The number of balcony solar systems in Germany is rising rapidly, as is their capacity

Installations of balcony solar systems in Germany are continuing to gather pace this year. According to the regulator, more than 200 thousand new systems of this kind were registered in the first half of the year alone. Around 300 thousand new balcony solar systems were registered in the whole of last year. Alongside the number of new systems, their average installed capacity is also increasing.

Although ground-mounted and rooftop solar systems still account for the vast majority of the increase in solar capacity in Germany in the first half of this year, balcony solar systems are gaining popularity. Since April, simpler registration in the central register of generation units has also helped accelerate growth in this segment. The next step is to prepare legislation that would allow these systems to be connected without notifying distribution companies.

"We are seeing the gradual development of renewables, especially solar systems. Compared with the total installed capacity at the end of last year, around 10% of new solar capacity has been added. Two-thirds of that is accounted for by buildings, which also includes balcony solar systems. At the end of June, we exceeded 90 GW of installed capacity for the first time," said Klaus Müller, president of Germany's network regulator, speaking about the growth of renewables, particularly solar power.

According to data from the network regulator, around 220 thousand new balcony solar systems were registered in Germany in the first half of this year. Their total installed capacity was approximately 200 MW, averaging around 900 watts per installation. By comparison, the average installed capacity of new systems registered last year was 800 watts, according to the regulator. The regulator says the trend towards connecting more balcony systems with higher capacities is continuing.