The Commission deems the aid measure to align with the principles of the internal market.
In the pursuit of energy independence and cost savings, balcony power plants are gaining popularity in Germany. These compact solar solutions offer an efficient way to generate electricity, making them a viable option for balcony-dwelling households. Here's a roundup of some of the best 1000-watt balcony power plant sets available in the market.
| Product / Brand | Power Output | Annual Energy Production | Cost (Approx.) | Storage Options | Notable Features | |-----------------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | Sunshare Lite Ray System | ~1122 watts | 1,122 kWh/year | ~4,950 € | None included (battery not mentioned) | High annual yield, premium pricing | | Sunshare Shield Balcony Solar | Adjustable 200W–1200W | Up to ~867 kWh/year (800W model) | ~2,475 € to 3,803 € | None included | Flexible power ranges with adjustable brackets | | Ikea Balcony Power Sets (Svea Solar) | 900 to 1040 watts (2x 450-520W panels) | Not specified, but estimated similar to 1000W systems | 450 € (basic) to 1,229 € (with storage) | Storage included only in "complete set M" (1.92 kWh) | Most cost-effective; includes plug-and-play options; storage optional | | Solarway 1000W Balcony Power Station | 1000W | Not specified | Not specified (retail Liberia) | No details on storage | Optimized for poor weather, compatible with balconies and flat roofs | | BLUETTI AC70 Portable Power Station (storage focus) | 1000W output, 786 Wh capacity | Power station for load, not generation | Not specified | 786 Wh built-in battery | Portable power station for backup, supports multiple devices |
Performance
Leading the pack in yearly energy production is the Sunshare Lite Ray System, boasting an output of ~1,122 kWh/year, ideal for substantial electricity savings on balconies with good sunlight. Ikea’s sets, with panels around 450-520W each, enable combined output slightly over 1000W; their performance depends on the exact panels chosen but should be comparable to Sunshare’s systems in average German sunlight. Solarway system emphasizes performance in poor weather but lacks detailed figures on output or annual generation.
Cost
Ikea offers the most affordable entry with a basic 900W set priced below 450 €, reflecting recent price drops in solar panels. Sunshare’s solutions are priced significantly higher, ranging from ~2,475 € to ~4,950 €, reflecting premium features and possibly installation or hardware quality. Ikea’s mid-tier set, priced at ~1,229 €, comes with a 1.92 kWh storage system, adding value for those wanting energy storage.
Storage Options
Ikea’s Complete Set M includes a 1.92 kWh battery storage, enough for small household appliances, adding energy autonomy. Sunshare systems appear to be solar panel and inverter sets without bundled storage solutions. Solarway and BLUETTI focus more on portable power stations; the BLUETTI AC70 has a 786 Wh storage capacity combined with a 1000W output, designed more as a portable battery than a fixed balcony system.
Summary
For cost-conscious users wanting a plug-and-play balcony system with storage, Ikea’s offers via Svea Solar provide good value and integrated storage at a moderate price. For higher annual production without storage, Sunshare’s systems offer premium performance but at a higher upfront cost. For portable power storage with 1000W output, the BLUETTI AC70 is a strong candidate, although it complements rather than replaces fixed balcony solar setups.
Choosing the right system depends on the desired balance among budget, power generation, and the importance of storage capabilities in Germany’s typical sunshine conditions. With over 780,000 balcony power plants already registered in Germany, the trend towards self-sufficient energy production is undeniable.
- In terms of yearly energy production, the Sunshare Lite Ray System leads the current market, promising an output of around 1,122 kWh/year, making it suitable for significant electricity savings on balconies that receive a good amount of sunlight.
- The most budget-friendly option among the listed products is Ikea’s basic 900W set, priced below 450 €, reflecting recent decreases in solar panel prices.
- While Sunshare’s solutions are priced significantly higher, ranging from ~2,475 € to ~4,950 €, they offer premium features and potentially higher-quality hardware.
- For users in search of a cost-effective plug-and-play balcony system that includes storage, Ikea’s Complete Set M, priced around 1,229 €, provides the necessary energy autonomy alongside its integrated 1.92 kWh battery storage solution.
- The BLUETTI AC70, with a 1000W output and 786 Wh battery capacity, operates more like a portable power station for backup purposes, supporting multiple devices while focusing on storage, although it does not replace fixed balcony solar systems.
