Global Uptake of Balcony Solar Power Gains Momentum

In recent years, solar power capacity has grown significantly worldwide, driven by government investments in green energy transitions and the private sector’s response to favorable renewable policies. Beyond large-scale installations, a growing number of households across various countries are embracing solar panels. To meet this demand, manufacturers have expanded their offerings to include compact systems tailored for unconventional spaces—most notably, balcony solar solutions.

The foundation for today’s solar technology was laid in 1954 with the invention of the silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell, which enabled devices to operate using solar energy for several hours a day. Since then, sustained research and investment have boosted efficiency from about 14% in the 1990s to as high as 23% today. Simultaneously, lower production costs have made solar energy more accessible, and advances in small-format PV systems have opened the door to solar adoption in compact residential settings.

In the United States, rooftop solar systems generated enough electricity in 2022 to power approximately 5.7 million homes—a tenfold increase from the previous decade. According to a joint report by Environment America Research and Policy Centre and Frontier Group, residential solar systems accounted for 64% of electricity generated from small-scale PV installations in the U.S. that year. Now, thanks to newer, compact systems, residential solar may continue its rapid expansion.

Balcony solar systems offer a solution for residents in apartments or homes with limited space. These plug-and-play panels can be easily mounted on balconies or terraces and plugged directly into wall sockets, eliminating the need for professional installation. While smaller than rooftop systems—typically generating around 10% of the output—they offer a simple and cost-effective way to offset household energy use.

The technology has gained particular traction in Europe, especially in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, where soaring energy prices and environmental awareness have fueled adoption. In Germany, roughly 1.5 million households have adopted balcony solar, with over 220,000 plug-in PV units installed in the first half of 2024 alone.

The government supports uptake through feed-in tariffs, offering fixed payments for electricity fed back into the grid. However, for safety reasons, Germany caps the output of each balcony solar unit at 800 watts.

In contrast, the United Kingdom currently prohibits plug-in solar systems, requiring installations to be professionally conducted. Similar restrictions are in place in Belgium, where concerns exist about unregulated electricity being fed into the national grid. Nonetheless, the UK government has acknowledged the potential of balcony solar and plans to conduct a safety study aimed at unlocking future regulatory pathways to enable its rollout and help meet national solar capacity targets.

Gemma Grimes, Policy Director at Solar Energy UK, highlighted the cautious approach, citing concerns around building safety, aesthetics, and consumer protection. She noted that practical limitations—such as the lack of outdoor sockets—also complicate plug-in panel use in the UK. “The installation of electrical equipment always comes with risks, and it’s important these are clearly understood before widespread adoption,” she said. The UK is closely observing continental experiences, especially from Germany.

In the United States, balcony solar systems have yet to gain traction due to the absence of dedicated safety standards. Regulators have expressed concerns about applying European models directly to the American grid, which lacks features such as ground fault circuit interrupters—standard in Germany—to prevent electric shocks. Still, some states, like Utah, have begun to introduce legislation supporting balcony solar,potentially paving the way for wider adoption.

As countries grapple with climate goals and seek decentralized energy solutions, balcony solar is emerging as a promising technology—one that could democratize solar access for urban dwellers and renters across the globe.