“Germany boasts over 400,000 rooftop solar installations”
The number of households in Germany adopting solar panels on their balconies has been steadily increasing since the beginning of the year. Over 50,000 mini plug-in PV systems, typically comprising one or two solar panels and known as “balcony power plants,” were officially recorded in the first quarter of 2024. This brings the total number of such systems to over 400,000, according to data from the country’s grid agency, BNetzA, as reported by newswire dpa.
As of mid-2023, there were 230,000 registered systems, with the actual total likely to be higher due to many installations not being officially registered. These balcony power plants offer a straightforward and cost-effective solution for both tenants and homeowners to reduce their electricity expenses.
Simplified Registration Process
In early April, the grid agency introduced further simplifications to the registration process for mini PV systems. This move aims to encourage more people to easily engage in the energy transition. Germany’s goal is to meet 80 percent of its electricity needs through renewable sources by 2030, primarily through wind power and photovoltaics.
Anticipated Growth in PV Systems
The demand for PV systems is expected to continue rising in Germany this year. However, the recent surge may stabilise, as it was partly driven by the energy crisis exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, as highlighted by the industry association BSW in discussions with dpa.
