June 12, 2025, 12:43 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A balcony power plant brings green energy to your own balcony—but what happens if wind, fire, or a technical defect becomes an issue? And who pays if third parties are harmed? The answer depends on having the right insurance. myHOMEBOOK explains.
Balcony power plants are considered an uncomplicated way to generate your own electricity–but they are not as harmless as they seem from an insurance perspective. If a storm, short circuit, or even damage to people or buildings occurs, the question quickly arises: Who covers the costs? Not every insurance policy automatically covers all potential risks associated with balcony power plants. What matters is what kind of damage occurs–and whether personal liability, household, or electronics insurance is responsible. An overview shows what operators should pay attention to.
Damage to People and Buildings–Does Personal Liability Apply?
Related: These Balcony Power Plants Are Currently in High Demand
If a balcony power plant causes damage to people or buildings, personal liability insurance may step in under certain circumstances. Many current policies already include such cases. If unsure, you should inquire with your insurance company by phone–and have the information confirmed in writing.
Typically covered are:
- Damage to communal property or rental buildings, such as from a fall or fire,
- Personal injuries caused by the device,
- Claims for damages from third parties due to damage caused by the balcony power plant.
However, intentionally caused damages are not insured.
The Consumer Center of Rhineland-Palatinate also recommends asking the insurer whether damages caused by the operation of the system–such as to the home electrical installation–are covered.
Insurance Coverage for the Balcony Power Plant Itself
If the solar device itself is damaged–for example, by a storm or fire–household insurance may step in. According to the German Insurance Association (GDV), this is usually the case for policies from November 2023 onward. Again, it is advisable to check the contract conditions or inquire with the insurer.
As part of the household contents, the following damages are covered, among others:
- Hail damage
- Fire damage
- Damage from storms
- Overvoltage due to a lightning strike
Damage to the Photovoltaic System
If the plug-in solar device itself is damaged, household insurance usually covers it. At least, this is the case according to the German Insurance Association (GDV) for policies from November 2023 onward. Again, checking the contract conditions or calling the insurer can provide security.
The Consumer Center of Rhineland-Palatinate recommends informing the household insurance about the installation of a balcony power plant and keeping the notification confirmation safe. As part of the household contents, the system is insured against such damages, among others:
The Consumer Center of Rhineland-Palatinate also advises actively informing the insurance about the installed balcony power plant and keeping a notification confirmation.
In addition to household insurance, electronics insurance can also be useful. According to the German Association of Insured, it also covers damages from willful destruction by third parties, as well as:
- Operating errors
- Design flaws
- Material or execution errors
As with liability insurance, intentionally caused damages are generally not covered.
With material from dpa