Balcony power plant – with storage or without? Orientation?

Hello everyone,

I have a very basic question. I would like to generate some electricity myself. I am also thinking about a system on the roof, but I thought I would start with a balcony power plant first. Our electricity consumption is 2500 kWh. We are a family of four, but consumption could certainly go towards 3000 kWh. Currently, we heat our house with gas, but the next heating system could also be a heat pump.

Of course, a balcony power plant does not play a big role in that. Still, I thought it would be a start. The balcony faces south. For aesthetic reasons, I would prefer to hang the panels (2 pieces would fit well) parallel to the railing. So not unfolded. How much does that affect the efficiency? And is a storage system even worthwhile? Thanks in advance for your opinion.

How much does that affect efficiency? And is a storage system even worth it?

Efficiency decreases in summer, increases in winter, overall annual yield is slightly lower. I wouldn’t have any concerns about that. The storage system is worth it if it goes through many cycles, which basically means how often it is charged and discharged and how much electricity can be used more effectively in this way. With a balcony power plant, it can be the case that most of the generated electricity goes into the base load, meaning it is used directly. There isn’t much left for charging and discharging. Whether a storage system is worthwhile in this setup depends on the daily consumption curve. Usually, the storage system provides a reasonably cost-neutral good feeling with balcony power plants.

Efficiency decreases in summer, increases in winter, overall annual yield is somewhat lower. I wouldn't have any concerns there. The storage is worth it if it goes through many cycles, which ultimately means roughly how often it is charged and discharged and how much electricity can be used more directly in this way. With a balcony power plant, it can well be that the generated electricity mostly goes into the base load, i.e., is used directly. There isn't much left for charging and discharging. Whether a storage system is worthwhile in this constellation depends on the daily consumption curve. Usually, the storage in balcony power plants is more or less cost-neutral and gives a good feeling.

Super, thank you very much! That is very helpful. Regarding storage. They are made to be installed outside, right? Sure, in this case it would be under the roof, but still, outside there is always a risk of high humidity and also very low temperatures (-10 degrees in winter).

They are made to be kept outside, right?

As a rule, battery storage systems are not suitable for outdoor use. They regularly do not meet the required IP rating and also lack sufficient resistance to cold.

Battery storage systems are generally not suitable for outdoor placement. They regularly do not meet the required IP rating and also do not have sufficient resistance to cold.

Yes, I find that convincing. On the other hand, this is also the case with the storage systems in electric cars if the car is not parked in the garage, apart from the fact that their storage systems are probably more designed for that. I just don't see how I could solve it differently, because otherwise I could only place the unit in the living room, and that doesn't have to be. Besides, I would then have to run the cable through the wall again.

They are made to be placed outside, right?

Yes, typical balcony power plant storage units are generally designed and intended for outdoor use.
IP 65 and an operating range of at least -10 to +50 degrees should be the minimum requirement for every storage unit (several even down to -20 degrees and IP 66 - all brands whether Growatt, Anker, Marstek, etc.)

In that respect, I have to disagree with .

Whether that is still the best solution in winter at -10 degrees is another question.