You can quickly find out whether a solar system on your own balcony is worth it. The Berlin University of Applied Sciences has created a plug-in solar simulator free of charge, which clarifies potential savings in connection with balcony power plants.

Balcony power plants: Calculator shows savings

With a mini solar system called a balcony power plant, the costs for electricity can be significantly reduced. How high the savings are in the specific individual case, can be quickly found out using a simulator at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences. The aim of the simulator is also to ensure more transparency.

Users can Balcony power plant simulator use for free. First a few Details about electricity consumption in the household and the type of assembly is queried. The orientation of the mini solar system and the angle of attack are also specified, since the compass direction and possible shadows are decisive features in electricity production.

The next step is economic information such as the electricity price and the question of whether battery storage is available. After that, only missing Information on the output of the balcony power plant depending on the solar module. The acquisition costs for modules and inverters can also be specified here.

More tips about balcony power plants in the video:

Sample calculation for the plug-in solar simulator

If you assume a single module that supplies 300 watts at peak and costs 470 euros with an inverter, then according to the plug-in solar simulator, a one-person household with an annual consumption of 2,100 kWh results in one annual savings of 55 euros. After nine years, the system has paid for itself. In addition, 709 kilos of CO₂ emissions were avoided.