A Whopping Quarter of Germans Eye Balcony Solar Panels: Are They Worth the Investment?
More than a fourth of Germans open to solar panel installation on balconies.
In a surprising turn of events, a new survey by comparison portal Verivox reveals that a whopping 25% of Germans are open to equipping their balconies with solar panels! Conducted by market research institute Innofact in March, the poll involved 1007 people, revealing 9% of Germans are already rocking mini solar panels and another 17% are planning to join the solar revolution.
But there's a catch: space may pose a problem for 21% of respondents, while 15% feel the investment isn't worth it. Still, 19% flatly refuse, with another 19% unsure about their stance. If conditions are optimal, a balcony solar panel with an 800-watt output could provide around 760 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, potentially saving up to 160 euros per year at an average price of 34.7 cents/kWh.
Solar Savvy States: Supporting Your Solar Dreams
Investing in a small solar panel for the balcony is expected to set you back €500-€800, while a garden/terrace setup ranges from €400-€700. According to Verivox, the payback period for this investment spans 2.5 to 5 years, with potential savings totaling €3160 over 20 years, covering approximately 15 years' worth of electricity costs. And guess what? Some federal states even offer financial support for your solar adventure!
Sun's Out, Fun's Out: Factors Affecting Your Solar Panels' Yield
However, the location is key to solar panel success. Embrace the south, and your solar panels will thank you, as south-facing orientations typically reap the most sunlight. But a north-facing balcony with vertical installation might spell big losses—expect less than a third of the possible yield, warns Thorsten Storck, energy expert at Verivox. If you can't get the ideal setup, fret not: while it may take a tad longer, solar panels can still generate decent electricity, even in suboptimal conditions.
But hang on—there's more! Shading, weather, and policy factors also play a pivotal role in the energy output of your solar panels. Say goodbye to shadows, keep up with technology, and champion the sun to enjoy the full potential of your balcony solar panels!
Sources: ntv.de, mau
- Green Energy
- Solar Power
- Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
- Eco-Friendly Investments
- Despite the potential for savings of up to 160 euros per year, a significant number of Germans are uncertain about the worth of investing in balcony solar panels due to space constraints and concerns about amortizing the initial cost.
- Investing in a small solar panel for a balcony in Germany could cost between €500 and €800, with potential savings totaling €3160 over 20 years, according to Verivox, making it an appealing eco-friendly investment.
- For small and medium-sized undertakings in Germany, finance for renewable energy technology could help them amortize investments in solar panels and other green energy solutions, thereby promoting energy efficiency and reducing the country's carbon footprint.
- The German government offers financial support for small and medium-sized undertakings endeavoring to invest in solar energy, aiding in the adoption of renewable energy and the advancement of the average solar industry standard.
- In an effort to maximize the energy output of balcony solar panels, it is crucial to consider factors such as panel orientation, shading, weather patterns, and government policies, ensuring the full potential of small and medium-sized solar installations can be realized.
