Portable solar panels: New global trend! Homes around the world are installing photovoltaic panels on balconies and sidewalks, leaving roofs aside

Germany leads a new global trend with portable solar panels. European country advances in the sector with photovoltaic panels installed on balconies and even sidewalks.

The landscape of residential streets in some German cities is changing. It is increasingly common to find photovoltaic solar panels installed on balconies, facing sidewalks, instead of on roofs. This trend of portable photovoltaic panels is starting in Germany and helping to complement the generation of clean energy in homes.

Germany starts using portable solar panels on sidewalks and balconies

A report from The New York Times showed this new aspect of the German energy sector, transformed by mainly Chinese brands. The growing habit should not drive a revolution in the climate crisis alone, however, it helps to show that the sources of Alternative energy can be used in everyday life.

The most popular models of domestic photovoltaic panels in Germany are the lightest and smallest. The solar panels are installed without the need for advanced technical knowledge or the presence of a professional in the field. Portable solar panels are in plug-in format and usually include, in addition to the panel itself, a current inverter and a charge controller.

Depending on the models of photovoltaic panels, they do not necessarily need to be connected to the electrical grid to complement energy generation, since the electricity generated may be enough for a moderate consumption electronic, such as a computer or minibar. 

The best-selling portable solar panels in their current format cost around 200 euros in Germany, around R$1,2 in direct conversion to our currency. For models that connect to the electricity grid, the cost can be up to double.

Controlling energy generation and electricity consumption in Germany is done through applications. Some more advanced units have their own battery, which is used to store energy and use it when necessary.

Understand why Germany started investing in portable solar panels

According to data from the German government, More than 500 of these systems with photovoltaic panels have already been installed and the government has even relaxed sector rules to boost this adoption. Across the country, 10% more energy was generated by capturing solar energy in July 2024 compared to the end of last year, in particular thanks to solar panels on balconies.

Although Germany is the place where the greatest growth has been recorded, other countries in Europe are also using domestic solar equipment.

The crisis involving the war, which began in 2021 by Russia, a supplier of energy in the form of natural gas to several countries on the continent, meant that these alternatives were used more quickly.

The popularization of portable solar panels is also seen by the renewal of the public. Older people, housewives and entire families are purchasing the panels, in addition to young people who were already naturally interested in this technology and seemed more concerned about climate issues.

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Leaving aside Germany's energy sector, data from National Electric Energy Agency show that the country closed the first half of the year with more than 8 billion reais invested in new solar energy installations. This year, the country gained around 400 new installations for its own solar energy generation in homes.

The growth in residences this year represents half of the entire expansion of own photovoltaic generation in the country, including businesses, industries and rural properties. According to Portal Solar, the use of solar sources by residential consumers has been driven by the drop in the price of the equipment, around 40% in the last year.