Balcony power plants for tenants: Rights regarding solar energy and new laws

Tenants in Germany have easier access to balcony solar power plants thanks to new regulations. The Solar Package I significantly strengthens your position against landlords.

New Legal Situation through Solar Package I

Since October 2024, § 535 BGB (German Civil Code) stipulates that landlords may not refuse balcony solar power plants without a valid reason. Tenants have a clear right to install plug-in solar systems, as long as there are no serious factual objections. Solar Package I also simplifies registration in the market master data register, without the need for grid operator confirmations.

This change also applies to apartment owners in multi-family houses vis-à-vis the owners' association. Blanket prohibitions in rental agreements are ineffective. Landlords may only impose conditions for safe installation.

Why Landlords May Not Refuse

Landlords must approve a balcony solar power plant if it is professionally installed and poses no safety risks. Common reasons for refusal, such as visual impairment or minimal shading, are not sufficient. Only in cases of significant danger, such as outdoor installation during strong winds, can a refusal be justified.

Courts such as the Cologne District Court confirm: Tenants have priority, as long as they can prove liability insurance and professional installation. The law prioritizes environmental protection and tenants' energy cost savings.

Market Trends for Balcony Solar Power Plants

In 2025, balcony solar power plants are booming with over 500,000 installations in Germany. According to the Federal Network Agency, the tenant share will grow to 40 percent, as rising electricity prices make self-supply attractive. Especially in cities like Berlin and Munich, 65 percent of users install plug-and-play systems up to 800 watts.

Market turnover rose to 1.2 billion euros in 2025. User profiles show: Young families and singles prioritize easy installation, while seniors prefer storage solutions.

At DRBO Greenenergy, we pursue a clear goal: to drive the decentralized energy transition together with our customers. We already supply numerous hardware stores, specialist retailers, and installation companies with high-quality solar and energy storage solutions and now also support private customers with practical solutions.

Top Balcony Solar Power Plants for Tenants

Here is a selection of proven systems that optimally utilize tenants' rights.

These models comply with DIN standards and are tenant-friendly. No further official DRBO models are temporarily available.

Competitive Comparison of Balcony Solar Power Plants

Priwatt excels in price-performance, Anker in storage. All meet Solar Package I requirements.

Core Technology of Balcony Solar Power Plants

Balcony solar power plants use micro-inverters that convert DC current to AC. Efficiency is 95 percent due to MPPT technology. Modules with 220 Wp generate 0.8 kWh with 4 hours of sun daily.

Safety features include overheating protection and RCDs. Bidirectional models charge storage via grid power.

Real-World Applications and ROI

Case 1: Family in Munich installs Priwatt on a 6 sq m balcony. Annual yield: 350 kWh, saving €140 at €0.40/kWh. ROI after 3.5 years.

Case 2: Single in Berlin with Anker Solix: 280 kWh/year, storage covers 80 percent of evening consumption. Amortization in 4 years.

Users report: "Electricity bill halved, landlord approved after sample letter." According to the consumer advice center, ROI is 3-5 years.

Buying Guide for Tenants

Choose 800-watt systems for maximum feed-in. Check balcony orientation: south is optimal, east-west 80 percent yield. Request landlord's consent in writing with proof of insurance.

Avoid outdoor mounting with wind load. Cost: €400-€1000, KfW funding possible.

Practical Application Examples

In Hamburg, a tenant was allowed to install despite initial refusal, as there was no factual reason. The court ruled in favor of the tenant. Similarly in Cologne: Approved after proof of safe installation.

Future Trends for Balcony Solar Power Plants

By 2030, the market will double to 2.5 million systems. Storage integration will increase to 70 percent. Solar Package II plans a 2-kW limit and tenant electricity models.

Intelligent energy management systems optimize self-consumption to 90 percent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Balcony Solar Power Plants

Do I need to register?
Yes, only in the market master data register, free of charge in 10 minutes.

Can the landlord demand a specialist company?
No, self-assembly is allowed if professionally executed.

What if there's a refusal?
Object in writing, if necessary, contact the tenants' association or court.

Are multiple systems possible?
Yes, up to 2 kW from 2026, landlord's consent per unit.

Is insurance necessary?
Yes, liability insurance with PV coverage.

Next Steps for Your Installation

1. Check balcony: area, orientation.

2. Obtain consent: use sample letter.

3. Buy and install system.

4. Register and measure yield.

Contact experts for advice.

Sources

• Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action: Solar Package I

• Federal Network Agency: Market Master Data Register

• Haus & Grund: Balcony Solar Power Plant Rights for Tenants

• Consumer Advice Centre: ROI Calculations for Balcony Power Plants

• Cologne District Court: Ruling on Safety Risks

• Statista: PV Market Trends 2025

Some of the information in this article comes from the internet. Product specifications can be updated at any time. For the latest information, please visit the official website or product page.