Berlin.
Balcony power plants are popular. But what prices are actually reasonable for finished systems? Experts clearly warn against rip-off.
The year 2023 has started well for many consumers in terms of gas and heating oil prices – the costs for the two fuels have fallen further compared to December. Heating oil prices are at a low level and are falling below a certain mark – the price for a kilowatt hour of gas has leveled off at the previous year’s level. For that some have to consumer have been digging deeper into their pockets for their electricity tariff since January. Many energy suppliers in Germany adjusted their prices at the turn of the year.
Balcony power plants are currently in vogue: facts and specifications – you should know that
This development is also reflected in the electricity price on January 19th. Per kilowatt hour a new customer must reckon with prices in excess of 40 cents in the basic tariff. In addition, one of the largest energy suppliers in Germany has announced one. Solutions such as the balcony power plant – a mini solar system – are all the more interesting. A classic photovoltaic system (PV system) for the roof is not suitable for everyone. Tenants, for example, cannot simply make structural changes.
But for them and others, one can balcony power plant to be interesting. In contrast to the classic solar system, a balcony system has several advantages. On the one hand, there are hardly any official requirements to be observed. However, the maximum output of 600 watts must be observed. On the other hand, a balcony power plant has to be registered in some cities. Otherwise, the mini solar systems are uncomplicated. You can build these systems yourself or buy them ready-made as a set. But you shouldn’t let yourself be ripped off.
Buy balcony power plants: Insiders warn of rip-offs – you shouldn’t pay that much
In a post for “GIGA” reports author Peter Hryciuk of sometimes overpriced prices. He operates a balcony power plant himself and has made amazing discoveries on the internet. In the “OTTO” online shop, a balcony power station set is offered for a whopping 1,899 euros. The dealer advertises here with “simple installation” and TÜV seal of approval. The seller “HeGa-Store” praises his offer as a “bestseller” – “GIGA” author Hryciuk contradicts. In his article he lists the costs for the individual components:
| Part for balcony power plant | price in euro |
|
NEP microinverter |
300 |
|
2 x Trina Solar (405 watts) |
260 |
|
cable and cap |
40 |
|
total cost |
860 |
The offer on “OTTO” costs a whopping 1,039 euros more and is not an isolated case. According to research by our editors, there is a whole range of such offers on the Internet. On “ebay” you can spend more than 3,000 euros for a single balcony power plant from a commercial seller. And also on “Amazon” there are some offers well above the 900 euro mark. In some descriptions “high quality components” advertised. But is that enough of a justification? Hryciuk has a clear stance on this.
Buy balcony power plants as a set: Guide values - these prices per set are realistic
His recommendation: “The price for a complete set without a bracket with two solar cells should be around 700 euros and less.” Several online specialist portals give similar guide prices. Depending on the size and performance, you have to expect costs of between 350 and 700 euros, reports the online specialist in consumer and advice reports -Portal “energieheld” Reported on prices up to 1,000 euros or even lower in special offers “EFAHRER.com” to balcony power plants.
In principle, self-made balcony power plants are cheaper than ready-made sets. People with manual skills have an advantage here. But even with finished systems you should always pay attention to the price. A little more money for the finished set is justified. Prices far beyond the 1,000 euro mark should definitely make you suspicious. Another good tip: Inquire about the prices of the individual components in the set. If you get a significantly lower price overall, you should keep your hands off it.
Balcony power plants on Amazon, ebay and Co. – inexpensive sets meet requirements
According to reports from “GIGA”, there are good balcony power plant sets for around 700 euros and less. Hryciuk’s recommendation: “Be guided by this price range.” According to the descriptions on “Amazon” and “ebay”, balcony power plants in this price category are also VDE-compliant and can be put into operation in Germany. Some sets for less than 700 euros even have a seal of approval – for example from TÜV. The time spent looking for a suitable system can therefore pay off in the truest sense of the word.
Offer additional savings potential funding programs. There are state subsidies for balcony power plants at the municipal level. The amount varies from municipality to municipality and is partly linked to compliance with conditions. Subsidies of up to 800 euros are possible – it is therefore worth inquiring. The article linked here offers a good overview of the subsidies for balcony power plants in Germany. Many cities also provide information about the funding programs on their websites.
More articles from this category can be found here: Life
