May 16, 2023, 9:46 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Electricity remains a major expense and, consequently, a significant topic across all social strata. How can I save electricity? Which devices can I replace? Should I get a balcony power plant? These are the central questions in recent months. A discount retailer now has a supposedly lucrative offer.
Generating your own electricity is becoming increasingly attractive. Solar panels for balconies are no longer a rarity. Starting today (May 17, 2023), the discount retailer Lidl is offering an affordable solar panel from its own brand “Parkside” in its online shop and stores. A total output of 150 watts is promised. But is the offer for just under 200 euros really as good as it seems? myHOMEBOOK took a closer look at the supposed bargain.
What the Lidl Balcony Solar Panel Can Do
The “PBKW 300 A1 Smart” balcony power plant from the “Parkside” brand is available at Lidl starting today (May 17, 2023). It is a starter set “with all necessary components,” according to Lidl’s website. It consists of a “strong” solar module, an inverter with an integrated Wi-Fi module, a grid connection cable, and a feed-in socket according to the specifications of the VDE.
The provider promises that up to 100 kWh per year can be fed into the home network without expanding the set. Additionally, various data can be monitored via an app, including output voltage, current, or sunlight hours per day. The inverter has a connection for a second solar module to increase the total output from 150 to up to 300 watts. By connecting a second 300-watt inverter, the total output can be increased to up to 600 watts.
Note: Total output and the power fed into the home network are not the same. The solar panel can produce up to 150 kWh, but only 100 kWh can flow into the home network. For comparison: With 100 kWh, you can vacuum for about 100 hours at a power of 1000 kWh.
Related: When a Balcony Solar Panel Becomes Worthwhile
These balcony power plants are currently in high demand
Is a Solar Panel on My Balcony Worth It?
What’s Included in the Package
- 1 solar module (L 107 x W 77.5 x D 3.5 cm)
- Inverter
- Connection cable
- Feed-in socket
- Mounting material
- Quick guide
Is the Offer as Good as It Sounds?
As tempting as the “Parkside” solar panel from Lidl for just under 200 euros may sound, there are some catches with the offer. To truly reach the maximum allowed 600 watts of power, as the provider promises, you would need four solar panels. However, the set only includes one, and you can connect an additional one. This means that for 600 watts, you would need to buy a set and an extra solar panel each. On average, you would easily reach 500 to 600 euros. For this price, there are already complete sets from other providers.
Another notable point is that there currently seem to be no corresponding supplementary products available at Lidl (as of May 15, 2023, 4:30 p.m.). Additionally, the offer comes with a note: “Installation of the feed-in socket must only be carried out by a qualified electrician.” So, it doesn’t stop at the supposed 200-euro bargain. However, this is a catch found with all balcony solar panels.
For those satisfied with a performance of 150 kWh, it is quite an appealing offer, especially since there are few providers offering balcony solar panels with a total output of 150 kWh. Those expecting a bit more self-generated electricity should rather opt for a balcony solar panel that can generate more power.