The price of electricity in Germany has skyrocketed since the start of Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, forcing residents to look for cheaper alternatives.
The sun on Katharina Mueller’s balcony not only helps her cultivate her plantsbut also provides electricity.
“Use the sun and, of course, ultimately for me, save some moneybut that’s also the whole idea. I just have to put something in, use what is already there, and I also benefit. “How can you say no to that?” says Mueller, who installed his solar panels this year.
Germany is experiencing a boom in balcony solar panelswith a increase of more than 50% in solar panel registration in the second quarter of this year compared to the strongest quarter of last year.
Karolina Attspodina, co-founder of the company We.Do.Solar, dedicated to the sale of solar panels for balconies, says that apartments are the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the renewable energies.
“We have so many spaces where we can use… solar panels. It seemed very unfair to me that we couldn’t use solar panels, especially apartment renters. All this technology is available, why don’t we use it?” says Attspodina . This year, the company is on track to increase your sales by 350% starting in 2023. They have also done well in France, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, but where they have sold the most has been in Germany.
The solar energy association, called SolarPower Europe, says that The Netherlands produced the highest solar capacity per capita in the block in 2022with Germany in second place.
popular movement
Solar energy advocates say they have had to work hard to convince politicians to change the regulations in favor of the use of solar energy in homes.
Last year a petition was launched to the Bundestag to create legislation that make it easier for citizens to install solar panels on their balconies, and the resulting law will prevent landlords from blocking tenants from placing solar panels on their balconies in most cases.
A group that promotes the use of solar energy in homes, called Plan B 2030, says the public response has shown politicians that action against climate change It’s popular.
As for Mueller, she and her roommate hope save hundreds of euros on your electricity bill this year. “I really enjoy being on the terrace or balcony and seeing how much we have produced today. It makes me proud, and I am also very grateful to the sun,” says Mueller.
