Latest news with #Balkonkraftwerk
The Guardian
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
‘Balcony solar' may at last become a reality for flat residents in Britain
From herb boxes and flower pots to washing lines and hanging baskets, residents of Madrid, Berlin and other European cities are well versed at making the most of their compact balconies – even generating power for wifi, the kettle and the TV. 'Balcony solar' allows urbanites to install a small number of panels in the tight space outside apartments, which then generates electricity that can be used for the household. Soon flat owners and renters in the UK could be able to use the same 'plug-in' technology, which is currently prohibited here. The DIY systems which have grown in popularity in countries such as France, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany are typically plugged straight into the home's power sockets, saving money on electricity bills and allowing people access to a new source of power. So why can't balconies in the UK simply have the same systems installed? Regulations around solar systems and wiring here mean that professionals must be involved in their installation and the panels cannot simply be plugged into the mains like a toaster. In some European countries, where electrical systems are different to the UK, residents are allowed to put in place their own small systems – such as a few panels being hung off a balcony. Thomas Newby of the Leeds-based engineering company Morgan & Newby says this difference in regulation means the technology has grown in popularity. In Germany, Balkonkraftwerk (balcony power plant) systems are now installed at 1.5m apartments. 'Various countries permit systems limited in output to 800W to be connected via a standard appliance plug to a socket-outlet,' he says. 'As a result of this lower cost entry point, well suited to apartments where the solar modules can be hung or positioned on the balcony, uptake has increased significantly of late.' This week the government said it would launch a safety study 'with the aim of unlocking opportunities for plug-in solar over the next few years' as part of a new plan to triple the UK's solar capacity by 2030. In theory, this could mean people in flats would have a much cheaper way to access solar energy as the cost of labour is taken off the bill. And renters could take the systems with them when they move from flat to flat. This would give people who usually do not have access to cheap power a way to reduce their energy bills. Newby said a typical kit containing two solar panels, a battery to store energy and the plugs needed to convert it to the household electrics would cost about £2,000. Batteries are used to store energy which is generated and not used immediately in the home, especially on sunny days such as those experienced last month, when temperatures reached 33C. The study by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will look at whether the plug-in systems would be safe to use in the UK, where the electricity supply system is significantly different to countries such as Germany. Sign up to Down to Earth The planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essential after newsletter promotion Solar Energy UK, the trade body for the industry, said the installation of plug-in solar panels is not allowed under building regulations or planning policy. 'This is due to a range of considerations including aesthetics, structural/building safety and consumer safety. There are other practical considerations including the location of electric sockets and cable protection – we do not tend to have electrical sockets installed on balconies in this country,' said Gemma Grimes, director of policy. 'The installation of all electrical equipment comes with risks, and it is important that any risks are fully understood prior to widespread rollout. We are aware of examples on the continent – including Germany – and are keen to learn from their experience.'
The Independent
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
This gadget could slash your energy bills by almost a third
The UK government is considering introducing affordable plug-in solar panels for balconies, sheds, and terraces to help Britons reduce their energy bills. These portable solar modules are a significantly cheaper alternative to traditional rooftop installations, making solar power accessible to renters and eliminating the need for expensive specialist fitting. Already common in Germany, where 1.5 million homes use the technology known as 'Balkonkraftwerk,' these panels typically cut electricity bills by 30 percent. While not designed to sell power back to the grid, the panels can substantially lower daytime electricity costs for household appliances, with potential annual savings of €120-€240 (£102 - £205) for a pair of panels. Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband emphasised solar as one of the cheapest and quickest power sources, supporting a 'rooftop revolution' and addressing barriers to its wider adoption.
The Guardian
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Britons could soon install balcony solar panels in flats and rental homes
Those living in flats or rented homes in the UK could soon plug in their own 'balcony solar panels' to save on their energy bills under plans set out in the government's solar power strategy. The proposals could mean that British households that are unable to install rooftop solar panels will soon join millions of people across Europe who generate their own electricity with 'plug-in' panels. These panels, found on balconies across Spain and Germany, can be plugged directly into a home's power socket to generate solar electricity for the household. The DIY panels are already fitted to about 1.5m balconies in Germany, where they are known as Balkonkraftwerk (balcony power plant). They typically save households about 30% on their energy bills and cost between €400-800, with no installation fees required, meaning they pay for themselves within six years. There is also growing interest in balcony solar across Spain, Italy, Poland and in France. But in the UK, regulations do not currently allow plug-in solar, meaning bill payers in flats or rented homes are often blocked from benefiting from cheap solar power, while others face hurdles due to the relatively high upfront cost of installing traditional rooftop solar systems. Michael Shanks, the energy minister, said: 'Through solar, we are rolling out the quickest to build and one of the cheapest forms of energy for families to start saving hundreds on their energy bills, all while helping tackle the climate crisis.' The government has promised to consult on the plans to bring balcony solar power from the continent to Britain as part of a new roadmap towards tripling the UK's solar power capacity, published on Monday. Ministers are also considering the potential to install more rooftop solar on the canopies of large outdoor car ports and believe there is significant scope to install solar panels on warehouse and factory roofs. Just 20% of the UK's biggest warehouses could provide up to 15 gigawatts of solar capacity – or half the planned growth by the end of the decade, according to the government's clean power plan. The plans to back rooftop solar are likely to find strong support from consumer groups and local community campaigners concerned about the impact of the government's ambitious targets for Britain's countryside and farmland. The government has promised that its solar ambitions will require less than half a percent of the UK's total land. Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, hopes to grow the capacity of the UK's solar farms from 18GW today to between 45 and 47GW by the end of the decade. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion He has already approved a string of major solar farms across the Midlands since the Labour party came to power last year, including the largest solar farm in the UK at the old Cottam coal plant site on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The goal set out in the roadmap is slightly lower than the Labour party's election manifesto pledge to triple the UK's solar capacity to 50GW by 2030, but the strategy has suggested that the UK may be able to overshoot the target by up to 10GW if rooftop solar panels are included in the tally. The government has promised that families could save about £500 a year on their energy bills by installing rooftop solar panels as part of the government's solar strategy, which could support up to 35,000 jobs. Chris Stark, who leads the government's clean power 'mission control' unit, said the 'once in a generation increase' in solar power would 'only be possible with a mission-focus' on working in partnership with the industry and reforming the queue of solar projects waiting to join the grid.
Associated Press
25-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ALLWEI Launches Balkonkraftwerk System with Expandable Battery for German Homes
California, June 25, 2025 -- As electricity costs continue to soar across Germany, more and more households are looking to transform their balconies into 'personal power stations' - generating energy during the day, storing it for use at night, without complicated permits, or high renovation costs. The newly launched ALLWEI BM1600 Balkonkraftwerk system is composed of the BM1600 main unit (1600 Wh, 800W output) and the B160 expansion battery (1600 Wh, expandable with up to 4 additional units, for a total capacity of up to 8000 Wh), providing a practical solution for applications ranging from peak shaving to full-home emergency power. Industry Pain Points: Why Do Homes Need 'Balcony PV + Storage'? Electricity Prices Over the past five years, residential electricity prices in Germany have risen by more than 30%, with peak summer rates often exceeding €0.41/kWh. of Traditional Solar Rooftop PV systems come with high installation costs and long lead times. Moreover, traditional feed-in systems do not ensure energy availability during nighttime or cloudy days. Demand for Energy Storage To combat high electricity prices, households need power stations with built-in storage, charging during periods of negative pricing and discharging when rates spike. Product Overview: ALLWEI Balkonkraftwerk System Core Technologies & Safety Certifications Typical Use Cases Self-Consumption Shaving and Load Shifting Economic Benefits & Policy Support For additional product information and the latest updates on ALLWEI Balkonkraftwerk, please visit ALLWEI's official German website at About ALLWEI Founded in 2012, ALLWEI is a leading provider of portable and home energy storage solutions, including solar generators, power stations, and clean energy systems for both outdoor and residential use. With a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and quality, ALLWEI delivers intelligent, user-oriented power products designed to perform reliably in extreme environments. The company combines advanced R&D with rigorous multi-dimensional testing to ensure durability, efficiency, and safety across all its offerings. Certified in multiple global markets, ALLWEI serves customers worldwide through a direct-to-consumer model that emphasizes affordability and service excellence. Contact Info: Name: Jack Xiong Email: Send Email Organization: ALLWEI TRADING INC Website: Release ID: 89163086 In the event of any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release, we encourage you to notify us immediately at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team will be readily available to respond and take swift action within 8 hours to rectify any identified issues or assist with removal requests. Ensuring the provision of high-quality and precise information is paramount to us.
