It has become easier to install your own balcony power plant. Since December 2025, in most cases, the systems can be connected via a household power outlet. This is regulated by DIN VDE V 0126-95, which was adopted by the Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies.
For the first time, the new standard officially allows connection via a normal power outlet under certain safety conditions. Previously, a so-called Wieland outlet, which had to be connected by an electrician, was required for this purpose. The power limits are also binding: a maximum of 800 watts may be fed into the grid per system. In addition, the standard regulates requirements for installation, safety, and registration. You only need to register your system in the Federal Network Agency’s market master data register. Separate registration with the grid operator is no longer necessary.
Yield depends on location
The prices for these systems have fallen significantly in recent years. According to NDR, a plug-in solar device with an output of 400 watts is available from around 200 euros, while a complete 800-watt set costs around 400 to 500 euros. As with all PV systems, no VAT is payable when purchasing a balcony power plant. How much money you can save with your own power plant depends on its output and the amount of sunlight. If more electricity is produced than is needed, it is fed into the power grid—but without remuneration. If you want to use all of your own electricity, you will need to install a storage unit.
Ask your landlord
Before tenants install a balcony power plant on their balcony, they must ask their landlord. However, since 2024, balcony power plants have been considered “privileged”: they may only be rejected if the system would be unreasonable. This applies, for example, if the building is a listed monument or if the balcony’s structure would not be able to support solar modules. Homeowners’ associations also cannot simply reject solar cells on balconies. However, it is advisable to talk to the homeowner before installation. Tenants who install a balcony power plant are liable for ensuring that the device is safe.
Further information:
www.bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/J-L/kurzinformation-zu-steckersolargeraeten.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=11
https://www.verbraucherzentrale-energieberatung.de
https://www.adac.de/news
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