On April 15, 2024, the federal government finally gave the go-ahead for the solar package1. This set out some new regulations for balcony power plants. However, before they come into force, they must be passed by the Bundestag.
What are the most important changes for balcony power plants:
- Increase in maximum performance: The permissible output power of balcony power plants will be increased from 600 watts to 800 watts. It should be noted that the total output of the system may exceed this limit, but only up to 800 watts may be fed into the power grid.
- Elimination of the registration requirement: Until now, balcony power plants had to be registered in the Federal Network Agency's market master data register and registered with the network operator. From 2024, this obligation will no longer apply, which will simplify commissioning. Some network operators are already waiving the reporting requirement.
- Approval of counters running backwards: Until now, conventional electricity meters for balcony power plants had to be replaced by smart models. This will no longer be necessary from 2024, but it is recommended to replace existing Ferraris meters with modern bi-directional meters.
- Official permission for Schuko plug connections: Although there was previously no explicit ban on connecting mini PV systems to Schuko sockets, this will be officially permitted from 2024. However, connection via multiple sockets remains prohibited.
- Legal entitlement to balcony power plants for tenants: In order to reduce conflicts between tenants and landlords, plug-in solar systems will be included in the catalog of privileged measures from 2024. This grants tenants the right to install and use balcony power plants.
- Maximum module power of 2000W: The solar modules connected to the inverter can be up to 2000 Watt Peakleistung erbringen. Damit erhöht sich die durchschnittliche nutzbare Sonnenenergie.