Balcony Solar Storage Systems Cut Household Electricity Costs by 64% in Germany

According to a recent joint study by EUPD Research and Anker, a manufacturer of plug-and-play energy storage systems, the combination of balcony photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage solutions is emerging as an effective method for German households to reduce energy costs. The findings indicate that a 2kW plug-and-play balcony PV system paired with a 2kWh energy storage battery can lower grid electricity costs by 64%, with a payback period of just 4 years.

As the popularity of balcony PV systems continues to grow in the German market, the installation of accompanying storage batteries has seen explosive growth. In 2024, approximately 220,000 storage batteries are expected to be installed alongside plug-and-play PV systems, representing a 97% increase compared to 2023. Research institutions predict that by 2025, this figure will surpass 300,000, with 90% of installations being synchronized with PV systems. This trend indicates that the role of energy storage in shortening the investment return period is gaining market recognition.

1. Multi-Scenario Simulations Validate Energy Savings

The research team simulated three typical household scenarios with annual electricity consumption of 1MWh, 3MWh, and 4.5MWh. Through analysis of thousands of user data points, Anker Solix confirmed that energy storage devices can increase the proportion of self-consumed electricity by over 50%, significantly enhancing energy independence.

• Small Systems (1kW PV + 1kWh storage): Reduces grid electricity usage by 45%, suitable for low-energy households.
• Medium-Sized Households (3MWh annual consumption): A 2kW PV + 2kWh storage system can reduce grid electricity usage by 64%, with a payback period of 4 years.
• Large Systems (4 PV panels + 3.2kWh storage): Saves approximately €373 annually on electricity costs, with a payback period of 5.4 years. In some cases, annual savings can exceed €900.

2. Market Pain Points

Despite the clear technical benefits, the research identified two major pain points in the market:

• Lack of Economic Awareness: 68% of respondents believe that energy storage is too expensive, and 73% feel that a storage system is not cost-effective, indicating insufficient economic appeal.
• Policy and Technical Barriers: The registration process for plug-and-play systems with storage is not standardized, and there is a lack of unified financing support policies across German states.

The research team emphasizes that the market’s understanding of the economic value of energy storage technology is still lacking. There is a need for clearer energy savings analyses and more accessible solutions, particularly for renters who may find it difficult to obtain PV subsidies.

3. Policy Support

Currently, German law limits the power of plug-and-play PV systems to 800W. However, if the European Union proceeds with plans to raise this limit, significant changes in the market landscape could occur. Anker Solix estimates that a 5kW system under optimal operating conditions could meet 100% of the daily electricity demand for households consuming 4.5MWh annually. The research also shows that for households with annual consumption between 3MWh and 4.5MWh, the proportion of self-consumed electricity can reach 91% when paired with appropriately sized storage solutions. The combination of balcony PV and storage is reshaping energy consumption patterns in German households. Future efforts should focus on standardized policy development, enhancing cost transparency, and creating adaptable solutions for renters.