When it comes to home energy and policies, Germany is exploring a new trend in balcony solar power. Various policies have been implemented across the country to make balcony solar power more attractive by 2023. For example, starting from January 1st, 2023, the value-added tax on balcony solar power systems has been reduced from 19% to 0%. The promotion of balcony solar power is being extended nationwide. Additionally, there are increasing subsidies and grants for purchasing plug-in solar systems. Many cities and municipalities are offering partial cost coverage. Each federal state will also launch a balcony power plant support program in 2023.
We've compiled an alphabetically sorted list of balcony solar power subsidy programs, mainly covering the subsidies provided by federal states and cities. Due to space constraints, we will only list some of the key city policies.
State Situations:
Berlin:
Berlin has been promoting the purchase of plug-in solar equipment since February 10th, 2023. Funding is provided for 14,000 apartments, and eligible tenants living primarily in Berlin can apply (submit before buying) for a subsidy of up to €500. Each apartment is eligible for one subsidy for a plug-in solar device. This program is part of the Solar PLUS program and can be applied through IBB Business Team GmbH.
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern:
Starting from November 7th, 2022, a uniform subsidy of up to €500 is provided for balcony solar power systems purchased. Applications are accepted only after purchase and installation. According to the agency, subsidies for owners have already been exhausted, but from July 2023, tenants residing in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern can still apply.
Schleswig-Holstein:
The government provides periodic subsidies. The most recent subsidy, starting from September 5th, 2023, will support 10,000 balcony solar power systems. The government offers cost subsidies of up to 50%, with a maximum subsidy of €200 per system. It's important to note that to be eligible for the subsidy, the balcony solar power system must be connected using a Wieland plug. If you are a recipient of housing benefits, social welfare, or basic security, you may also be eligible for a maximum subsidy of €350.
City Situations:
-Aachen: For the purchase of plug-in solar systems ranging from 150W to 600W, the city provides a flat fee of €200. You must apply before purchasing the system.
-Augsburg: Starting from mid/late September 2023, plug-in photovoltaic devices with a capacity of up to 450 Wp will receive a subsidy of €100, while those exceeding 450 Wp will receive €200. Funding applications must be submitted and approved before purchasing.
-Bonn: From April 1st, 2023, subsidies for plug-in solar devices installed on house and garage roofs will no longer be provided. However, subsidies will continue for mini solar systems installed on balconies, terraces, or gardens. Tenants can receive €600 per kilowatt of power output (up to a maximum of €360 for a system with a feed-in power of 600W, covering 60% of the purchase cost).
-Braunschweig:The subsidy program has been discontinued as of May 2023. Originally, it provided up to €400 for plug-in photovoltaic systems with output power between 250W and 600W. Tenants need to obtain permission from their landlords. Compliance with regulations from the grid operator is required when connecting the system.
-Darmstadt: For a single solar module (300W) of a mini photovoltaic system, €200 are provided, and for two solar modules (600W), €400. For balcony systems with output power of up to 600W, the government covers up to 50% of the purchase cost. Higher subsidies are available for low-income households. If users participate in the "energy-saving check" program, they only need to pay €75 for a 300W system.
-Düsseldorf: For plug-in photovoltaic systems with an output power of 600W, high subsidies of up to 50% are available, up to a maximum of €600. The condition is that the components have undergone IEC standard certification and comply with meter specifications. Subsidies for low-income households can even reach 80% of the total cost (up to a maximum of €800 per application).
-Erlangen: A subsidy of €50 per 100W is provided, with a maximum subsidy of €300.
-Essen: A subsidy of €200 is provided for components with a rated output of at least 300 Wp and a maximum inverter output of 800 VA. Application must be submitted before purchasing.
-Freiburg: A flat subsidy of €200 is provided.
-Günzburg: A subsidy of €100 is provided. The subsidy application must be submitted before purchasing the system.
-Heidelberg: Subsidies cover 50% of the purchase cost for balcony solar systems, up to a maximum of €750. Heidelberg residents with a Heidelberg ID or Heidelberg ID+ only need to pay €50 to receive a maximum subsidy of €1,450. Application must be submitted before purchasing.
-Ingolstadt: Starting from January 1st, 2023, a subsidy of €200 is provided for mini solar systems with output power between 300W and 600W. In 2023, the government will also install the required bidirectional meter free of charge. The application can be filled out online.
-Jena: Starting from November 2022, a subsidy of 25% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of €200, is provided for plug-in photovoltaic systems with a maximum output power of 600W. The program is initially planned to run until December 31st, 2023.
-Kiel: The city government provides a subsidy of €100 for each plug-in photovoltaic system with a maximum output power of 600W. Application for the subsidy must be made before purchasing. As a tenant, a declaration of consent from the landlord is required.
-Köln: A subsidy of €200 is provided for each plug-in solar system with a power output not exceeding 600W.
-Leipzig: A one-time subsidy of €200 is provided for systems with a purchase price of €250 or more.
-München: A subsidy of 40 euro cents per installed watt is provided, meaning a maximum subsidy of €240 for a 600W balcony solar power station. Up to 50% of the investment cost can be subsidized.
-Potsdam: A one-time subsidy of €250 is provided for plug-in solar devices.
-Regensburg: Application must be submitted before placing an order or making payment. A flat subsidy of €150 is provided for each balcony power station and residential unit.
-Stuttgart: A one-time subsidy of €100 is provided.
-Tübingen: Subsidies are available for balcony power stations with a peak capacity not exceeding 600W and complying with DGS standards. The city government provides a maximum subsidy of €250, up to a maximum of 30% of the eligible investment cost. Users with a KreisBonusCard can receive a subsidy of up to 75% of the investment cost, with a maximum of €800.
-Ulm: The city government provides 50% of the purchase cost support for buying small solar systems, up to a maximum of €250 per residential unit.
-Wiesbaden: A subsidy of €300 is provided for the purchase of small solar systems. The subsidy conditions specify that the electrician must connect the balcony power generation equipment to a dedicated energy socket.
Germany is actively promoting balcony solar power, with policies and subsidies being implemented nationwide. The government has reduced the value-added tax on balcony solar systems and offers increasing subsidies and grants. Many cities provide partial cost coverage, making it easier for residents to invest in plug-in solar systems. Newsmy's innovative balcony energy storage system complements balcony solar power setups, allowing users to store excess energy for later use. This integrated solution aligns with Germany's commitment to sustainable energy and offers a cost-effective way for residents to reduce their environmental impact while enjoying reliable, clean energy.
