Producing your own electricity on your balcony or terrace is not only practical, but also an extremely efficient and cost-effective way to generate energy independently. If you're a renter yourself, you may have already had to deal with the challenges of installing a balcony power plant. It hasn't always been easy for tenants to fulfill their desire for their own electricity. For a long time, landlords could simply prohibit the operation of these small plug-in solar systems.
But the legal situation has recently changed in favor of tenants: A new ruling makes it much easier to install balcony power plants! Great news for anyone looking to purchase a small solar power plant for their apartment.
What are balcony power plants and why do you need them?
Balcony power plants or plug-in solar systems are small solar systems specifically designed for use on balconies, terraces, or small spaces. They typically consist of one or two solar modules, an inverter, and the necessary cabling. These systems connect directly to your electrical outlet to feed the generated electricity into the home grid, thus reducing your own electricity consumption. Installation is straightforward and requires no major structural changes—ideal for tenants, who can reduce their electricity costs effortlessly and without noticeable structural changes to their rented apartment.
What has the legal situation been like so far?
Until recently, many tenants who wanted to install a balcony power plant faced a major problem: their landlord could simply reject the proposal. Some landlords had reservations, fearing changes to the building's exterior appearance or concerns about safety and liability. The potential impact on the apartment community's electricity consumption was also a reason for many to prohibit balcony power plants. If a request to install a plug-in solar system was rejected, tenants previously faced the choice of either foregoing the balcony power plant or reversing the rejection after lengthy discussions and negotiations.
The new ruling: A win for tenants
%20(1).webp)
In late summer of this year, a ruling by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) ensured that landlords can no longer simply prohibit the operation of balcony power plants. The court ruled that tenants generally have the right to install a solar system on their balcony or terrace, provided no major structural changes are made and the installation does not have an unreasonable impact on the building or the neighbors.
As long as the balcony power plant is installed safely, landlords are not allowed to refuse it. The ruling assumes that the expansion of renewable energies is important and that tenants can also contribute to it. For many of you, this Federal Court of Justice ruling will certainly be a real relief, as it will significantly reduce your own electricity costs.
What does the new ruling mean for landlords?
For landlords, the new ruling means they can no longer simply refuse balcony power plants in the future. However, they still have some legal leeway. If, for example, the installation of the solar system threatens to significantly impair the use of the building or apartment—for example, due to fire hazards, improper installation, or unreasonable visual changes—they could still raise objections. Care must also be taken to ensure that the installation is carried out properly and safely.
Landlords therefore remain responsible for ensuring that their buildings are operated safely and properly. However, they cannot simply rely on the general rejection of balcony power plants. Instead, they must specifically examine whether there are legitimate objections to the installation.
Our sample letter for you to your landlord
Are you a tenant and planning to install a balcony power station on your balcony? Even if landlords can no longer prohibit the installation outright, they must be notified of the commissioning. This is where we come in. To make the process easier for you, we've created a template that you can use in whole or in part for your letter. All you have to do is fill in some personal information on the form, and in no time, your letter for your landlord will be ready.
A note: We have created this sample letter to the best of our knowledge and belief. Its use is, of course, voluntary, and we assume no legal liability for its use.
Conclusion
Given the growing uncertainty in the energy markets, it is becoming increasingly attractive for many people to generate their own electricity and use it locally. Balcony power plants offer a simple, cost-effective, and straightforward solution. The recent ruling by the Federal Court of Justice is a positive signal overall, especially for those who want to actively shape the energy transition and reduce their electricity costs in the process.
Don't own a balcony power plant yet? What are you waiting for? Draft your letter to your landlord now, discover our wide range of balcony power plants, and become less dependent on fluctuating electricity prices!
Discover our balcony power plants
Buy from us now VAT-free!
