June 17, 2025, 4:55 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Many operators of plug-in solar modules have been waiting for this moment—it’s finally happening. Electricity meters will be allowed to run backward, and additional changes are on the horizon.
Good news for owners of mini solar systems! According to a recent draft law, operators of balcony power plants will be allowed to temporarily run their electricity meters backward starting January 1, 2024. This will enable them to legally feed their excess electricity into the grid even with old meters. The meters used for this, also known as Ferraris meters, record the fed-in electricity and offset it practically on a one-to-one basis with the electricity consumed. A significant step to advance the energy transition in Germany. However, consumers with new digital meters will not benefit from this. The transition period for this temporary measure has initially been set at four months.
What the Electricity Meter Change Means for Balcony Power Plants
The goal of the new electricity meter regulation is to noticeably relieve buyers of balcony power plants. Starting in 2024, they will have four months to replace their electricity meter, which is necessary for operating their solar cells. Thanks to this transition period, they will not have to give their excess electricity to their grid operator without any compensation during this time.
During these four months, the grid operator is not entitled to request a report on the installed system. However, they may obtain additional information regarding the installed plug-in solar module from the owner at a later date.
How do plug-in solar systems actually work?
Typically, the systems consist of individual photovoltaic modules with 300 or 400 watts each, along with an inverter that converts direct current into alternating current. This also ensures that no more electricity flows into the grid than is allowed by the grid operator. The modules can be connected to the home network with a plug. Nowadays, you can even buy the modules at discount stores. However, the Federal Network Agency warns against substandard accessories, especially with inverters. By the way, renters can also use balcony power plants.
Simplified Registration of Plug-in Solar Systems
The new regulations not only allow for backward-running electricity meters but also bring further simplifications around balcony power plants. From the effective date, it is sufficient to register the system within one month in the market master data register of the Federal Network Agency. The registration process is also simplified. If a new electricity meter is needed, the metering point operators have four months to carry out the exchange.
What Renters and Owners Should Know About Balcony Power Plants
These balcony power plants are currently in high demand
Is a Solar Panel on My Balcony Worth It?
Higher Performance Limits for Balcony Power Plants
That’s not all–there are also interesting innovations in the performance of plug-in solar modules. According to estimates by the federal government, about 200,000 balcony power plants are put into operation annually. The new regulations apply to plug-in solar systems with a maximum solar output of two kilowatts peak and an inverter output of up to 800 watts. While previously a maximum output of 600 watts was allowed, starting in 2024, 800 watts will be possible.
myHOMEBOOK says
“Operators of balcony power plants with old electricity meters benefit the most from the change. They no longer have to hand over their excess electricity to the grid operator for free. This reduces the electricity bill, making the systems more profitable. And the increase in the performance limit also benefits the operators. An important step towards decentralized energy supply!”