In Europe, Germany in particular, so called Balcony solar panels have been around for a while. Essebntially a small (up to 800w) panel which requires no installation. It has an inverter and you simply plug it in to a ordinary socket, it senses mains presence and switches off if not so its won't work in a power cut nor will it electrocute people working on a switched off circuit, and simply provides some limited solar power into your home. As far as I know excess power flows back ino the grid, you don't get paid for it. Its DIY, aimed at renters and anyone who can't or doesn't want to go for a full solar panel installation. Anyway, from the end of this month they will be legal in the UK. Initial estimates are pay back c 4 years.
Now, it won't power the kettle or cooker, nor work in the dark but my smart meter tells me that for most of the day I draw about 100w - router,repeaters, radio, laptop and screen etc. popping up to maybe 400w when the fridge or freezer kicks in. Its not a big money thing but maybe its a good and sensible way to cut imported usage especially as we are 'in' a lot of the time. .
Any thoughts?
(I should really go for full solar panels, I have room, but theres all £££ to work out and the battery stuff to think about and too many tales of bad installers- who can you trust etc)
Richard_C
Current:C4 Max Hybrid, C3 1.2 Auto
Past Citroens: Dyane (x2), 2CV, Visa, BX (x2), Xantia, Xsara Picasso, C4 Picasso,C3 (x2) C5 X7 Tourer, Synergie 1.9TD, C1
Others: Hillman Hunter, Cortina Mk1, Maxi, VWT2, Granada, SAAB 900, SAAB 9-5, R5 Gordini
I follow Artisan Electrics in order to try and keep up with what is going on. I daresay they will be producing a video about balcony panels once they are legal so it may be worth keeping an eye on their channel: https://www.youtube.com/@artisanelectrics
I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure!
I used to ride on two wheels, but now I need all four!
I used to like Artisan Electrics but Jordan has become a bit too much of the YouTube star now. Similar with Cory who used to work for them.
There are already some YouTube videos covering the plug 'n play panels. Haven't watched any as I already have full size panels.
Richard_C wrote: 27 Jul 2026, 17:09
Initial estimates are pay back c 4 years.
Any thoughts?
Is that an estimated 4 year payback in the UK, or an estimated 4 year payback looking at the UK purchase price but European/German levels of sunlight and an ideal installation ?
but my smart meter tells me that for most of the day I draw about 100w - router,repeaters, radio, laptop and screen etc. popping up to maybe 400w when the fridge or freezer kicks in. Its not a big money thing but maybe its a good and sensible way to cut imported usage especially as we are 'in' a lot of the time. .
