Balcony solar panels boom in Germany—will the Netherlands follow?
Germany’s balcony solar panels boom is transforming energy use with plug-and-play systems. Will the Netherlands follow?
Published on February 14, 2025
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The boom of balcony solar panels continues in Germany. Cheap and easy to install, the adoption of these plug-and-play solar systems is skyrocketing in Germany, supported by favorable government regulations and subsidies.
According to the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency) figures, 435,000 new plug-in balcony solar panel installations were made in 2024, representing 2.4% of the newly installed German solar capacity. The agency estimates the number of such installations is higher as not all have been registered. Consultancy company EmpowerSource says there are 3 million balcony solar panel installations in the country.
Although balcony solar panels are also widely available in electronics and DIY stores in the Netherlands, they haven’t been as popular. Yet, they represent a valid alternative to switching to green electricity. What can the Netherlands learn from Germany’s experience?
The rise of balcony solar panels in Germany
Since 2022, the number of balcony solar panels installed in Germany has grown tenfold. These plug-and-play solar systems, typically consisting of two 150-watt panels–enough to power a laptop or TV—have become increasingly attractive due to their affordability. Prices range from €200 to €650. By contrast, conventional rooftop solar panel installations start at €15,000.
These systems also have the advantage of making solar energy accessible to many who previously couldn’t. For instance, people living in apartments that do not have direct access to rooftop solar can install balcony systems to harvest the sun’s power. House renters can also benefit from this. Although, in most cases, these installations can’t fully cover a household’s electricity needs, they can still provide a share of auto-produced energy to slash power costs.
The boom in balcony solar panel installations in Germany is due to favorable policies and subsidies. The city of Berlin, for instance, offers subsidies of up to €500, covering a large part of the costs.
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Balcony solar panels in the Netherlands
While the Netherlands boosted its solar panel installations through a favorable metering scheme–that is now being dismissed–there is no dedicated scheme for balcony installations. Installing balcony solar panels is legal in the Netherlands. Yet, living in a listed building requires permission from the house owner association (HOA), which decides upon roof and facade installations.
Regulations and agreements vary from HOA to HOA so balcony solar panel installations might be forbidden a priori in some cases. In addition, to install these systems, one must comply with the technical requirements.
The need for clear standards
The Netherlands Standardization Institute (NEN) earlier warned about the risks of electric shocks and fire hazards associated with incorrectly installing balcony solar panels. As these panels connect to regular electricity sockets–not designed to feed back power–there is a risk of overloading the net, heating up cables, and causing fires. The NEN also underlined the manufacturers' lack of clarity in presenting these risks.
Conversely, German regulations have established clear safety parameters for balcony solar installations. Systems are limited to 800 watts output, ensuring they can be safely integrated into existing electrical systems. However, safety concerns have emerged, particularly regarding proper installation and usage. Experts warn that electrical sockets must be appropriate for power feedback, and older homes may face increased risks. To address these concerns, Germany has implemented strict regulations and special socket requirements, making their approach more comprehensive.
The potential of balcony solar panels
Solar power already supplied 14.6% of Germany's electricity in 2024, and balcony solar panels are starting to play a significant role in the country's energy transition. The initiative aligns with Germany's ambitious goal of sourcing 80% of gross power consumption from renewables by 2030, up from 59% in 2024. With clear regulations and enabling conditions, the Netherlands can undoubtedly follow its neighbor's example.
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