A balcony power plant, your contribution to the energy transition - tips and advice on installation

Feb 15, 2024

In times of climate change and the energy transition, the search for environmentally friendly energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Balcony power plants are an innovative solution that is attractive to both tenants and homeowners. These compact solar systems make it possible to use solar energy efficiently, even in urban environments. Below you will find tips and advice on installing the PV system so that you too can make your contribution to the energy transition.

Balcony power plant advantages

Compactness and flexibility: Balcony power plants are compact and flexible compared to conventional PV systems. They can be installed on balconies, terraces or other small areas, making them ideal for rental apartments or condominiums where space is limited. Even a balcony railing is sufficient to install the PV system.

Simple installation: The installation of a balcony power plant generally does not require any complex construction work or permits. With assembly instructions, the balcony power plant can be installed DIY by hobby craftsmen.

Self-consumption and savings: Simply plugged into the socket, your own electricity can be used directly in the household. This helps to reduce your electricity bill.

Environmentally friendly: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source that, unlike fossil fuels, produces no greenhouse gases or air pollution. By using solar energy, you are actively helping to protect the environment and reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Independence from energy suppliers: With a balcony power plant, you can become partially independent of large energy suppliers. Self-generated solar power can cover your needs and make you less susceptible to electricity price increases.

Durability and low maintenance: Modern PV modules are durable and require minimal maintenance. Once installed, they can operate reliably for many years.

Balcony power plant installation

Photovoltaic profiles form the basic framework for the installation of photovoltaic systems. The mounting rails (also known as solar rails, solar profiles or PV lightweight profiles) are used to securely attach the solar modules to the roof. It is therefore very important to start with stable and durable PV profiles when installing a PV system. Unlike conventional solar systems, which are normally installed on house roofs, balcony power plants are compact, flexible and easy to install. They consist of solar modules that are mounted on the balcony railing or another suitable surface. These modules convert sunlight into electrical energy that can either be used directly in the household or fed into the public power grid. There are now numerous manufacturers, making it increasingly difficult to choose the best balcony power plant for your own purposes.

At Alu-Verkauf.de, we offer you high-quality aluminum profiles for PV modules. Primarily due to their light weight and resistance to weathering and corrosion, aluminum profiles are perfect for substructures - outdoor installation, as is usually the case with solar or photovoltaic systems. This makes them particularly durable, which also increases sustainability, which is particularly important in this context. This makes them ideal as a base for PV systems.

Balcony power plant installation

Is a balcony power plant subsidized by the state and can it cover the energy requirements of a car?

Government support for balcony power plants varies from country to country and depends on the respective energy policies and programs. In some countries, there may be incentives or subsidies for the installation of solar systems, which may include balcony power plants. These incentives may take the form of tax breaks, grants or feed-in tariffs.

The energy generated can generally be used for personal consumption, for example to reduce energy costs. Whether a balcony power station is sufficient to supply an electric car depends on various factors, including the size of the balcony power station, the solar radiation at the location, the energy consumption of the electric car and the charging times.

For most electric cars, a larger solar installation is required to fully cover the energy demand. A balcony power station alone could potentially cover some of the energy needs of an electric car, but probably not all of them, especially if the car is used regularly and travels long distances.

What Requirements Should Be Considered for Installing a Balcony Power Plant on a Balcony?

Location Selection: Choose a suitable location on your balcony that receives adequate sunlight and has enough space for the solar modules. Ensure that the balcony is structurally capable of supporting the additional weight of the PV system.

Permits and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local building codes, permit procedures, and grid connection requirements for installing a balcony power plant. Some regions may require permits or registration for solar energy systems.

Component Selection: Choose the necessary components for your balcony power plant, including solar panels, inverters, mounting systems, and wiring. Ensure that all components are of high quality and comply with local safety standards.

Solar Module Installation: Securely attach the solar modules to the balcony, using aluminum profiles designed for solar installations or specialized mounts for balcony setups. Make sure the modules are optimally aligned to maximize sunlight exposure.

Inverter Installation: Install the inverter near the solar modules and securely connect it to the modules and electrical wiring. Ensure the inverter is protected from weather conditions and remains accessible for maintenance.

Electrical Wiring: Lay the electrical wiring safely and correctly from the inverter to your home network or electricity meter. Ensure all connections are properly insulated and waterproof to minimize safety risks.

Commissioning and Testing: Connect the balcony power plant to the power grid and carefully check all connections and functions. Make sure the system operates correctly and delivers the expected performance.

Maintenance and Monitoring: Perform regular maintenance on your balcony power plant, including cleaning the solar modules, inspecting the wiring, and checking the inverter. Continuously monitor the system's performance to ensure efficient operation.

What Mounting Options Are Available for a Balcony Power Plant?

Installation on a Balcony Railing:
Attaching a balcony power plant to the balcony railing is one of the most common methods. It requires no structural changes to the building and allows for easy relocation if needed. Various systems enable secure and stable attachment. When using this method, consider the weight of the system and the load capacity of the railing. High-quality aluminum profiles ensure long-term durability. All mounting elements should be rust-free and long-lasting.

Setup on Flat Roofs and Open Spaces:
Flat roofs and open spaces provide optimal conditions for setting up a balcony power plant. Unlike sloped roofs, they allow easy installation and optimal alignment of the solar modules to the sun. A suitable substructure ensures stability, and the weight of the modules must secure them against strong winds. Care must also be taken not to damage the roof sealing. Special roof penetrations or ballast weights are recommended for this purpose. Balcony power plants can also be installed on garage roofs.

Installation on Tiled Roofs:
Tiled roofs offer an excellent option for mounting balcony power plants. Roof hooks are used to securely attach the solar modules without drilling into the roof, minimizing the risk of leaks. The process involves sliding the hooks under the tiles and fastening them to the underlying roof battens. After mounting the hooks, aluminum profiles are attached, forming the base for the solar modules. Proper alignment ensures maximum sunlight exposure and high energy yields. Tiled roofs typically have a good tilt and orientation towards the sun, eliminating the need for additional supports.

Customized PV Rail Systems with alu-verkauf.de

Once your photovoltaic system is planned, the next step is mounting the appropriate PV rails. Aluminum mounting profiles form the foundation of the installation and ensure that the solar profiles are securely attached to the roof. At alu-verkauf.de, you can customize your balcony power plant profiles using our configurator. Select the desired aluminum profile (40x40 mm) and specify the length needed for your PV setup. We can provide profiles up to 6 meters (6,000 mm) long. By entering your details in the configurator, you’ll automatically receive a price preview. Delivery information is provided at checkout, and orders are usually shipped the next business day.

Balcony Power Plant Mounting Kits

Save time planning and assembling the necessary materials with our highly rated mounting kits for balcony power plants. These kits are available for all standard installation types, including balconies, flat roofs, open spaces, and tiled roofs. The components are perfectly matched to ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Why Buy PV Profiles from alu-verkauf.de?

Robust Quality: Our PV profiles have a wall thickness of 1.5 mm, providing secure attachment even under demanding conditions.
Easy Installation: Thanks to the extra-wide groove, our profiles are compatible with standard hammerhead screws, allowing for fast and easy assembly.
Custom Dimensions: Our precise cutting reduces on-site waste, and you only pay for the material you need.
Fast Delivery: With short delivery times, we usually ship orders the next business day directly from our warehouse. Personal pickup is also available.
Personalized Support: Our team is available to answer your questions and provide personalized advice.

At alu-verkauf.de, we prioritize quality, service, and customer satisfaction. Our products are designed to meet your requirements and deliver reliable results. Explore our range and take advantage of our benefits for your balcony power plant installation.

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