Balcony Solar Energy Storage: A Global Competition

Published: May 27, 2025

As the energy revolution reaches everyday households, balcony solar energy storage is emerging as a critical test of companies’ global capabilities. Driven by tight energy supply and demand, along with favorable policies, the balcony solar energy storage sector (plug-and-play balcony energy systems) has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. According to a recent report by LP Information, the global market size for plug-and-play balcony energy storage systems is projected to reach $14,972.7 million by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.1% from 2025 to 2031.

Europe plays a pivotal role in the booming balcony energy storage market, holding nearly 70% of the global market share. In terms of product types, wall-mounted systems currently dominate the market, accounting for approximately 56.6% by 2025. As the world’s largest manufacturer of photovoltaic and energy storage devices, China’s “Made in China” label is leveraging its production advantages to reshape the global renewable energy landscape.

European Surge: The “Golden Window” for Balcony Solar Energy Storage

The global residential energy storage market is centered around Europe, with Germany leading the way. Currently, Germany, France, and Austria have the highest demand for balcony micro-storage solutions in Europe. Recent data from the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) indicates that by the end of 2024, Germany’s total installed solar power capacity will surpass 100 GW for the first time. This includes approximately 38 GW of residential rooftop solar, 29 GW of commercial and industrial solar, 32 GW from large-scale ground-mounted solar plants, and 700 MW of plug-in solar devices (i.e., “balcony solar”).

In 2024, Germany registered 435,000 balcony solar systems, meaning that at least two out of every five installed photovoltaic systems were balcony solar. Households across Europe have come to view plug-and-play solar components as everyday items available in supermarkets. According to Karsten König, Managing Director of the German Solar Industry Association, “A small energy revolution is taking place on balconies across Germany. The energy transition is finally benefiting households.”

The ongoing popularity of balcony solar in Germany is supported by various policies. In April of this year, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action approved the Solar Package I photovoltaic plan, which increased the inverter power limit for balcony solar systems from 600W to 800W, further stimulating market demand. Additionally, Germany is set to implement the KFW442 subsidy policy starting this September, providing financial support for the purchase and installation of new charging stations, photovoltaic, and energy storage systems, injecting even more vitality into the balcony micro-storage market.

The German government also supports the construction of small photovoltaic systems and balcony energy storage systems through the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which stipulates feed-in tariff subsidies for photovoltaic power generation. Even small balcony systems can benefit from certain subsidies. Consequently, the German market has become highly competitive among companies. Notably, around 52.4% of Germany’s population are renters. The Solar Package I legislation has simplified the registration process for balcony solar systems, allowing tenants to install systems without needing landlord approval. This policy has directly driven the installation of balcony solar systems to over 400,000 units in Germany, representing a growth of over 300% compared to 2023. The plug-and-play nature of these systems has garnered widespread market acceptance.

As the policy environment continues to improve, demand for plug-and-play energy storage systems in countries such as Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and Poland is expected to grow further, leading to increased market penetration. Meanwhile, regions like the Americas and Asia-Pacific are also accelerating their deployments, contributing to global market expansion.

Domestic Companies Enter the Balcony Energy Storage Market

As the largest producer of photovoltaic and energy storage devices globally, China’s energy storage companies are undoubtedly at the forefront of driving this “energy revolution.” Currently, in the competitive landscape of the global balcony solar energy storage sector, there are five categories of players:

• Inverter/Micro-inverter Companies: Enphase, GoodWe, etc.
• Portable Energy Storage Companies: Anker Innovations, Huabao New Energy, etc.
• Residential Energy Storage Companies: Wotai Energy, Tuobang Co., etc.
• Photovoltaic/Appliance Companies: Solarwatt, TCL, etc.
• New Entrants: Jiayi Digital Energy, etc.

Among these, micro-inverter manufacturers and portable energy storage companies have a competitive advantage. For instance, Anker Innovations is expected to surpass 3 billion yuan in energy storage revenue in 2024, securing the top global sales position in balcony energy storage. Chinese companies like Huayuxin and Maitian Energy are capturing market share through competitive pricing and comprehensive solutions. Huayuxin showcased a balcony micro-storage system, while Huabao New Energy launched a DIY small household green energy system. Anker Innovations and GoodWe introduced integrated balcony energy storage units, and Penghui Energy, Jiayi Digital Energy, and Deyang Co. also made significant moves.

Currently, brand-name companies hold a favorable position in the balcony solar energy storage market. In terms of industry competition, Anker Innovations, Huabao New Energy, Zhenghao Innovations, and Zhengtai entered the European balcony energy storage TOP 10 list in Q3 2024, with higher shipping volumes compared to other Chinese companies. In the Q3 2024 European balcony micro-storage TOP 10 list, Chinese firms occupy six positions, with Anker Innovations, Huabao New Energy, and Yueneng Technology leading the pack.

Conclusion

Balcony solar energy storage, as the smallest unit of the energy revolution, is opening new heights of global competition. Driven by accelerated urbanization in countries like Germany, Austria, and the United States, this emerging market continues to expand, with applications extending to household balconies, garages, and garden spaces. The combination of photovoltaic components, micro-inverters, and modular storage facilitates the widespread adoption of clean energy.

The current market exhibits a dual competitive landscape: European and American brands leverage customer loyalty to create a competitive edge, with Enphase holding over 70% of the North American market share. Simultaneously, increasing geopolitical risks are applying pressure to supply chains, prompting Chinese companies to develop multifaceted competitive strategies—breaking through patent barriers through technological innovation, reducing costs via vertical integration, and enhancing service networks through localized operations.

Only companies that establish an intelligent ecological closed-loop can maintain a leading position in the second growth curve of balcony solar energy storage. Notably, existing residential energy storage product frameworks can be leveraged for research and channel reuse, providing Chinese companies with strategic opportunities for rapid advancement. As the energy revolution takes hold in everyday life, balcony solar energy storage systems are becoming the ultimate test of companies’ global capabilities.