We already see micro-installations installed on the roofs of single-family houses at every turn. But what about apartment blocks? One such innovative approach is balcony photovoltaics, a technology that transforms our traditional balconies into sources of solar energy. In this article, we take a look at the benefits of this technology in the context of multi-family buildings, changes in the law and projections for 2024.

Balcony photovoltaics, i.e. the placement of photovoltaic panels on balcony railings, is gaining popularity among residents of multi-family buildings. There are many benefits of this solution.

1. Energy self-sufficiency: photovoltaic systems on balconies allow residents to generate their own electricity. This means not only a reduction in electricity bills, but also greater energy independence.

2. Optimum use of space: balconies, which are often unused or only have a decorative function, can now become active energy producers. This is an efficient use of available space.

3. Reduction of CO2 emissions: Renewable energy production contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The balcony power plant is therefore a step towards a greener lifestyle.

As the technology develops, the rules and regulations for balcony photovoltaics are also changing. There is a trend in many countries, including Poland, to make it easier to install small photovoltaic systems on private properties, which includes balconies in multi-family buildings.

In order to install photovoltaic panels legally on a balustrade, it is necessary to obtain permission from the housing association or cooperative. To do this, you need to submit a formal application to the administrator, enclosing a design for the installation. This is for safety reasons (so that the structure does not endanger neighbours) and for building aesthetics. It is worth remembering to seek professional advice and check whether our balcony is definitely suitable for the installation of a PV structure.

The most beneficial type of micro-installation in such a case will be an off-gird, which produces electricity only for current needs. With such a small installation, it makes no sense to connect it to the grid. However, it should be remembered that the panels on the balcony should be installed by a qualified installer.

Forecasting the future is always a challenge, however, based on current trends, it can be predicted that balcony photovoltaics will continue to gain in popularity in 2024. To date, mounting modules on balconies has been popular mainly in Germany, where ready-made kits can even be purchased in supermarkets. It is estimated that there are more than 300,000 installations of this type there - a number that is growing all the time. This has been boosted by various subsidies for people interested in buying a balcony structure. Poland is unfortunately still lagging behind in this respect, but one can currently see a growing interest in this type of investment. A well-known example is one block of flats in Szczytno, where photovoltaic panels have been installed on each balcony.

Source: https://gazetaolsztynska.pl/szczytno/864872,Sam-produkuje-energie-elektryczna-i-cieplna.html

From the photovoltaic market, there are claims that an increasing number of flat owners and entire communities are interested in "Photobalconics" in Poland. This is dictated, among other things, by ecology , because as the ecological awareness of society increases, people will be more willing to invest in environmentally friendly solutions. Balcony photovoltaics fit perfectly into this trend, which may contribute to its further development.

Technological developments are also conducive to this, as PV mounting kits provide the user with efficient, aesthetically pleasing and flexible solutions for extracting maximum solar output from even a small balcony. In addition to this, residents of multi-family buildings are seeing the savings that photovoltaics provide for residents of single-family houses and, also wanting to reduce their energy bills, are increasingly investing in such solutions. Especially as energy prices are rising all the time.

A good solution that would help the development of the installation of photovoltaic panels on the balcony would be subsidies. This would allow more people to install the panels and mounting structures.

The key to an effective balcony installation, apart from the module itself, is the right design and bracket. A good example of this is KSENG's PV panel mounting kit.

The Balcony Easy Solar Bracket is a design that allows full-size photovoltaic panels to be mounted on railings and balustrades. Thanks to the adjustable bracket, it is possible to adjust the angle of the module as required - from 0° to 30°. The durability of the construction is confirmed by TUV Rheinland certification. It is a construction made of highly corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy 6005-T5 and durable type 304 stainless steel.

More about the Easy Solar Bracket

In summary, photovoltaics on balconies represent a fascinating solution that combines innovation with practical use of the available space. Changing legislation and future projections indicate that this technology will play an important role in shaping the energy landscape in the coming years. For residents of multi-family buildings, investing in balcony photovoltaics can prove not only financially but also ecologically beneficial.