With the entry into force of the German government's Solarpaket I, the installation of plug-in solar devices (so-called balcony solar systems) has been drastically simplified. Condominium owners and tenants now have a genuine legal right to approval.
What is changing legally?
Balcony solar systems have been officially included in the list of **privileged measures** under the German Condominium Act (WEG, § 20 Abs. 2) and the German Civil Code (BGB, § 554). This means that homeowners associations and landlords may no longer ban the installation of balcony solar systems outright. A ban is only possible in extreme exceptional cases (e.g., historic preservation or a demonstrable hazard to the safety of the building).
An Overview of the Most Important Simplifications
- Simplified Registration: Registration with the grid operator is completely eliminated. Only a very simple registration in the market master data register of the Federal Network Agency is required.
- Higher Performance Limits: Balcony solar systems may now have an inverter output of up to **800 watts** (previously 600 watts) and a module capacity of up to 2,000 watts.
- Meter Tolerance: Operation with conventional, backward-running Ferraris meters is temporarily permitted until the metering point operator replaces the meter with a modern bidirectional meter.
Rights and Leeway of the HOA
Although the right to approval is established by law, the homeowners association (HOA) still retains a **right of co-determination regarding execution** (the 'how'). The HOA may pass objective guidelines to preserve the visual appearance of the building and ensure safety:
- Uniform Appearance: The HOA can specify the frame color or alignment of the modules to prevent a visual fragmentation of the facade.
- Technical Safety: It can be required that the installation be carried out professionally and storm-proof by a specialized company, and that cables are routed protected from the wind.
- Liability: The installing owner is fully liable for any damage to the facade or common property caused by the system.
Practical Tip for Owners
Before purchasing a system, submit a written application to your property management company. We will prepare the resolution for the next homeowners meeting and coordinate the technical and visual guidelines with you and the advisory board. This helps you avoid expensive demands to dismantle the system from the HOA.
Note on source: This article is based on the new legal regulations of the German government's Solarpaket I and the corresponding adjustments to the German Condominium Act (WEG) and German Civil Code (BGB). The content has been carefully analyzed by the ImmoLevia editorial team, independently formulated, and prepared in a practical way for our readers.