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GUIDE 2026

Home Solar -- from balcony to rooftop

Balcony solar, rooftop system, battery storage and EV charger: what makes sense for you?

Read the guide

Residential Solar: 3 Levels

Depending on your living situation, budget and electricity consumption, there are three paths to your own solar energy.

1

Balcony Solar

1--2 panels on your balcony or fence, micro-inverter, plug-in connection. Max. 800 W feed-in. No permit needed, only registry entry. Perfect for renters.

  • Cost: EUR 300--900 (without storage)
  • Savings: EUR 100--250/year
  • Payback: 2--5 years
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2

Rooftop System

5--15 kWp on your roof, hybrid inverter, feed-in tariff. Requires professional installation. Ideal for homeowners.

  • Cost: EUR 8,000--18,000 (without storage)
  • Savings: EUR 800--2,500/year
  • Payback: 8--12 years
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3

Full System + EV Charger

Large rooftop array + home battery + wallbox for your EV. Maximum independence: solar power charges your car, powers your home and buffers surplus in the battery.

  • Cost: EUR 18,000--35,000 (incl. storage + wallbox)
  • Savings: EUR 2,000--4,000/year
  • Payback: 8--14 years
Professional installation required

Do I Need a Battery?

A home battery is most worthwhile when you consume little electricity during the day. It stores surplus solar power and releases it in the evening when you cook, do laundry and watch TV.

Storage is worth it when:

  • + Low daytime self-consumption
  • + High electricity price (above 30 ct/kWh)
  • + EV charged overnight
  • + Backup power desired

Less useful when:

  • - High daytime use (home office)
  • - Only 800 W balcony system (little surplus)
  • - Maximum ROI is the primary goal
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Wallbox: Charge Your EV with Solar Power

A wallbox is a fixed charging station for electric vehicles. Combined with a solar system, it charges your car when the sun shines -- reducing charging costs to below 10 cents per kWh.

Key Buying Criteria

  • 01Charging power: 11 kW is sufficient for most EVs (full charge overnight). 22 kW is faster but requires a stronger circuit and grid operator approval.
  • 02PV surplus charging: The wallbox communicates with the inverter and charges only with solar surplus. Supported by Fronius, SMA, go-e and openWB.
  • 03Bidirectional charging (V2H): Future wallboxes can use the car as a home battery. First models available from 2025/2026.
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Wallbox Cost

An 11 kW wallbox costs approx. EUR 500--1,200 plus installation (EUR 400--1,000). Subsidies are available at state and municipal level in Germany.

Ready for your solar power?

Find the right solution -- balcony solar, battery storage or complete set. With independent reviews and the Rezendo Score.

Balcony Solar Home Batteries