Balcony power plant tested: 1 year of real experience and power yields in detail

After consulting, I opted for a powerful, high-quality complete system. I used:

• EcoFlow PowerStream Micro Inverter 800 W
• EcoFlow PowerStream super flat MC4 cable (0.5m)
• 2x WATTSTUNDE® SOLA Frame Black 480Wp solar modules
• 2x WATTSTUNDE® balcony bracket BKW-HS
• 2x WATTSTUNDE® VSS 4.5 extension cables for solar modules

The combination of reliable technology and high efficiency was a deciding factor for me. The modules were easy to attach to the balcony railing – and even though they're clearly visible through our frosted glass railing, it doesn't bother us or our neighbors.

The installation was surprisingly straightforward. My partner and I spent about two hours assembling the entire system. Installing the brackets was straightforward; only lifting the modules over the railing was challenging – but easily manageable with two people.

A positive aspect is that coordination with our landlord went completely smoothly. Despite being in an apartment building, there were no objections, as the system can be removed without leaving any residue. Registration with the market data register was also completed quickly and without any hurdles.

The very next morning we were able to track the first watt-hour yield in the app.

The seasonal distribution was also striking: In the summer months, we were able to use almost all of the generated electricity directly—for example, for the refrigerator, home office, fans, or Wi-Fi. In winter, however, the yield was naturally significantly lower, and direct consumption decreased accordingly. These fluctuations demonstrate that the orientation and consumption behavior in the household play a major role in actual efficiency.

For me, the balcony power plant is, above all, a financially sensible decision. At an average electricity price of €0.40/kWh, I was able to save approximately €108.50 in the first year through self-consumption. So far, there have been no ongoing costs.
The acquisition costs are thus amortized over several years – and with an optional storage system, self-consumption could be further increased, which significantly impacts profitability. For me, the system is a stable and predictable investment.

My conclusion is entirely positive. Besides the financial relief, there's also a very practical benefit: It's simply fun to generate your own electricity and use it purposefully. Using the Tapo smart home sockets, I can see in real time how much energy is being produced and consumed. This direct connection to my own electricity generation motivates me to use devices more consciously.
The system works very reliably, is maintenance-free, and also helps make my everyday life more technical and transparent.

I'm currently considering adding the EcoFlow STREAM AC Pro to my system. This would allow me to store the electricity and use it myself when needed – instead of feeding it into the grid. Integrating it into our existing smart home system would be easy.

In my opinion, a balcony power plant is the perfect way to easily generate your own electricity and increase control over your consumption. The combination of ease of implementation, measurable impact, and long-term benefits makes it one of the most worthwhile investments—especially for two-person households like ours.

My tip: If you get enough sun and have space for one or two modules, don't hesitate—it's worth it. And if you want to get even more out of it, plan for a storage system or a modularly expandable system right from the start.