Part of the topic: 🏠 Home, energy & car
Balcony solar calculator: savings & payback
How fast does a plug-in solar system pay for itself? All values are editable assumptions – adjust them to your balcony, orientation and tariff.
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🔒 Runs entirely in your browser – nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.
How to use it
- Enter the module power (e.g. 2 × 445 Wp = 890 Wp).
- Adjust the expected yield and the share you use yourself.
- Enter your electricity price and the purchase cost to see savings and payback time.
Last checked: October 2026 · Based on: 800 W feed-in limit (Germany, 2024); typical yields per kWp. Found a mistake? Use the form below – we fix confirmed errors and update the date.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a balcony solar system produce?
It depends heavily on orientation, tilt and shading. A well-placed system with about 800–900 Wp of modules often produces several hundred kWh per year in Germany.
Why does self-consumption matter?
You only save money on electricity you use while it is produced. Surplus power fed into the grid is usually not paid for with small plug-in systems.
What are the rules in Germany?
Since 2024, plug-in systems may have an inverter of up to 800 W, are VAT-free to buy, and must be registered in the Marktstammdatenregister (simplified). Landlords and owner associations generally may not refuse them without good reason.