SaurEnergy Explains: Balcony Solar – A Game Changer for Apartment Dwellers?

Solar power has taken over the world’s new power projects, becoming the harbinger of the renewable energy age that everyone awaited for so long. Indeed, the utility scale mega solar projects and rooftop solar have been the mainstream type of solar installations. However, other solar power systems, like the balcony solar systems, are quietly gaining traction as underdogs in the solar industry.

A balcony solar is a compact solar energy setup designed for apartment dwellers or urban homes with limited space. It allows users to generate their own electricity by mounting solar panels on balconies, railings, or walls. 

The main thing that differentiates solar balconies from rooftop solar is that they’re a much smaller system. Essentially, the tech consists of one or two panels plugged into an electricity socket. However, producing only 10 percent of the energy of residential rooftop systems, the prospects of these systems are questioned as they are only able to reach a partial residential requirement. 

How Bright is the Future for Solar Balcony Systems?

The concept of balcony solar systems gained attention in Europe around 2013, with Germany leading the promotion. These systems have now gained popularity in other European countries like Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. 

Germany, for instance, installed around 220,000 new solar balconies in the first half of 2024 alone, meeting 200 MW energy in the country. The cumulative number of installed plug-in solar systems now crossed 550,000 across the European Union’s largest economy, most of them being balcony solar. 

How Does a Solar Balcony System Work?

From a customer’s perspective, the key difference is the ease of installation. Balcony PV systems come in ready-to-use kits available online and do not require an electrician for setup. In contrast, rooftop installations typically need certified professionals to prevent fire hazards and structural damage. Here’s how a solar balcony system works.

Solar Panels Capture Sunlight: Small photovoltaic (PV) panels, usually 300 W to 1,000 W, are mounted on balcony railings or walls facing the sun. These panels convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity.

Micro-Inverter Converts DC to AC: A micro-inverter (built into the system) converts DC electricity into alternating current (AC), making it usable for household appliances.

Plug-and-Play Connection: The system is plugged into a standard electrical socket. It feeds electricity directly into the home’s grid, reducing power consumption from the main supply.

Smart Meter and Monitoring: Many systems include smart meters that track energy production and consumption in real-time, often via a smartphone app. If the system generates more electricity than needed, excess energy can either be:

• Net Meters: Sent back to the grid, earning credits or compensation.
• Battery Storage: Stored in batteries for later use, ensuring a steady power supply even when the sun isn’t shining.

Energy Production and Savings

The energy production of a solar system varies based on factors like location, sunlight hours, and panel efficiency. Since balcony solar is typically solar panels installed in the balcony, the rates of panels and energy production is nearly the same as regular rooftop solar installation. 

In southern Europe during summer, such a 800W solar system can generate approximately 4 to 5 kWh per day, equating to about 120 to 150 kWh per month. In the UK, a 375W panel produces around 28.5 kWh monthly, so an 800W system might generate approximately 60.8 kWh per month.

The energy production of a balcony solar system largely depends on the installation size, while the space required varies based on factors like panel output, panel size, energy needs, and installation method. For instance, a 1 kW system using 500 Wp TOPCon panels would need two panels, each occupying about 2 square meters when mounted on a balcony fence.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The time it takes to recoup the initial investment varies. In Spain, for example, the cost of a balcony solar system ranges between €400 (INR 36,300)  and €800 (INR 72,600), with potential payback periods of around six years. Stakeholders say that installing a couple of 300-watt panels will give a saving of up to 30 percent on a typical household’s electricity bill. The payback period varies across the regions and may even be lesser depending on several factors.

Considering the lifespan of solar panels, which typically extends beyond 20 years, users can expect substantial savings over time, making it a financially sound investment.

Beyond Europe

The advantages and ease of installation of plug and play renewable systems like balcony solar gives an opportunity of generating and using renewable power even to those who lack the rooftop space, particularly in apartment systems and to the tenants. In populous countries like India, the system is even more desirable, especially considering the rising electricity costs and the dearth of space for private solar installations. 

Notably, in June 2024, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) revised its PM Surya Ghar scheme guidelines to include balcony solar and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) under the scheme. Subscribers are eligible for central financial assistance (CFA) of up to INR 78,000 for up to 3 kW systems. This may give a desirable boost to this sector of solar which is still in its nascent stage in India. However, issues like limited space and power output, shading issues, weight and structural concerns, and aesthetic impact are the major challenges to a swift adoption of such systems.