’s new Solar Package I policy, which was passed in August 2023 and came into effect in January 2024. The new regulation cleared several bureaucratic hurdles that made it cumbersome to install balcony solar panels.

In fact, the installation rate of balcony solar panel units seems to be accelerating given that in April 2024 the number of households clocked in at 400,000 – this was less than two months ago.

Balcony power plants – how easy is it to get connected?

The above-mentioned Solar Package I makes it simple for anyone to get hooked and start producing their own solar-derived energy. And it’s not only open to owners – rent tenants can decide to do it as well. Naturally, the latter first needs to ask the former for permission before taking the step, however, the landlords have not been given too many options to deny such requests by the regulations.

Candidates can install the solar panels themselves, but they must first register their “balcony power plant” in a government database. A solar panel kit can cost between 300 and 1.000 euros depending on demand and has a lifespan of 25 years. According to figures from Verivox, solar panels save households an average of 228 euros per year.

Still, a balcony power plant might not be an optimal solution for everyone, especially in the less sunny parts of Germany. On the bright side, owners and tenants can apply for subsidies, such as the 500-euro Business SolarPLUS subsidy from Berlin’s Senate, which covers the cost of installation.