balcony solar

Finland-based Lumon has integrated balcony PV modules into a glass parapet, maintaining the facade’s appearance without visible technical components. The first project using the product has already been completed in Finland.

The UK government has published its plan to support solar deployment to 2030 and beyond. Policies include updating the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, a safety review of plug-in solar for balconies and rooftops, consulting on car park solar, and engaging with industry on skills and training.

Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is selling plug-in solar kits in Germany, with storage-inclusive systems starting at €1,229 ($1,425) and reaching €2,800 for versions featuring four 520 W panels. The kits are designed for residential self-consumption and vary by capacity and configuration.

Bright Saver, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, aims to bring the European balcony solar trend to US homes with low-cost, plug-in systems that require no interconnection approvals or permits in some jurisdictions.

A European team is developing technologies and processes to show how end of life PV panels and electric vehicle (EV) batteries can be used in three distributed energy market segments: agrivoltaics, plug-in PV for households, and low-budget solutions. It will also demonstrate efficient recycling processes for critical raw materials recovered from panels and batteries that cannot be reused.

Germany’s Panelretter is now offering German customers plug-in solar devices that use refurbished second-life solar modules. There are three different models with output ranging from 400 W to 810 W. The prices for the complete sets start at €220 ($232).

At The Smarter E Europe event – recently held in Munich, Germany – Growatt shared insights on the European market. It reports a slowdown in the residential segment in Central Europe due to lower demand, but Growatt VP Lisa Zhang said she expects more growth in the commercial and industrial (C&I) solar and storage sectors.

A new manufacturer is entering the PV market. Marstek initially focused on power banks, but is now showcasing a range of products for the booming DIY solar market, including a user-friendly, AC-coupled battery solution for balconies.

Portable solar generators are making their way from the fringes of solar and energy storage to become a mainstream consumer item. The rise has been charged by a range of factors that have created massive brands. Where did the sector emerge from, who was buying before, who is buying now, and what’s next? Tristan Rayner reports.

Chinese manufacturer Dyness has unveiled a 1.6 kWh battery designed for balcony PV systems, allowing users to stack up to four units for a total storage capacity of 6.4 kWh, with a reported lifespan of more than 8,000 cycles.