Legal right to balcony power plants: The energy transition is in our hands

An important step for the promotion of renewable energies: On September 13, 2023, the Federal Cabinet passed a draft law that allows homeowners and tenants to legally install balcony power plants. This groundbreaking measure paves the way for the energy transition in German households and makes it possible to use clean, self-generated electricity.

A step into the future of renewable energies

The draft law builds on the right to install wall boxes for electric cars that has existed since 2020 and creates a similar regulation for balcony power plants. This means that apartment owners and tenants will have the right to install balcony power plants without having to rely on the consent of property owners' associations. In this way, they can actively contribute to the energy transition and benefit from clean, self-generated energy.

Flexibility and no technical specifications

The bill emphasises that balcony power plants offer a flexible way to supply oneself with solar power and highlights that no specific technical specifications are required. This allows owners and tenants to select and install the balcony power plants that are most suitable for them.

Funding programs for additional incentives

Similar to rooftop solar systems, balcony power plants can also receive subsidies that can reduce the financial burden. These subsidy programs vary depending on the state and city and can provide up to 500 euros in grants. We have listed the funding options for you here .

Savings on electricity costs and VAT exemption

Installing a balcony power plant can provide significant savings on electricity costs. This is particularly relevant as the price of a kilowatt hour of electricity is constantly rising. The VAT exemption for PV products, including balcony power plants, also helps to reduce the costs of this sustainable energy source.

Conditions and rights of the owners

It is important to note that the legal right to balcony power plants does not mean that owners or landlords cannot set conditions for the installation. The specific requirements can be set by the owners' associations, for example with regard to the size of the solar panels, safety requirements or the installation angle. However, it is emphasized that excessive requirements are not permitted and the installation must not be prevented.

Virtual voting to facilitate decisions

To facilitate the implementation of such resolutions, the federal government also plans to expand the options for virtual voting within property owners' associations. This would make it possible to make decisions outside of face-to-face meetings.

The Federal Cabinet's decision represents an important step towards a decentralized, sustainable energy future. With the right to balcony power plants, more and more households can actively contribute to the energy transition and at the same time benefit from the advantages of clean energy production.