Looking to downsize to an apartment with a balcony and wondering if solar panels can be installed on a balcony. Any thoughts?
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Welcome to the forum @Wendy_Cocks
I know of people that have balcony solar, generally self installed.
However the arrangement isn’t legal at present unless fitted by a MCS registered solar installer, which generally renders the system uneconomical.
Recently the government launched plans to legalise self install kits by the end of the year. In anticipation you could get a suitable spur fitted to your balcony. You will need a dedicated spur from your consumer unit with a bidirectional bipolar RCBO rated for the maximum potential output from your solar plus any battery that you had in mind.
If you have an electricity tariff with a cheaper rate, such as Economy 7 it might even be worthwhile getting the battery in advance, charging overnight and discharging during the day.
Balcony solar is well established in Germany and spreading across Europe. If you understand German or have a good online translator, search for Balkonkraftwerk.
E.g.
Be aware that some prices include a battery and others don’t.
That’s what I had heard about. Thanks for the links.