When does a balcony solar plant make sense? What does the legislation say?

So far, solar power plants have been the most obvious choice for physical customers, but with the change in legislation, which will abolish the net metering system for solar power plants up to 43 kilowatts on January 1, 2024, the situation changed. Those who submitted an application for the issuance of a consent for the construction of a solar power plant and connection to the grid up to and including 12/31/2023 will still be able to use the old system, but must install the power plant by 12/31/2024.

Since, according to the new system, the payback time for the investment in the solar power plant will be longer, users started looking for alternative solutions. Some have resorted to balcony solar power plants for partial self-sufficiency.

What is a balcony solar power plant?

A balcony solar power plant is, simply put, a plug-in production device, or a small solar system, consisting of solar panels that convert solar energy into electricity, and an inverter (inverter) that changes the current into electricity. ;no energy to power everyday devices.

It usually consists of one or more solar modules, and the cable with the inverter is easily connected to the balcony (or other external) socket to start powering the devices.

Balcony solar power plant – laws and rules of installation and use

Balcony solar power plants belong to plug-in production devices, which are subject to different conditions than solar power plants. So far, balcony solar power plants have not been overly popular among users, because due to the emission of excess energy, the distributor could disconnect the end user from the network. With the new regulations of the Energy Act (EZ-1), this should not happen as long as you have fulfilled your responsibility to the distributor:

• The household customer must inform the distribution operator 14 days before the start of operation of the plug-in production device.
  • The notification must contain the date of the planned connection of the balcony solar power plant or other plug-in production device,
  • The number of the measuring point,
  • »EC – declaration of conformity" or another document from the manufacturer, which contains the data of the balcony solar power plant or its components and the standards for the device,
  • a copy of the installation and connection instructions, which shows that the plug-in production device complies with the SIST EN 62109-1 and SIST EN 62109-2 standards and does not require the installation of a type B RCD.

At the same time, the balcony solar power plant can transmit a working power equal to or less than 600 W to the distribution network at any time. the maximum number of devices at an individual pick-up-sale point is #141; 800 W.

Can companies set up balcony solar power plants?

Yes and no. The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy explained to us that Article 3 of the Rulebook on Technical Requirements for the Connection and Operation of Plug-in Production Devices on Renewable Energy Sources stipulates that plug-in production devices (balcony solar power plant) can only be connected to the internal installation of the household customer, which is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the regulation governing the requirements for low-voltage installations in buildings, and which meets the requirements of chapter 11.3.8 o portable photovoltaic devices Technical guidelines TSG-N-002 for low-voltage electrical installations and requirements from this rulebook.

Business customers or companies can also set up a balcony solar power plant, but in this case they are subject to the System Operating Instructions for the Electricity Distribution System (Official Gazette of the RS, No. 7/21 and 41/22, SONDSEE) , chapters 11.3.8.). According to this regulation, companies can set up balcony solar power plants with a working power of less than 800 W and in no case may they transmit working power to the grid.

Balcony solar power plant and apartment blocks

If you live in an apartment block and would like to install a balcony solar power plant, you will first need to obtain the consent of the apartment owners. What percentage? The second paragraph of Article 15 of the Housing Act states that the apartment owner must obtain the consent of the other apartment owners who have a majority for this kind of implementation work. as half of the co-ownership shares in these common parts (same as, for example, in the installation of outdoor air conditioning units).

Where can you install balcony solar power plants?

Although it is called a balcony solar power plant, it can also be installed on other surfaces: garden, canopy, roof, facade or other suitable surface. For the best efficiency, it is recommended that the balcony solar power plant stands on the south (or SE/SW) side at an angle of 35°.

Can the balcony solar power plant be subsequently expanded?

As explained to us by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Energy, the same conditions as for the first connection apply to all possible "upgrades".

Does a balcony solar power plant make sense for all users?

If you have not properly obtained consent for the installation of a solar power plant for self-supply according to the old payment system, or have been refused due to an overloaded network or other reasons, a balcony solar power plant is a solid alternative under the right conditions.

The balcony solar power plant has the highest efficiency between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., which we already know from classic solar power plants for self-supply. It is advisable to have the biggest consumers (air conditioner, washing machine...) turned on at that time, in order to take advantage of the generated electrical energy. Otherwise, the surplus goes to the distribution network, of course free of charge.

If you are not at home at that time, you can partially help yourself by remotely turning on the air conditioner, dehumidifier, washing machine or similar device that supports remote control.

Another solution, which is much more expensive, is the purchase of a balcony solar power plant with a battery or energy storage. In this case, you will not donate excess electricity to the distributor, but save it for later use, for example in the late afternoon, when consumption is usually at its highest.

In the case of a three-phase connection, it is also important to connect the largest consumers to the phase to which the balcony solar power plant will be connected.

Balcony solar power plants and price in Slovenia?

You can get balcony solar power plants from Slovenian sellers from more than €500 (for 800 W), and on average for around €1000. A balcony solar power plant with a storage tank will cost you a few thousand more, depending on the capacity of the storage tank.

What is the warranty on balcony solar power plants?

Some offer a 10-year warranty for the solar module and similarly for the inverter, but we also found only a 2-year warranty, so before buying, read the technical specifications carefully or consult the seller.

How long will it take to pay back your investment in balcony solar power plants?

The calculation of the investment payback time will be slightly different for each user, as it depends on the initial investment, the power of the solar power plant, its location and also the user's habits, the largest of which is 41; it depends on whether the generated electrical energy will be fully utilized.

Under ideal conditions (approximately 900 kWh of electricity produced annually; 0.22 €/kWh), you can expect a good 100 € of annual savings. In this case, the investment payback time is between 5 and 10 years.