Entitlement to balcony power plants - What tenants and landlords can expect in 2024

A legal right for homeowners and tenants to install balcony power plants could be introduced in spring 2024. In contrast to the current debate in the Bundestag on the simplified registration of plug-in solar devices, the corresponding law is not expected to be discussed by MPs until next year.

Balcony power stations or solar systems for balconies, consisting of solar modules and inverters, are considered such plug-in solar devices. Solar systems are considered an effective solution for operating sustainably and reducing electricity costs at the same time. The solar modules absorb the solar energy and are converted into usable solar power via the inverter. This electricity can be fed into the house's power socket via the inverter's plug and used directly. Tenants could benefit from the space-saving installation of a balcony power station on the balcony and reduce electricity costs. While landlords can also benefit from the increased value of their property by installing such a system, in addition to the aspect of self-sufficient electricity generation.

The SPD parliamentary group announced that the draft law, which was approved by the cabinet in September 2023, is to be discussed in the Bundestag in a first reading on January 18, 2024. However, the law is not expected to come into force in the first quarter of 2024. The changes to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) to promote solar energy will be dealt with at an accelerated pace, while the relief for plug-in solar devices is not a priority. The Bundesrat has not put forward any requests for changes regarding balcony power plants. The Chamber of States supports a unanimous vote for virtual meetings of homeowners' associations, with a proposed quorum of 75 percent of the votes cast.

The Federal Council's proposal to privilege all photovoltaic systems in the Condominium Act (WEG) was rejected. The justification emphasizes the right of condominium owners to install PV roof systems in the WEG. The federal government's response will be submitted to the Bundestag, and it is unclear whether further changes will be made. The current draft envisages privileging plug-in solar devices in both the WEG and the Civil Code (BGB), similar to the existing right to install wall boxes for electric cars since 2020.

Source : golem.de