[raphaelj]

We legalized these in Belgium last year.

I bought a 1600Wc + 1.9KWh kit (Ecoflow Stream) for +/- 1300€ last summer. It took us about 2h to install (we had to setup a new plug outside), and I already saved 200€+ since July. I am expecting to save about 350€ per year.

Also, as u/jstch said, it's extremely fun to setup and generate your own power!

[Fokamul]

And how does it work there?

You have special electric meter and you are distributing solar power into the grid outside of your household?

Or you don't distribute electricity into the grid?

[pjc50]

The special definition of "balcony solar" is that it avoids most of those requirements. It seems this is usually done by adding a clamp meter to the input to the house, which sends a control signal to the panel inverter over Wifi to reduce output if it would be feeding back.

(this is country dependent)

[raphaelj]

You have to register to the utility, but that's just a form to fill with the model and power of the kit.

With a e-meter, you will get compensated when you're generating a surplus (+/- €0.04/kWh last time I checked).

However, thanks to the battery, I'm self-consuming almost all that electricity, saving around €0.30/kWh.

Expect 800kWh of annual production per 1kW of panels.

[ragebol]

My guess as a Dutch guy, not 100% familiar with our neighboring country's rules etc): Yes, exporting to the grids. If a house has an old Ferraris meter, it will rotate backwards or a new, smart(er) meter, that has a separate counter for delivery back to the grid.

[gib444]

A 3.7 year ROI would be incredible (and fairly uncommon AIUI)

South facing?

[raphaelj]

House is facing South, but I'm laying them flat on the floor for economic and aesthetic reasons, with some 3D printed brick-based ballast [1].

Buying supports for PV is actually less economical than buying additional PV panels.

--

[1] https://imgur.com/a/tDPevmM

[muskstinks]

Mine was around 4 years and its west south + a tree in the middle. So spring and autom the tree is no problem but in summer lunch hpeak there is shadow on it.

[gib444]

Nice! What location, equipment and total investment?

[muskstinks]

Its my south/west balcony with a 1 square meter panel from some online shop. 400 watts, with an easy to install rail system for my balcony and a plug and inverter for ~400 Euros.

[modo_mario]

Did you need to get it certified? I think the limit for DIY balcony panels here in Belgium was about 800W.

[raphaelj]

It is 800W, but the battery allows it to buffer the excess and never output more than the legal limit.