Sun's disappearing act? 25% of Germans consider a balcony solar panel
A significant number of Germans express interest in solar balcony systems
Turns out, one out of four Germans might jump on the solar energy bandwagon, according to a survey by Verivox. A quarter of the population is eyeing a solar panel for their own balcony, with 9% already flaunting one and another 17% planning to join the club shortly.
The survey, graciously shared with the Funke media group's newspapers, reveals that 21% of respondents are short on space, while 15% find the investment unworthwhile. 19% would rather pass, and another 19% are still weighing their options. The research findings were collected by Innofact in March, with 1007 participants, ensuring they're a fair representation of the general population.
A solar panel producing 800 watts on a balcony can generate around 760 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually under ideal conditions. If 60% of this energy is consumed, it translates to a yearly savings of approximately 160 euros, based on an average kWh price of 34.7 cents, as suggested by Verivox.
Federal states footing the bills
Dollars and cents matter, and Germany's got the coin! The cost of investing in a small solar panel for a balcony ranges between 500 and 800 euros, making it a worthwhile investment to many. According to Verivox, the purchase cost would be covered in 2.5 to 5 years, given the savings potential. Over 20 years, the accumulated savings can reach an impressive 3,160 euros on electricity bills.
And let's not forget the friendly federal states chipping in to make these purchases more attractive.
Location, location, location!
The success of a balcony solar panel hangs on its location—the south side is undoubtedly the gold standard. If those solar rays can't fall directly on the modules, you may see a decrease in yield—possibly as much as a third for those with north-facing balconies. If they're the vertical type with no angle, you might want to reconsider installing one.
When perfect conditions aren't met
Don't let less-than-optimal conditions hold you back! According to Thorsten Storck, energy expert at Verivox, balcony power stations can still be worthwhile under suboptimal circumstances. While it might take a bit longer to recoup your initial investment, you'll still enjoy the savings in the long run.
The Future of Small-Scale Solar
The future's looking bright for solar energy and especially balcony solar installations in Germany. Fueled by consumer interest, supportive policies, and regional subsidies, the market for small-scale solar systems has been experiencing exponential growth. As more households embrace the clean, self-sufficient renewable energy source, expect to see balconies donning sleek solar panels across the country!
Sources
- ntv.de
- mau
Related Topics
- Solar energy
- Solar industry
- Solar panels
- Solar promotion
- Electricity price
Additional Insights
Compact solar units, also known as "plug-and-play" or mini-PV systems, are gaining popularity in Germany due to their small size and simple installation process. These systems enable wider access to solar energy beyond traditional rooftop installations, and their numbers grew significantly in 2024, when around 800,000 such units were installed, delivering approximately 0.4 GW of new capacity. Homeowners and renters alike are attracted by the cost savings and environmental benefits, making balcony solar systems an appealing investment. Regional subsidies and incentives have also supported the growth of this market segment.
Community aid is essential to promote the small and medium-sized industry, finance, energy, and technology sectors, especially in the context of the growing interest in solar energy. With 25% of Germans considering a balcony solar panel, the need for aid to subsidize these purchases and encourage their adoption becomes more pressing. Federal states offering financial assistance can help make the initial investment more affordable, thereby expediting the payback period and attracting more homeowners and renters to the proposition. As the market for small-scale solar systems grows, it is crucial to ensure that these systems are accessible to all, regardless of location, by providing education and incentives for their installation and maintenance.
