In fresh years, more and more people have decided to install photovoltaic panels on balconies. expanding electricity prices and expanding environmental awareness make this an attractive alternate to conventional energy sources. Photovoltaic is no longer just a domain of the owners of single-family houses – now besides the inhabitants of the blocks can usage solar energy.
Life example: German writer and his savings
A German writer decided to install a tiny 800 W photovoltaic installation on his balcony. After 35 months of operation, the installation generated 1287 kWh of energy. Of this quantity, the writer utilized 1082 kWh for his own needs and 205 kWh was put on the network.
At energy prices of 30-40 cents per kWh, he managed to save a full of EUR 374,60, which corresponds to nearly PLN 1,600. Given the installation cost of EUR 800, the return on investment is expected to be around six years. After that, the installation will supply free energy for another 19 years.
Photovoltaics on balconies in Poland
Challenges and obstacles
In Poland photovoltaics on balconies are only beginning to gain popularity. The main problem is the deficiency of consent from cooperatives and housing communities. They fear the impact on the aesthetics of the building and the safety of balcony structures. An example is the Gdańsk resident who installed panels on his balcony, but had to face opposition from the cooperative. The case went to court due to the fact that the tenant felt that the refusal of the cooperative was unjustified.
Installation procedure
In order to install photovoltaic panels on the balcony, it is essential to get the consent of the building owner or housing cooperative. It is besides crucial that the installation be placed on the sunny side of the building. The choice of the appropriate kind of installation depends on individual needs and location conditions.
Types of photovoltaic installations on the balcony
- On-grid: Installation connected to the power grid requiring notification to the power plant and installation of a two-way counter.
- Off-grid: Independent installation consisting of panels, inverter and battery that stores energy. This is simply a peculiarly recommended solution for balconies.
- Plug and play: A simple installation that can be connected straight to the electrical outlet, which can besides bring crucial savings.
Examples of savings
According to estimates, 400 Wp panels on a well-sunned balcony can deliver up to 400 kWh of electricity per year. At the current price of PLN 1/kWh, this means savings of PLN 400 per year. The cost of the installation is around PLN 3000, which means that the investment will return after just over 7 years.
Benefits of photovoltaics on balconies
Financial
- Savings on accounts: As examples show, photovoltaic installations can importantly reduce electricity bills.
- Return on investment: Despite the first costs, the return on investment is possible in a fewer years, and the subsequent usage of free energy for subsequent years brings additional savings.
Organic
- Reduction of CO2 emissions: utilizing renewable energy sources helps reduce carbon dioxide and another harmful substances into the atmosphere.
- Promoting sustainable development: Supporting photovoltaic technologies contributes to the improvement of sustainable energy.
Energy independence
- Reducing dependence on energy suppliers: Owning your own energy origin allows for greater independency from fluctuations in energy prices and supplier policies.
- Cost stability: alternatively of worrying about rising energy prices, photovoltaic plant owners can enjoy unchangeable and predictable costs.
Installation of photovoltaic panels on the balcony can be a profitable investment, bringing measurable savings and ecological benefits. Examples from Germany and Poland show that despite any challenges, photovoltaic on balconies is becoming increasingly popular. By preparing and obtaining the essential approvals, block residents can benefit from renewable energy sources while contributing to environmental protection.
As there is increasing interest and increased availability of photovoltaic technologies, it is expected that more and more Poles will decide to do so. Photovoltaics on balconies can become a standard in Polish cities, bringing benefits both to individual users and to the full society.
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He put photovoltaic panels on his balcony. Showed the receipts
