Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, and not just for people with large roofs or gardens. Residents of apartments and houses without a large outdoor space are also increasingly looking for ways to generate their own sustainable energy. One of the emerging trends is the use of balcony solar panels. These compact systems are ideal for urban environments and for people who want to reduce their carbon footprint without installing a complete roof full of solar panels.
In this blog, we dive deeper into the specific balcony solar solutions that Envertech offers and explain how our microinverters perfectly fit the needs of European consumers in cities such as Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Brussels and Rome. Whether you have an apartment in the city or a house with a small balcony, we at Envertech offer scalable solutions that fit your situation.
What is balcony solar?
Balcony solar, also known as balcony PV systems, are compact solar panel systems that are specifically designed for small outdoor spaces such as balconies or terraces. Instead of large roof installations, a balcony solar panel system usually consists of one or two solar panels that are mounted on a balcony railing or against a wall.
These systems are ideal for people who do not have access to a large roof, such as in urban apartments, but still want to benefit from solar energy and reduce their energy bills. The main advantage of balcony solar is that they are relatively easy to install and often do not require major modifications to the building.
At Envertech, we understand that not everyone has the ability to install a full solar energy system on their roof. That’s why we’ve designed our microinverters with flexibility and scalability in mind, so that even those with limited space can enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
Why are balcony installations so popular in Europe?
The popularity of ''balcony solar'' is growing steadily in Europe, and not without reason. There are several factors that contribute to this growth:
1. Urban density
Many European cities have high population densities, meaning that many people live in apartments or flats without access to their own roof. Balcony solar systems offer a practical solution for these urban dwellers, as they take up little space and can be easily installed on balconies, terraces or facades.
2. Sustainability goals and legislation
Several European countries have set ambitious sustainability goals, such as the European Green Deal, which aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2030. Many cities are promoting the use of renewable energy, and subsidies and tax breaks are offered to encourage the installation of solar energy systems. Balcony solar systems fit perfectly into this picture, as they help reduce CO2 emissions without requiring major modifications to existing buildings.
3. Lower energy costs
Energy prices have risen in many European countries in recent years, and consumers are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills. Balcony solar systems offer an affordable way to generate your own electricity and thus reduce dependence on the electricity grid. In addition, solar panels provide the most power during the day, exactly when households use the most electricity for appliances and lighting.
4. Easy installation
Balcony solar panels do not require complex installation processes and are usually "plug and play". This means that homeowners or tenants can install the system themselves without the help of a professional installer. This simplicity makes balcony solar an attractive option for people who want to make their home more sustainable without a major renovation.
Why are Envertech microinverters the perfect choice for balcony solar?
Now that we have discussed the benefits of balcony solar, it is time to look at the role of the microinverter in these systems, and why Envertech microinverters are ideally suited for this application.
1. Flexibility in system size
One of the biggest advantages of Envertech microinverters is their flexibility. Our microinverters can be used in systems with only one or two solar panels, which perfectly matches the typical size of a balcony solar panel system. Unlike traditional string inverters, which are often designed for larger installations, microinverters operate at panel level, making them ideal for small systems.
Because each solar panel can have its own microinverter, systems can easily be expanded when more space becomes available or when energy needs increase. This makes Envertech microinverters suitable for residents who want to start small, but want to expand their system over time.
2. Maximum energy yield per panel
Another important advantage of microinverters is that they optimize the energy yield of each individual solar panel. This is especially important for balcony solar panels, because balconies often do not have the ideal conditions for maximum solar radiation. Shade from buildings, trees or the balcony structure itself can affect the performance of a solar panel.
With traditional string inverters, a shadow on one panel can reduce the performance of the entire system. But with Envertech microinverters, each panel continues to work optimally, regardless of the performance of the others. This means that even in less favourable conditions, you can still achieve a good energy yield.
3. Safety: Low DC voltage
Safety is a major concern for solar energy systems, especially in urban environments where panels are installed close to living spaces. Traditional solar energy systems often operate at high DC voltages, which can be potentially dangerous if the system fails or is damaged.
Envertech microinverters operate at low DC voltages, which means there is less risk of electrical accidents. In addition, the DC current is converted to AC current directly at the panel, which provides additional safety. This is an important consideration for people installing solar panels on their balcony, as the system is often located in close proximity to living spaces.
4. Compact and unobtrusive design
Balcony solar panels need to be compact and unobtrusive to fit aesthetically into the living environment. This also applies to the inverters that go with these systems. The Envertech microinverters have a slim and compact design that can be easily mounted behind any solar panel. This keeps them out of sight and does not disrupt the appearance of the balcony or facade.
In addition, our microinverters are resistant to extreme weather conditions, meaning they can operate for years without problems, even in European climates with heavy rain, snow or heat.
The growth of balcony solar panels in European cities
To get a better picture of the impact of balcony solar panels and the role of Envertech microinverters, we look at some European cities where this trend is gaining popularity.
1. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is one of the leading cities in Europe for renewable energy, and balcony solar panels are increasingly installed on apartments in the city. Many Berliners have limited space for solar panels, but thanks to subsidies from the German government and initiatives such as the Energiewende (energy transition), balcony solar is being strongly promoted.
In Berlin, thousands of households are already benefiting from balcony solar panels, and Envertech microinverters are increasingly being chosen for their user-friendly installation and high efficiency. The fact that the systems can be easily adapted to the small spaces of balconies makes them ideal for urban residents who want to contribute to the energy transition without major investments.
2. Paris, France
In Paris too, where many people live in apartments without access to their own roof, we see an increasing demand for solar energy. The French government encourages the use of renewable energy through subsidies and tax breaks, making balcony solar panels an attractive option for many Parisians.
Envertech microinverters are popular in Paris because they can be easily integrated into small solar energy systems specifically designed for balconies and facades. The flexibility of the microinverters allows for the design of tailor-made systems, which perfectly matches the diverse architectural styles of Parisian buildings.
3. Madrid, Spain
In Spain, and especially in cities like Madrid, solar energy is an obvious choice due to the sunny weather. The Spanish government has recently passed laws that encourage the use of renewable energy, and this has led to an increase in the number of balcony solar in urban areas.
Envertech’s microinverters play a key role in this trend, as they allow solar panels to be maximised in sunny environments such as Madrid. Furthermore, the systems are scalable, allowing homeowners and tenants to easily expand their solar energy system in the future.
The installation process of a balcony solar panel with Envertech micro-inverters
Now that you know more about the benefits of Envertech microinverters and the popularity of balcony solar panels in Europe, you may be wondering what the installation process looks like. Let us guide you through the process step by step:
1. Choose your location
The first thing you need to do is choose the right location for your solar panels. Find a spot on your balcony or facade that gets the most hours of sunshine during the day. It is important to take into account shadow from surrounding buildings or objects.
2. Attach the solar panels
Once you have chosen the location, you can install the solar panels. This is usually done using brackets that are attached to the balcony railing or facade. Make sure that the panels are firmly attached and properly aligned to achieve the maximum energy yield.
3. Install the Envertech microinverters
Each solar panel needs its own Envertech microinverter. Two solar panels will share one microinverter if you are using EVT800. This is mounted directly behind the panel, so that the direct current generated by the panel is immediately converted to alternating current. This makes installation safe and easy.
4. Connecting to the electricity grid
After the panels and microinverters are installed, the system needs to be connected to your home’s electrical grid. This is usually done via a wall socket on your balcony or in your home. Envertech microinverters have a plug-and-play design, meaning you can easily connect the system without the help of a professional installer.
5. Monitoring and optimization
Once the system is connected, you can monitor the performance of your solar panels in real-time using Envertech’s monitoring platform. This allows you to see how much energy your system is generating and if there are any issues, such as shading or pollution of the panels. This allows you to intervene quickly and ensure that your system is always performing optimally.
The future of balcony solar panels in Europe
The demand for balcony solar panels is expected to continue to grow as more people become aware of the benefits of solar energy and the need for sustainability increases. European cities continue to invest in renewable energy, and governments increasingly offer financial incentives to make solar solutions such as balcony solar panels more accessible.
At Envertech we are proud to be part of this green revolution. Our microinverters provide the flexibility, efficiency and safety needed to help urban dwellers across Europe make the switch to renewable energy.
Whether you live in Berlin, Paris, Madrid, Brussels, or any other European city, Envertech offers a reliable balcony solar solution that will help you reduce your energy costs while contributing to a more sustainable future.
The perfect balcony solution with Envertech micro-inverters
Balcony solar panels offer a great way to harness solar energy in urban environments. With the right technology, such as Envertech microinverters, even the smallest systems can perform optimally, contributing to lower energy bills and a greener future.
Our focus on flexibility, safety, and ease of use makes Envertech microinverters the ideal choice for anyone looking for a simple yet effective solution to generate sustainable energy on their balcony.
