Producing your own electricity on your balcony or terrace is not only practical, but also an extremely efficient and cost-effective way to generate independent energy. If you're a tenant yourself, you may have already had to deal with the problems of installing a balcony power plant. Until now, it wasn't always 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.
However, the legal situation has recently changed in favor of tenants: A new ruling means that balcony power plants can now be installed much more easily! Great news for everyone who wants to get a small solar power plant for their apartment.
What are balcony power plants and why do you need them?
Balcony power plants, also known as plug-in solar systems, are small solar installations specifically designed for use on balconies, terraces, or small outdoor spaces. They typically consist of one or two solar panels, an inverter, and the necessary wiring. These systems plug directly into a standard electrical outlet to feed the generated electricity into your home's electrical grid, thus reducing your own electricity consumption. Installation is straightforward and requires no major structural modifications – ideal for renters who can easily lower their electricity bills without any noticeable changes to the building structure of their rented apartment.
What was the legal situation so far?
Until recently, many tenants who wanted to install a balcony solar power system faced a major problem: their landlord could simply reject the request. Some landlords had reservations, fearing changes to the building's exterior appearance or raising concerns about safety and liability. The potential impact on the apartment's electricity consumption was also a reason for many to prohibit balcony solar power systems. If a request to install a plug-in solar system was denied, tenants were previously faced with the choice of either foregoing the balcony solar power system altogether or attempting to overturn the rejection through lengthy discussions and negotiations.
The new ruling: A win for tenants
As long as the balcony power plant is installed safely, landlords cannot 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 ruling by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) will certainly be a real relief, as it will significantly reduce your electricity costs.
What does the new ruling mean for landlords?
For landlords, the new ruling means they can no longer simply reject balcony solar installations. However, they still have some legal leeway. If, for example, the installation of the solar system poses a significant risk to the use of the building or apartment – such as through fire hazards, improper installation, or unreasonable visual alterations – they could still raise objections. It is also essential to ensure that the installation is carried out properly and safely.
Landlords remain responsible for ensuring their buildings are operated safely and properly. However, they cannot simply rely on a 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 planning to install a solar power system on your balcony? While landlords can no longer generally prohibit installations, they must be informed about its operation. And that's where we come in. To simplify the process, we've created a template that you can use in whole or in part for your letter. Simply fill in some personal information, and your letter to your landlord will be ready in no time.
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 uncertainties in the energy markets, generating their own electricity and using it directly on-site is becoming increasingly attractive for many people. 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 participate in the energy transition and reduce their electricity costs in the process.
Not yet a balcony power plant owner? What are you waiting for? Create your letter to your landlord now, discover our wide range of balcony power plants and become more independent from fluctuating electricity prices!
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