Balcony power plant - Grant Process and Registration

The funding program:

The program supports the installation of small-scale renewable energy systems on residential balconies, primarily solar panels or wind turbines. These systems are crucial for promoting sustainability in urban areas by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and encouraging residents to use renewable energy.


Importance of balcony power plants:

Balcony power plants offer space-saving solutions for generating clean energy in densely populated urban environments. They enable residents to actively participate in the transition to renewable energy, reducing their carbon footprint and promoting community participation.


Eligibility criteria:

Applicants must be German citizens who hold a residence in Germany or have permission to install renewable energy systems on their balconies. The proposed systems must meet safety standards and comply with local regulations. Some programs may have income requirements.

Required documentation:

• Proof of German residence
• Proof of ownership or permission for balcony installation
• Technical specifications of the proposed system
• Completed application form for the grant

Advantages of balcony power plants:

Reducing the carbon footprint: Balcony power plants reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and mitigate climate change.

Energy independence: They provide residents with energy independence, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and increase resilience to power outages.

Cost savings: Residents save on electricity costs over time, making balcony power plants a smart long-term investment.


FAQ

Can tenants install balcony power plants?
Yes, with the landlord's permission.

What types of systems are accepted?
Solar panels and wind turbines are common, but requirements may vary.

How much funding can I expect from grants?
This varies depending on factors such as system size and location.

Do balcony power plants require maintenance?
Yes, regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Supporting countries for balcony power plants

We've listed the federal states' known subsidy programs for balcony power plants here in alphabetical order. You can find more detailed information about each program by clicking on the name of the respective state. Important: For some programs, you must submit an application before purchasing to receive a subsidy. For others, you submit the invoice after purchase to receive your refund.

Berlin: 500 Euro subsidy for tenants and now also for owners

The Berlin Senate will support you with a flat rate of €500 towards the purchase of a plug-in solar system. If the investment costs are lower, the maximum amount covered will be this amount. One mini solar system is eligible per apartment. You can receive the Berlin balcony solar subsidy as a tenant, and since October 1, 2023, also as an owner of a Berlin property if you live there yourself. The application must be submitted before purchasing the system. The funding program started on February 10, 2023, and funds are available for 14,000 apartments and houses. If you would also like to benefit, contact the Investitionsbank Berlin.
Berlin

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: 500 Euro subsidy, only for female tenants

The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania supports mini-PV systems purchased after November 7, 2022, with a flat-rate subsidy of up to €500. The Ministry for Climate Protection, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas accepts applications – but only after the system has been purchased and installed. According to the State Funding Institute, all funding for owners has already been exhausted. However, as of March 2024, you can still apply if you rent. It is crucial that your primary residence is in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Saxony: 300 Euro subsidy bonus for balcony power plants in rental apartments

The state of Saxony has been supporting the purchase of plug-in solar systems with a flat-rate subsidy of €300 since June 22, 2023. The funds provided for owners were quickly exhausted. As a tenant, you can still receive a €300 subsidy for a balcony power plant in 2024. The subsidy can be applied for through the Sächsische Aufbaubank (Saxon Development Bank). It applies to balcony power plants purchased after June 22, 2023. Applications for the subsidy are only possible after successful installation. The solar modules must produce at least 300 watts peak (Wp), and the inverter can produce up to 600 watts. The subsidy guidelines and further application details can be found on the Sächsische Aufbaubank website.
Saxony

Schleswig-Holstein: Funding program for balcony power plants discontinued

The state of Schleswig-Holstein has discontinued its "Climate Protection for Citizens" funding program in November 2023. According to a statement, this was due to the Federal Constitutional Court's ruling, which halted the distribution of funds from a state fund. It is therefore expected that the state of Schleswig-Holstein will no longer provide funding for balcony power plants in 2024.
Schleswig-Holstein

Balcony power plant – how do I register my system?

Buying a balcony power station, plugging it into the socket, Self-sufficiency with solar power sounds almost too good to be true. But actually it is just as simple. There is only one small, but important step: registration with the network operator and in the
Market master data register.
Many people are put off by the supposedly large bureaucratic effort involved in registering your plug-in solar system is therefore
We will guide you through the registration process, ensuring your path to a
independent and sustainable energy supply as uncomplicated as
possible.

Do I have to register my Balcony Power Plant? And if so how?

Owners of balcony power plants are currently obliged to register their system twice: with their network operator and at the Federal Network Agency in the market data register.
Please note: Failure to register a mini solar system in the Market Data Register constitutes an administrative offence that can be
can be punished with a fine, even if in practice this It's rare, but registration is still a good idea.
For owners of balcony power plants, registration is in the market master data register is important to record the solar energy generated to be able to bill correctly, especially when excess electricity to be fed into the public grid.

Registration with the Network operator has the advantage that it automatically checks whether a Replacement of the electricity meter is necessary.

Balcony Power Plant Registration Form