ᐅ Balcony Solar System – With or Without Battery Storage? Orientation?

Hello everyone,

I have a very basic question. I want to generate some of my own electricity. I’m also considering a system on the roof, but thought I’d start with a balcony power system first. Our electricity consumption is around 2500 kWh. We are a family of four, but our usage could likely approach 3000 kWh. Currently, we heat our home with gas, but our next heating system might be a heat pump.

Of course, a balcony power system won’t play a major role in that. Still, I thought it could be a good starting point. The balcony faces south. For aesthetic reasons, I would prefer to hang the panels (2 units would fit well) parallel to the balcony railing—not tilted. How much does that affect efficiency? And is it worth having a battery storage? Thanks in advance for your opinions.

HubiTrubi40 schrieb:

How much does this affect efficiency? And is a storage system worth it at all?

Efficiency decreases in summer and increases in winter, so the total annual yield is slightly lower. I wouldn’t worry about that.

A storage system is worth it if it undergoes many cycles—that is, how often it is charged and discharged—and how much electricity can be used directly as a result. With a small photovoltaic system like a balcony solar panel, it’s quite possible that most of the generated electricity goes directly to the base load, meaning it is consumed immediately. This leaves little left for charging and discharging. Whether a storage system is worthwhile in this setup depends on the daily consumption pattern. Usually, a storage system with balcony solar panels is roughly cost-neutral but provides a reassuring feeling.

wiltshire schrieb:

Efficiency decreases in summer and increases in winter, so the total annual yield is slightly lower. I wouldn’t have any concerns about that.
A battery storage system makes sense if it goes through many cycles, meaning basically how often it’s charged and discharged and how much electricity can be self-consumed through this process. With a balcony solar system, it’s quite possible that most of the electricity generated goes directly to the base load, so it’s used immediately. That leaves little electricity left for charging and discharging the battery. Whether a battery pays off in this setup depends on the daily consumption pattern. Usually, a battery with balcony solar systems is fairly cost-neutral but provides a good feeling of self-sufficiency.

Great, thank you very much! That’s very helpful. Regarding the battery storage: they are designed to be placed outside, right? Of course, it would be installed under the roof in my case, but there is always some risk of high humidity and very low temperatures outside (down to -10°C (14°F) in winter).

HubiTrubi40 schrieb:

Those are designed to be placed outdoors, right?

As a rule, battery storage systems are not suitable for outdoor installation. They typically do not meet the required IP rating and also lack sufficient resistance to cold temperatures.

wiltshire schrieb:

As a rule, battery storage systems are not suitable for outdoor installation. They usually do not meet the required IP rating and also lack sufficient resistance to cold weather.

Yes, that makes sense to me. On the other hand, it's the same with the batteries in electric cars if the car is not parked in a garage—apart from the fact that those batteries are probably designed more for that purpose.
I just don’t see how I could solve this differently because otherwise, I would have to place the unit in the living room, which I want to avoid. Also, then I would have to run a cable through the wall again.

HubiTrubi40 schrieb:

Those are designed to be placed outdoors, right?

Yes, typical balcony power storage units are generally designed and intended for outdoor use.
An IP65 rating and an operating temperature range of at least -10 to +50 degrees Celsius (14 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit) should be the minimum requirements for any storage unit (some models offer protection down to -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit) and IP66 – across all brands such as Growatt, Anker, Marstek, etc.).

In that respect, I have to disagree with @wiltshire.

Whether it is still the best solution in winter at -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit) is a different question.