Also check out our other sets that can be mounted on a flat surface on the terrace.

Terrace Power Plant and Terrace Solar System

The term “balcony power plants” is currently on everyone’s lips. However, this term is a generic term for small solar systems and includes terrace solar systems and other small-scale installations. The advantage of terrace power plants, for example, lies in their simple construction and the possibility to align them relatively easily. Overall, terrace power plants are a meaningful addition to the electricity supply of your home. They are also suitable for outdoor areas such as gardens.

Terrace Power Plant: Your Path to Autonomous Energy Supply

The goal of many users of renewable energy is energy self-sufficiency, i.e., independence from the public power grid. Small power plants like balcony or terrace power plants can be a first step in this direction. But even experienced solar enthusiasts can find applications for terrace power plants. Using solar energy is not only a means to save electricity costs but is also a crucial element of environmental and climate protection. Utilizing solar energy for self-energy production generally only has advantages for the user, both in terms of the environment and economically.

What Is a Terrace Power Plant?

Our terrace power plants consist of a few components, are easy to install, and regulatory compliance is not relevant for commissioning. This means that you do not need to be a technical expert to install a solar system on your terrace, and you do not have to overcome bureaucratic hurdles due to the size or performance of the terrace solar system. Our systems, which typically consist of 2 panels with a connected micro-inverter and the necessary wiring, are self-explanatory and only need to be connected to the power circuit of a house or a power storage unit via an electrical outlet.

Benefits of a Terrace Power Plant

The benefits of a terrace power plant lie primarily in its simple construction, impressive performance, cost-effectiveness, and ecological relevance. According to Vattenfall (vattenfall.de), it is possible to cover up to 20 percent of the annual electricity demand of a 2-person household with the installation of a terrace power plant. However, given that electricity prices have been steadily increasing for years, it can be assumed that the level of savings will continue to rise. Another advantage is its flexibility. A terrace power plant can be used as a stationary addition to home power supply and can be mounted on balconies, terraces, in gardens, or on flat roofs.

How Does a Terrace Power Plant Work?

The functional principle of a terrace power plant is fundamentally the same as other solar systems. It consists of solar modules, an inverter, and appropriate wiring. Sunlight hits the solar cells and stimulates electrons to move, generating direct current (DC), which is then fed into the power grid via the inverter, which converts DC into alternating current (AC). Our solar modules each have their own mini-inverter to achieve maximum efficiency.

Terrace Solar System: Efficiently Harnessing Solar Energy

To efficiently utilize a terrace solar system, proper orientation is crucial. Solar modules deliver the maximum amount of electricity when they are aligned with the sun. With optimal alignment, yields of over 100 percent are possible. If you intend to operate your terrace solar system as a standalone system, you can do so in your garden, for example. For systems directly connected to your home, a power storage unit is typically not necessary, unless it is intended to function as a backup power source, such as for medical devices or home offices.

Solar Panel for the Terrace: A Key to the Energy Transition

The solar panel is an important step toward the energy transition, and every panel counts. Homeowners have the opportunity to equip their roofs with solar systems, businesses establish solar parks, and apartment owners or tenants have the option to install balcony or terrace solar systems. Everyone contributes to making the energy transition a success. In 2022, there were 43.4 million dwellings in Germany (Source: Federal Statistical Office). If each dwelling were equipped with a balcony or terrace power plant with 2 panels, we would already be a significant step closer to achieving the energy transition. In addition to these dwellings, there are approximately 12.6 million single-family homes and public and commercially used buildings.

Installation and Maintenance of Solar Panels on the Terrace

Both the installation and maintenance of solar panels on the terrace are straightforward. All our components are optimally coordinated and work together safely. Installation can be easily carried out by individuals with less technical expertise. Maintenance of the solar panels involves regular checks of the connectors and cleaning the terrace panels to ensure optimal performance. When cleaning the solar panels, be sure to use gentle cleaning agents to avoid damaging the panel’s surface.

How to Choose the Right Terrace Solar System?

Choosing the solar system that suits your needs depends on several factors. Performance is one factor, and building conditions must also be considered. Performance is related to the price, so more powerful systems may be slightly more expensive. However, it’s always worthwhile to size your terrace system so that it reaches the legally prescribed maximum limit for terrace power plants. Due to the fact that terrace power plants are designed for use over several decades, the slightly higher purchase price is quickly justified. It’s more accurate to say that a more expensive and more powerful system yields higher long-term savings or profits. Another factor to consider is the building conditions. It is possible to mount the terrace solar system at ground level.

Solar System for the Terrace: What You Should Know

There are a few fundamental things to know or consider about solar energy. Solar systems are a safe and excellent way to produce your own electricity. However, the electricity output varies depending on the time of year and time of day. This variation is due to the angle of the sun, which changes, the duration of daily sunlight, and shading on cloudy days. Therefore, it’s essential to align the system according to your specific needs. Since our solar kits include MPPT inverters, they ensure an optimally efficient electricity output even in cases of partial shading, such as when branches cause shadows on part of the system.

Planning a Solar System for the Terrace: What to Consider

Solar panels for the terrace should be planned to achieve the maximum energy yield. In addition to orientation, the location is essential. It should be chosen so that there is minimal shading. Keep in mind that the sun “moves” and is higher in the sky in the summer than in the winter. Therefore, it’s generally advisable to mount the photovoltaic system on the terrace roof, where it is more protected against shading and continues to generate electricity even in the winter. For terrace power plants, the current limit is 600 W, and starting from the coming year 2024, there will be a maximum power limit of 800 W for all small-scale installations.

Purchasing Terrace Solar Systems: Decision Factors

The most important question to answer is about sunlight availability. Does your location have the necessary conditions to operate a terrace solar system, or is there insufficient sunlight, possibly due to neighboring buildings or trees obstructing the sun? From an economic and environmental perspective, purchasing a solar system is typically always recommended.

Installation and Operation of a Solar System on the Terrace

Installation can be completed by laypeople within a few minutes. Our technologically coordinated systems are designed so that you can’t make mistakes during installation when following the instructions. You can also handle the orientation on your own. Before putting the system into operation, you should register it with your utility provider and in the market master data register. The registration is straightforward and free of charge.