Germany's lower house of parliament has recently approved legislative changes aimed at promoting the installation of solar power systems on balconies. This move is part of Germany's broader efforts to accelerate its transition to renewable energy sources.
Under the new amendments, both apartment owners and tenants will now have the right to install plug-in solar devices on their balconies without significant obstacles from landlords or property associations. Carsten Körnig, head of the BSW solar power association, emphasized the significance of these changes, stating, “The right to harvest solar power is thus legally enshrined. This is tangible climate protection and is likely to further increase acceptance of the energy transition.”
Germany, where a majority of the population resides in rented accommodations, aims to support its capital Berlin in achieving its ambitious target of meeting 80% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. The law applies to solar systems with a capacity of up to 2,000 watts, designed primarily to reduce household electricity bills.
The demand for balcony solar systems has surged recently, with approximately 550,000 devices currently in operation, half of which were installed in 2023 alone. This trend reflects a broader shift towards renewable energy in response to both environmental concerns and geopolitical energy security challenges.
The amendments signify a proactive step towards increasing solar energy uptake in Germany, particularly following disruptions in global energy markets.
