Solar balconies are a revolution in the section of sustainable housing and people who generate their own energy. In the face of lack, virtue arises, and therefore, if you lack space at home, you do not have a large terrace or you do not know where to put your solar panels, pay close attention to these solar balconies. The “solar balconies” concept, strongly popularized in Germany, has spread rapidly throughout the rest of the world due to its functionality. Here we explain everything you need to know about this new way of self-generating your own energy.
Taking advantage of solar energy in urban spaces is more complicated. As is also the case in areas where it is rare to see the sun in the sky, such as, for example, Germany. Well, it is there, precisely, where a fashion was born that has spread rapidly in the rest of Europe, and that in Spain can be, given the amount of sun that most areas have, an ideal alternative to stop paying for the light once and for all. In this article, we analyze in detail what solar balconies are and how they work, the latest sustainable trend, which is here to stay due to its ease and low installation price.
What are solar balconies?
Solar balconies are compact photovoltaic systems designed to be installed on balconies, terraces or building facades. Unlike traditional solar panels that are placed on roofs, these systems are designed to take advantage of the vertical space available in urban areas, where panels often cannot be installed on roofs due to lack of access or other restrictions.
Each solar balcony system typically has one or two solar panels, an inverter to convert the direct current (DC) generated by the panels into alternating current (AC), and a cable that plugs directly into an outlet in the house. Installation is quite simple and does not require advanced technical knowledge, it is perfect for users who want to do it themselves without having to hire a professional installer.
However, our recommendation is that you legalize the photovoltaic installation, because if you pour a few kWh into the grid, the distributor will detect it and could fine you and even cut off your electricity supply due to this. Therefore, although you can install everything yourself, it is recommended that you hire an electricity company to legalize the installation, so as not to have problems with the distribution company in your area. Although there are laws that indicate that it is not necessary if it is less than 800W, the truth is that there are other laws that indicate that it is, so they are contradictory.
How do solar balconies work?
The operation of a solar balcony is quite simple. Solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This energy, which is initially in the form of direct current (DC), passes through an inverter that transforms it into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used by most appliances at home. Once converted, the energy is injected directly into the home’s electrical grid through a standard plug.
The most interesting thing about these systems is that the energy generated is consumed directly at home, thus reducing the amount of electricity you need to buy from the grid. If at any time more electricity is generated than is being consumed, the surplus can be injected into the general electrical grid, depending on the regulations of each country, and the type of inverter you have, because it is possible that the inverter limits this. , and even you yourself can limit the surpluses so as not to pour anything at all.
Advantages and considerations
It is clear that installing a solar balcony is a very good decision, especially if throughout the year and for most of the day, the sun is shining on your balcony. This is perfect for south-facing apartments, but especially if you don’t have any other blocks of buildings shading it. Below, we explain the advantages and considerations that you should take into account.
- Savings on the electricity bill: although the amount of energy they generate is less compared to rooftop systems, they can cover up to 30% of a home’s electricity consumption, depending on the location and sunlight conditions.
- Ease of installation: Unlike rooftop solar systems, solar balconies are much easier to install. No special permissions are needed in most cases, and its installation can be done by the user themselves in a matter of hours.
- Contribution to sustainability: Solar balconies allow more people to participate in the energy transition towards renewable sources, even those who live in multi-story buildings and do not have access to a roof.
- Structural Considerations: Before installing a solar balcony system, it is important to ensure that the balcony structure can support the additional weight of the panels, especially in cases of high winds or adverse weather conditions.
Solar balconies represent an innovative and accessible solution for those who want to generate their own electricity in urban environments. Not only do they offer savings on electricity bills, but they also allow apartment residents to actively participate in the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy. If you are looking for a way to reduce your ecological footprint and save on energy, a solar balcony could be the perfect option for you.
