Latest Research: Balcony Solar Storage Can Reduce Household Electricity Costs by 64%

According to a recent joint study by Germany’s EUPD Research and the plug-in solar storage system manufacturer Anker, the combination of balcony solar panels and storage systems is becoming an effective solution for German households to lower energy expenses. The data shows that a 2kW plug-in balcony solar system combined with a 2kWh storage battery can reduce grid electricity costs by 64%, with a payback period of only 4 years.

As the popularity of balcony solar systems continues to grow in Germany, the installation of accompanying storage batteries has surged. In 2024, approximately 220,000 storage batteries are expected to be installed alongside plug-in solar systems, marking a 97% increase compared to 2023. Researchers predict that by 2025, this number will surpass 300,000, with 90% of them being installed concurrently with solar systems. This trend indicates that the market recognizes the role of storage systems in shortening the investment return period.

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, based on actual consumption patterns. Anker Solix further validated through analysis of thousands of user data sets that storage devices can increase the proportion of self-consumed electricity by over 50%, significantly enhancing energy independence.

• Small System (1kW solar + 1kWh storage): Reduces grid electricity consumption by 45%, suitable for low-consumption households.
• Medium-Sized Household (3MWh annual consumption): A 2kW solar + 2kWh storage system reduces grid electricity consumption by 64%, recouping investment costs in just 4 years.
• Large System (4 solar panels + 3.2kWh storage): Saves €373 in annual electricity costs, with a payback period of 5.4 years. Some cases report savings exceeding €900 per year.

2. Challenges: Despite Clear Technical Benefits

Two major market challenges have been identified:

• Lack of Economic Awareness: 68% of respondents perceive storage prices as high, and 73% believe that installing a storage system is not cost-effective, indicating insufficient economic appeal.
• Policy and Technical Barriers: The registration process for plug-in systems accompanied by storage is not standardized, and there is a lack of unified financing support policies across German states.

The research team emphasizes that there is still a lack of awareness regarding the economic value of storage technologies in the market, highlighting the need for more intuitive energy-saving analyses and convenient solutions, especially for renters who have difficulty accessing solar subsidies.

3. Policy Support

Currently, German law limits the power of plug-in solar systems to 800W. However, if the European Union plans to relax this limit, the market landscape could change significantly. Anker Solix’s calculations show that a 5kW system, under optimized operating conditions, can meet 100% of the daily electricity needs for households consuming 4.5MWh annually. The research also indicates that for households consuming between 3MWh and 4.5MWh, using appropriately sized storage devices can boost self-consumption to 91%. The combination of balcony solar and storage is reshaping energy consumption patterns in German households, and future efforts should focus on standardized policy development, increased cost transparency, and adaptable solutions for renters.