Register a balcony power plant: What you need to know
In view of high electricity prices, more and more tenants are deciding to buy balcony power plants in order to generate solar power themselves. This investment allows you not only to reduce your energy costs, but also to actively contribute to environmental protection.
Do I have to register a balcony power plant – or not?
Although balcony power plants – also known as mini solar systems – are delivered ready to plug in, there are a few formalities to follow when commissioning. In other words, it is not permitted to simply buy, connect and commission a balcony power plant. So before you can use a plug-in photovoltaic system, you have to register it. Since the federal government passed the Solar Package 1, registration has become much easier. In addition, the maximum feed-in power has been increased from 600 to 800 watts. The maximum permissible powerof the PV modules has also increased – to 2,000 watts.
Interesting for all tenants: Until now, it was necessary for landlords to agree to the connection. In the meantime, the installation of such systems may no longer be objected to in principle. However, before purchasing a balcony power plant, you should still consult with the apartment owners in order to discuss structural measures if necessary and to prevent disputes.
Use subsidies for balcony power plants
Balcony power plants are exempt from VAT. Thiswill save you money onyour purchase. Many cities and municipalities also pay a subsidy if you buy a mini solar system for your balcony or garden. Up to 500 euros in state funding are possible.
Thanks to the new Solar Package 1, there is no need to register a balcony power plant with the grid operator.
Register balcony power plant in the market master data register
Before the federal government passed the Solar Package 1 in 2024, balcony power plants still had to be registered with the responsible grid operator. To do this, you could (if available) use a form from your grid operator or a form from the German Solar Energy Society. With Solar Package 1, this intermediate step is no longer necessary and you can register your balcony power plant directly in the Market Master Data Register (MaStR). This can be done conveniently via the online service of the Federal Network Agency.
Attention: The registration of the balcony power plant with the market master data register must be made within one month of commissioning. Once the data has been entered online, the registration is complete.
Start by registering on the service portal. During the registration process, you will be asked to provide various information about yourself and the photovoltaic system. This information includes:
- Location data of the plant
- Your contact information
- Technical data of the system
- If applicable, the legal form of your company
If there are any changes to your photovoltaic system, you have the option of updating the information stored in the register at any time.
Balcony power plants are an exciting alternative if, for example, there is no complete roof available for independent power generation.
Why do I have to register my balcony power plant at all?
Balcony power plants are usually connected directly to the public power grid by means of plugs. This requires that the grid operator knows about the amount of electricity fed into the grid and the output. Registration with the grid operator contributes to the security of the grid, as certain sections of the grid have to be completely de-energized for maintenance work, for example. Unannounced balcony power plants would pose a safety risk.
Registration is also necessary because older electricity meter models (Ferraris meters) are not designed for refeed-in. This causes the counters to run backwards. In the past, balcony power plants were not allowed to be operated with an unsuitable meter. Thanks to the new law, it may be connected directly after registration in the market master data register. This also applies if the counter runs backwards. With the registration, the replacement of the electricity meter with a modern model is also ordered, if necessary. This happens automatically. You don't have to take any action. Digital electricity meters can record the withdrawal and feed-in of electricity separately, and the installation of a second meter is usually not necessary.
Penalties for failure to register the balcony power plant
According to the Market Master Data Register Ordinance (MaStRV), Section 5 stipulates that operators must register their systems in the Market Master Data Register. The only exception is for stand-alone solutions, which are operated completely autonomously and are therefore not connected to the public grid. Anyone who does not register their system commits an administrative offence that can be punished by the Federal Network Agency with a fine of up to 50,000 euros. However, cases in which such a high penalty has actually been imposed are not yet known.