Plug in and the electricity is already flowing: Solar power systems for balconies, garden sheds, carports and house and garage walls can be operated that easily.Such compact photovoltaic systems with plugs for ordinary sockets are not only the first step for homeowners to produce their own electricity, but also for tenants."The appeal of these devices is that they can be easily set up and operated by non-professionals," says Martin Brandis, energy consultant at the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations.The descriptions supplied by the manufacturer are usually sufficient for this, and support from a specialist company is usually not required.An essential element of these off-the-shelf solar systems are one or two panels that together generate a maximum output of 600 watts.Direct current is generated by solar radiation, which is then converted to mains current in the device.And it goes into the domestic power supply via a standard Schuko plug.To be on the safe side, you should make sure when buying that the model you choose can actually be connected to standard house sockets.Otherwise there is a risk of overloading and, in the worst case, a fire.There are also models that provide a special power socket.The big advantage: The panels can not only be installed quickly via the sockets, they can also be dismantled quickly and you can take them with you.And that's why they are just as suitable for tenants as they are for house and apartment owners.Are there special conditions for tenants?You should ask the homeowner for his approval before starting construction, recommends lawyer Julia Wagner from the Haus & Grund Germany owners’ association.This is because he is responsible for ensuring that his property supports this system safely and that neighbors are not adversely affected by glare or shading.Where can I hang these photovoltaic systems?The systems need an area on or near the building, for example on a balcony."In order to make optimal use of the incident solar radiation, the panels should be aligned to the south," advises energy expert Brandis.The inclination of the solar modules also plays a role for maximum electricity yield."Between 20 and 30 degrees inclination is optimal."Slight deviations from these specifications, for example because the systems are moved to avoid the shadows of neighboring buildings or trees, are not of great consequence.Even vertical mounting on the facade is possible.The devices, also known as balcony power plants, cost between 400 and 800 euros, depending on the configuration."They are mainly sold via online shops, and you rarely see them in DIY stores," reports Martin Brandis.Extra costs may arise, for example if there is no Schuko socket nearby or if the selected models require special power sockets.Where they are missing, they must be fitted and connected by a specialist company.In addition, the grid operators expect a two-way electricity meter so that the solar power that is not consumed directly in the household can be forwarded to the general power grid without any problems.The purchase and installation costs of these devices are borne by the network operator, but the end consumer has to pay a monthly or annual rent for the meter.Good to know: The systems are largely maintenance-free and designed for a good 20-year service life.A solar system on the roof of your own house can save you a lot of money, but planning and installation are not without pitfalls.So that you can navigate these well, quickly and cheaply, the Efahrer editors-in-chief Josef Reitberger and Lisa Brack, as well as the solar consultant Kai Stöckmann, will explain the individual steps in our free webinar on Tuesday, August 9th, from 6.30 p.m.GET YOUR FREE TICKET HERE!How much electricity can I produce with it?"A solar plug-in system generates an average of up to 600 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year," says Bernhard Weyres-Borchert from the German Society for Solar Energy (DGS)."It should be noted that the yield can also be significantly lower depending on the location and local conditions."With an average annual electricity consumption of around 1200 kilowatt hours (kWh) per person, the potential is manageable.In addition, the system generates most of the electricity from solar energy in the summer, while the yield is likely to remain low in the winter.Do the systems contribute to the energy transition?Every little bit of electricity from sustainable energies does that. Even if experts like Martin Brandis and Bernhard Weyres-Borchert say that the heyday of plug-in solar devices off the shelf is still to come.“These concepts do not yet play a major role in the energy transition.However, if they become more widespread, especially in densely populated metropolitan areas with many rental apartments, their importance could increase,” says Brandis.Surf tip: Solar system on your own roof?You can also rent one.Thanks very much!Your comment has been sent.In the interest of our users, we reserve the right to check every contribution before publication.As a registered user, you will be automatically notified by email when your comment has been activated....you can't just connect it...you need a permit...from the network operator and the electrician has to come by too.These costs alone eat up all "income/savings".If you don't do it and the hut burns down...you can pay.Then the faces grow long.Are articles of this color, or do you really want to make the reader believe that 2 sqm solar cells can keep up with the wealthy and their 50 and more sqm roof areas?Have been using it for 3 years.With 5 modules I can even charge my e-car from time to time so that my power consumption does not become negative because the counter runs backwards merrily.I'm looking forward to the helpful comments here...The balcony power plants will soon push the roof systems out of the grid, which in turn will remove large PV roofs from companies and then wind farms.But it is not saved anywhere, then 2/3 of the time the coal power roars forever - "Man, we are stupid man".Almost like our federal Olaf, knows and talks (writes) a lot, but doesn't say anything.The main thing is to add your two cents.Friday, June 24th, 2022 |07:42 |Klaus Weber2 answersSince very few will install such a part, the counter has no choice but to turn backwards.This is unlikely to fly.Well then - happy saving.It was granted to the rip-offsThe utility software isn't stupid either.It does a plausibility check on every meter.If the software sounds an alarm, someone comes by to check the meter and possibly replace it with another one.If they also see the panels, then they can think up a nice story.Thursday, 06/23/2022 |23:23 |Revilo Adul |2 answersThese systems are actually very easy to set up and connect and effectively reduce the power consumption required by the grid operator.And it is precisely from this side that the problems await future balcony power plant operators.You are torpedoed with bureaucratic obstacles.Example Düsseldorf: the network operator there requests a form that can only be signed by the local electrical company.Otherwise there is no two-way counter.If the Düsseldorfer looks at the nearby Netherlands, he rubs his eyes.No bureaucracy, no two-way meter, just connect.Electricity fed into the grid is charged 1:1 with the electricity purchased.This is how the energy transition works.Monday, 04.07.2022 |11:42 |jürgen nettstreterThe whole thing is called "NetMetering" - net accounting.At midday, more is produced than consumed and fed into the grid.In the evening, it is pulled from the network and counted.A fair deal.But our grid operators want to sell electricity.That is why the mini PV systems are being torpedoed.Either through bureaucracy or meter conversion.Operators should take care of electricity storage systemThursday, 06/23/2022 |22:31 |Juergen Peters |1 answerHave 5 modules installed that do 8-9kWh on a good day.Thanks to the old electricity meter that turns backwards, this gives negative "consumption".It's not entirely legal, but I don't care.You have to know how to defend yourself in these times.And all this via Schuko and without an electrician.In case of doubt, an illegal guerrilla PV has no insurance cover.If the booth burns down, which has happened before, then there is also the accusation of dangerous arson.Not registering is therefore stupid.Thursday, 06/23/2022 |07:48 |Klaus Sanders |3 answersHere in Berlin, the trees have grown enormously over the past 20 years after so many restaurants have opened in the area.They also provide nature with a lot of CO2.I measured that many times a day.That's why I only have 1 hour of sun on the balcony (to the north) at sunrise in the morning.After that there is no sun on this side for the whole day.On the other southern side of the apartment there is only half an hour sun twice during the day.After that it is always dark because of the huge tree standing there.I therefore very often have to do without "saving energy" and turn on the light.I don't have heaven here anymore.That's why the telescopes purchased in the 1990s are just lying around.Trees in the big city?Such a mess but also, these green things block every view of asphalt and concrete with fresh green, these things are nasty and they also give shadows, almost unbearable.Thursday, June 23, 2022 |07:21 |Olaf Fries |3 answersThe DKE is currently working with the DGS and some other lobbyists on a product standard.The insurance industry expressly wants an electrician to come and install a power socket, knowing full well that he is hard to find at the moment.And the FNN, which also has a say in decision-making here, finds it difficult to accept the usual plug for feeds, which was invented for electricity purchases, so it's a purely academic problem.If the draft is presented after the summer holidays and not enough citizens rebel against it, this could soon be the end of the balcony power plants.You can find more information at the DKE by entering "PluginSolar" in the search field.That there should be voltage on the contacts is a rumor that cannot be eradicated!!!The inverters all (except the cheap 3€ parts from China) have an automatic switch-off device).They de-energize the system within a few ms (1000ths of a second).If the contacts can then be touched, the danger has already been averted.