Solar panels that have technically reached the end of their useful life are often still perfectly serviceable. As part of the “Balkonien 2026” project, the Climate Connect initiative is therefore converting them into balcony power plants. This gives the panels a second life and keeps valuable resources in circulation. At the same time, it provides people with easy and affordable access to their own solar energy.
ClimateHubs in Several Cities
The private association Climate Connect strengthens local climate action in Germany through its ClimateHubs. The ClimateHubs bring people, initiatives, and organizations together to advance climate protection at the local level. There are now ClimateHubs in six regions of Germany: Kassel, Potsdam, Würzburg, Erlangen, Marburg, and the Emmendingen district. Through networking, projects are emerging that develop sustainable solutions and actively involve citizens in shaping the energy transition. ClimateHub Germany https://www.climatehub.earth/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Upcycling for PV Systems
The Climate Hub’s next “Balkonien” project will take place on Saturday, July 18, in Kenzingen in the Emmendingen district. (https://climateconnect.earth/hubs/em/browse) From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the municipal depot at Industriestraße 10, the event will demonstrate how climate protection, resource conservation, and civic engagement can work together to create sustainable solutions locally. The focus is on PV upcycling: Solar panels that are no longer in use but still functional are saved from disposal and converted into new balcony power plants. Participants can register, reserve free salvaged PV panels, and assemble them into their own balcony power plants at the event. There are only minimal costs for the inverter and mounting bracket. This makes the energy transition not only visible but also directly actionable—on one’s own balcony, in the garden, or on the garage roof. At the same time, the project motivates many people to actively engage with their own energy supply for the first time.
Build Your Own Balcony Power Plant
Registration allows participants to reserve free salvaged solar modules and convert them into their own balcony power plant during the event. The PV modules are provided free of charge; costs are incurred only for the inverter and mounting bracket. You can participate even if you live outside the Emmendingen district.
There has been high demand in other cities. In Marburg, a “Balkonien” event already recorded over 100 registrations within just 24 hours. Register directly for Balkonien 2026 in Kenzingen.
Further information:
https://climateconnect.earth/de/projects/balkonien-26-in-kenzingen/register?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://climateconnect.earth/de
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