The high costs of electricity, oil and gas worry many people in Germany. Many households are looking for ways to save money. The first discounters have recognized the trend and are now offering solar systems for the balcony. But what do these small power plants bring and what do interested parties have to watch out for?
Because the electricity and energy prices are rising, the demand for solar systems is increasing sharply. Households have to expect a long waiting time for photovoltaic systems. Electricians are reporting full order books and a real boom that could intensify in the spring.
Discounters have now also recognized the trend and are therefore offering smaller solar systems for the terrace or balcony. Because the supply increases, the prices also decrease. Compared to the previous year, consumers can save up to 40 percent on the list prices.
The Edeka subsidiary Netto Marken-Discount, for example, has included several offers in its range. The Lidl sister company Kaufland also has corresponding products on offer. A press spokeswoman for Aldi Süd confirmed to other media that the company was “dealing with” the issue and was observing the market. According to exclusive information from FOCUS online, corresponding offers are to be offered in the online shop in the spring. The company has not commented on the sale date.
Demand is high and sales are skyrocketing. At Netto Marken-Discount, consumers have to wait an average of 40 days for their order. The mini solar systems with around two panels (810 watt peak power) are available from 499 euros (Juskys brand). According to consumer advice centers, a standard module with 350 to 360 watts of peak power is sufficient for personal use.
The waiting time from the order is about 39 working days. You can buy the offer here.
Cheap offers at Netto Marken-Discount
If you live in a rented apartment, you should speak to the owners in advance. In many cases, the property management must also give the green light. Especially when the module impairs the appearance of the facade or the residential building is a listed building. You also need a suitable assembly and installation system. Finally, you must also be able to attach the solar system.
It is also important that you register the solar system with the Federal Network Agency and your network provider. Also pay attention to the socket. Discounter offers offer modules with a classic protective contact plug. However, the Association of Electrical Engineering, municipal and municipal utilities and other energy suppliers require a Wieland socket. An electrician must install this.
Compared to the normal Schuko socket, the Wieland plug is made of a more robust material that is better protected against electricity. In addition, the pins of the Wieland connector are not fully accessible, which reduces the risk of arcing and overheating.
With Netto Marken-Discount and Kaufland, connection cables and inverters are included. However, this is rather the exception. Interested parties often have to pay extra for accessories. Installation usually takes about 30 minutes.
If sockets have to be exchanged or other work needs to be done on the power supply, you should definitely hire a specialist company to do it. These charge between 100 and 200 euros for simple installation – excluding accessories.
It is also important that the solar systems are usually delivered by a freight forwarder. In many places, the parcels are then left on the curb. Most solar modules weigh around 20 kilograms, this can vary depending on the model.
Also read: Save electricity – photovoltaics for tenants: That’s what mini solar systems for the balcony are really good for
