Is Balcony Photovoltaics Worth It? Everything You Need to Know About PV Panels in Apartment Buildings

In Poland, we have been generating electricity from solar energy since 2011. Despite the passing years, most people still associate these installations primarily with photovoltaic farms, industrial facilities, and single-family houses. Balcony photovoltaics in apartment buildings is a relatively new trend that is just starting to gain popularity in Poland. Which PV panels should you choose, and where is the best place to install them? What requirements must be met to install solar panels on a balcony in an apartment building? And finally – is a balcony photovoltaic micro-installation even worth it?

The Best Locations for Installing Balcony Solar Panels

It is crucial to remember that if we want to generate electricity from solar energy, PV panels perform best on balconies facing south or west, where they can receive the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day. The placement of solar panels, however, largely depends on the floor of the building where your apartment is located. If you live on the top floor, you can create a sort of awning from photovoltaic panels on your balcony. On lower floors, the only option is the balcony railing, whose length will limit the number of panels and, consequently, the amount of electricity generated by the photovoltaic system.

Types of Solar Panels for Apartment Balconies

Once you know where PV panels can be installed on your balcony, it's worth considering which type of balcony photovoltaics is best for your needs. Ready-made PV panel kits with a power output of up to 2.4 kWp are already available on the market. Additionally, plug-and-play solar systems, also known as "balcony photovoltaics for sockets," with a power output of around 400–800 Wp, are an option. This is the simplest type of micro-installation to set up, as it just needs to be plugged into an electrical socket.

Moreover, there are special hooks and frames designed specifically for mounting on balcony railings. These allow for the optimal angle of inclination for the panels and can hold the solar installation securely, even in strong winds.

Another aspect to consider when choosing photovoltaic panels for a balcony is whether you want to feed excess electricity back into the grid under net metering. If so, you should opt for an on-grid PV system with a bidirectional meter. If not, choose off-grid panels with special batteries for storing surplus energy.

Formalities Before Installing Photovoltaic Panels on a Balcony in an Apartment Building

Currently, there are no specific regulations governing the installation of PV panels on apartment balconies. However, general rules apply, which state that the internal surface of the balcony is part of the apartment, while the façade and balcony railing are part of the shared property of the building. Therefore, if you plan to install panels on the railing or façade, you will need to obtain permission from the building manager, such as a housing cooperative or homeowners’ association. It's advisable to wait to purchase solar panels until you have received this approval.

Is Installing PV Panels on a Balcony Worth It?

Since most appliances in apartments are powered by electricity, installing a photovoltaic micro-installation seems like a reasonable choice, especially with the continually rising electricity prices. Two panels with a capacity of 0.6 kWp can produce approximately 500–600 kWh annually. A family of four consumes about 2,500 kWh per year. A photovoltaic system costing around PLN 4,000 could pay for itself in 5–10 years, depending on electricity prices, reducing annual electricity bills by several hundred PLN.

Solar panels on apartment balconies genuinely help save on electricity bills and represent a practical future for modern housing developments focused on ecology and renewable energy. If you're interested in balcony photovoltaics, email us at fotowoltaika@plytacmb.pl!