June 17, 2025, 3:45 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Electricity remains a significant expense and, consequently, a major topic across all social strata. How can I save electricity? Which appliances can I replace? Should I invest in a balcony solar power system? These have been the central questions in recent months. A discount retailer now has a seemingly 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 balcony power plant “PBKW 300 A1 Smart” from the brand “Parkside” is available at Lidl starting today (May 17, 2023). It is a starter set “with all necessary components,” according to Lidl’s website. It includes a “strong” solar module, an inverter with an integrated Wi-Fi module, a network 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 hours of sunshine 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 Is 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
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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 separately. 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 available from other providers.
Another notable point is that Lidl currently does not seem to offer corresponding supplementary products (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, the supposed 200-euro bargain is not the end of the story. However, this is a catch found with all balcony solar panels.
For those satisfied with a power output of 150 kWh, it is a quite appealing offer, especially since there are few providers offering balcony solar panels with a total output of 150 kWh. Those who expect a bit more self-generated electricity should opt for a balcony solar panel that can produce more power.