July 24, 2023, 9:27 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Many operators of plug-in solar modules have been waiting for this–now it’s finally happening. Electricity meters will be allowed to run backward, and other innovations are on the way.
Good news for owners of mini solar systems! According to a recent draft law, operators of balcony power plants will be allowed to let their electricity meters run backward temporarily starting January 1, 2024. This will enable them to legally feed their excess electricity into the grid even with old electricity 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 amount of 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 Innovation 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 request 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.
What Renters and Homeowners Should Know About Balcony Power Plants
These balcony power plants are currently in high demand
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 will be sufficient to register the system within one month in the market master data register of the Federal Network Agency. The registration process will also be simplified. If a new electricity meter is needed, the metering point operators have four months to carry out the exchange.
Higher Performance Limits for Balcony Power Plants
That’s not all–there are also interesting innovations regarding 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 a maximum output of 600 watts was previously allowed, 800 watts will be possible starting in 2024.
myHOMEBOOK’s Take
“Operators of balcony power plants with old electricity meters benefit the most from the innovation. 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. The increase in the performance limit also benefits operators. An important step toward decentralized energy supply!”