ᐅ Balcony Solar System – With or Without Battery Storage? Orientation?
Created on: 10 Jul 2025 10:01
H
HubiTrubi40
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.
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.
D
DaGoodness15 Jul 2025 08:37I wouldn’t fully agree with these rules either.
They may apply to "many" projects, but each installation should still be considered based on the specific conditions and requirements.
What’s the use of having 30 kWp on the roof if your annual electricity demand is only around 2500 kWh?
And why would I want to fully cover my north-facing roof with a 45° pitch?
In my opinion, neither makes sense.
That also depends on many factors.
How much did the storage system cost?
How many cycles can it handle per year?
What is my consumption?
For example, our storage system cost €6,000 and after 5 years it has saved us exactly €3,000.
So over 10 years it will have paid off.
And I know many people in my circle of acquaintances where it looks similar, and for whom the storage system will likely also be financially worthwhile.
They may apply to "many" projects, but each installation should still be considered based on the specific conditions and requirements.
derdietmar schrieb:
- Photovoltaics: as large as possible, all orientations
What’s the use of having 30 kWp on the roof if your annual electricity demand is only around 2500 kWh?
And why would I want to fully cover my north-facing roof with a 45° pitch?
In my opinion, neither makes sense.
derdietmar schrieb:
- Storage: none
That also depends on many factors.
How much did the storage system cost?
How many cycles can it handle per year?
What is my consumption?
For example, our storage system cost €6,000 and after 5 years it has saved us exactly €3,000.
So over 10 years it will have paid off.
And I know many people in my circle of acquaintances where it looks similar, and for whom the storage system will likely also be financially worthwhile.
D
derdietmar22 Jul 2025 07:01Hello,
it is always an individual calculation, the exception proves the rule – and of course, everyone has to justify their decision to themselves. However, the most expensive electricity by far is still the one from the storage system. It is more costly than grid electricity. This might change in the near future if storage systems become cheaper. On the other hand, if unexpectedly the government reconsiders and phases out the misguided energy transition to allow electricity prices without a green ideology surcharge, the situation could become even worse for storage systems.
If a storage system costs 6000 euros and saves 3000 euros over 5 years, it will pay off after about 10 years. A storage system can last that long, but it doesn’t have to.
Why should you cover your roof entirely? Because the one-time installation cost occurs anyway, almost regardless of the system size. And because photovoltaic modules are now really affordable. Of course, a 45° tilted north-facing roof doesn’t make sense, but even less sense does it make to size the system according to your own consumption. A large system still provides enough overall yield even with poor solar input to cover the base load.
There is no doubt that a storage system is a nice gadget. It bothers me to produce more than enough electricity during the day and still need to draw from the grid. If you enjoy that and want a nice hobby, go for it. You can spend a lot of time and effort maximizing your self-consumption share. Photovoltaics and smart home systems have become the new model trains.
Best regards
it is always an individual calculation, the exception proves the rule – and of course, everyone has to justify their decision to themselves. However, the most expensive electricity by far is still the one from the storage system. It is more costly than grid electricity. This might change in the near future if storage systems become cheaper. On the other hand, if unexpectedly the government reconsiders and phases out the misguided energy transition to allow electricity prices without a green ideology surcharge, the situation could become even worse for storage systems.
If a storage system costs 6000 euros and saves 3000 euros over 5 years, it will pay off after about 10 years. A storage system can last that long, but it doesn’t have to.
Why should you cover your roof entirely? Because the one-time installation cost occurs anyway, almost regardless of the system size. And because photovoltaic modules are now really affordable. Of course, a 45° tilted north-facing roof doesn’t make sense, but even less sense does it make to size the system according to your own consumption. A large system still provides enough overall yield even with poor solar input to cover the base load.
There is no doubt that a storage system is a nice gadget. It bothers me to produce more than enough electricity during the day and still need to draw from the grid. If you enjoy that and want a nice hobby, go for it. You can spend a lot of time and effort maximizing your self-consumption share. Photovoltaics and smart home systems have become the new model trains.
Best regards
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