Photo voltaic modules on the balcony are gaining popularity. TÜV, a technical inspection affiliation in Germany, has developed tricks to set up and function them safely.
From pv journal Germany
Nobody is aware of what number of plug-in photo voltaic modules are at the moment put in in Germany. What is for certain is that their quantity is growing every single day. Because of excessive electrical energy costs, householders who wouldn’t have their very own roof are turning to those units to decrease their power payments.
In Germany, so-called “balcony photo voltaic modules” are actually allowed as much as a dimension restrict of 600 W.
“In one of the best case state of affairs, a 600 W balcony panel pays for itself after only a few years,” mentioned Hermann Dinkler, an power skilled on the German technical inspection affiliation TÜV. With a shade-free southern orientation, an optimum inclination angle of 35 levels with out shade and a couple of,000 kWh of electrical energy consumption per yr, a typical 600 W system pays for itself after about 5 years, in response to the German institute HTW Berlin.
Nonetheless, there are some issues to think about when putting in and utilizing plug-in photo voltaic units, in response to TÜV. Earlier than shopping for, for instance, customers ought to test if their condo with a balcony, terrace or outdoors wall is appropriate for these modules, as a result of there should even be an exterior socket when- within the surroundings the place plug-in photo voltaic units are put in to be able to make use of the generated electrical energy.
The photovoltaic balcony system normally consists of 1 or two photo voltaic modules, an inverter, which could be built-in into the module or should be included individually. In keeping with TÜV, the linked load of the inverter should be a most of 600 W. There’s additionally a connection cable that connects the inverter to the exterior socket.
“As an possibility, an appropriate ammeter could be included for checking the perform. On this manner, shoppers can test if the plug-in photo voltaic system is working and measure how a lot electrical energy is produced,” mentioned Dinkler.
As well as, the affiliation recommends following the directions offered by the producer throughout meeting. Plug-in photo voltaic units should be fixed with applicable mounting materials, which should make sure that the product can stand up to wind and climate.
“There are completely different brackets for balcony parapets, facades, or roofs. Shoppers have to ensure that the parts match the set up web site and are offered by the producer,” Dinkler defined. All constructing laws should be noticed for set up and the façade insulation should not be broken when putting in the panels on the outside partitions.
“Just one photo voltaic system must be linked to 1 socket or circuit,” Dinkler mentioned. “A number of units shouldn’t be linked to a single socket to keep away from overloading and a potential hearth. To keep away from property harm or damage, shoppers ought to solely use units and a part of the meeting that follows the requirements and is examined for security.
TÜV additionally advises guaranteeing {that a} trendy electrical energy meter is put in. Ferraris meter with out backstop can run backwards when utilizing photovoltaic balcony modules. The German community operator is accountable for changing the meter, they usually normally do it freed from cost. In case of a transfer, the plug-in photo voltaic units could be dismantled and brought to a different location.
As well as, the permission of the landowner or property cooperatives should be obtained earlier than the meeting.
“So long as no monument safety or constructing laws are violated, the set up of a plug-in photo voltaic system is usually permitted in Germany,” Dinkler mentioned.
The balcony modules should even be registered with the native grid operator. In keeping with TÜV, many community operators have simplified kinds or on-line registration choices for plug-in photo voltaic units.
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