What is a balcony photovoltaic power plant: Balkonkraftwerk

The balcony photovoltaic system is called "balkonkraftwerk" in Germany. It is an ultra-small distributed photovoltaic system, consisting of one or two photovoltaic modules, a micro-inverter and a bracket system. Users only need to fix the photovoltaic system on the balcony railing, plug the system cable into the socket at home, and connect it to the home circuit to provide clean energy to home appliances. Many urban apartment residents do not have access to spacious roofs or courtyards, but they also want to achieve energy transformation and save money on electricity bills. Therefore, balcony photovoltaics with compact layout and small size have become the best choice for apartment residents.

The size of German residential balconies varies by region and city, with sizes typically ranging from 1.5 to 4 square meters, although larger balconies are also available. In addition, the height of balcony railings is usually about 1.2 meters, which is suitable for horizontal installation of conventional components. Balconies are usually made of materials such as aluminum alloy and stainless steel.

The German Federal Cabinet adopted a new photovoltaic development package (including the Solarpaket I policy) to promote the achievement of the total installed capacity target of 215GW in 2030. Policy support will be provided for balcony photovoltaic, rooftop, industrial and commercial, and community building photovoltaic scenarios to fully benefit the development of photovoltaic in Germany. The plan is to take effect in early 2024.

1. In a new plan to simplify the process, the government gives apartment owners and even tenants the right to install these devices without first consulting the building’s landlord board.

2. Households will no longer need to register with the grid operator or install a two-way meter before installing solar panels on their balcony (the original meter can continue to be used during the transition period).

3. Clarify that after March 1, 2023, EGG subsidies will only be provided for photovoltaic systems installed outdoors in buildings.

From January 1, 2023, the value-added tax on balcony photovoltaic systems will be reduced from 19% to 0%. Promote balcony photovoltaics nationwide.

Market and Customer Profile

The market volume is expected to be approximately 285~570MW in 24 years. Hessen has the highest popularity. Most of its customers are those who own their own homes, consume 1,500~4,000KWh of electricity annually, are over 30 years old, male, and have higher education.

The sales model of balcony photovoltaics is similar to that of consumer electronics. It is available to users of online shopping and offline large supermarkets, and is packaged and sold with brackets, micro-inverter auxiliary materials, etc. Therefore, the future sales strategy is recommended to adopt the model of cooperating with distributors to form small photovoltaic systems for online and offline sales.trina solar panels