Why small home solar systems make sense in 2022

As world energy demands grow (and energy prices steadily increase), solar energy is becoming an increasingly popular option for homeowners. Whether to offset short-term price gouging or to reduce reliance on fossil fuels in the long term, solar energy is a viable – and increasingly affordable – choice for many people looking to better manage their energy costs.

Most people think you need a full roof of solar panels to reap the benefits of solar energy, but that’s not always the case. Small residential solar systems can provide a homeowner with some or all of the energy necessary for their home, and they come in a variety of configurations to suit any budget. These include balcony solar systems, window solar systems, and even courtyard solar systems.

With electricity prices rising across Germany as well as the rest of Europe, and increasingly accommodating policies found in many European countries like Germany and the UK, small residential solar systems just make sense.

WHAT ARE SMALL HOME SOLAR SYSTEMS?

Put simply, small home solar systems are solar energy systems that are sized specifically for low-power residential use. While there is no definitive capacity limit, these systems generally have a capacity of 800kW or less, and don’t need to be permanently fixed to a roof or building.

This tremendously reduces the logistical and financial barriers to solar energy installation. Additionally, the lower power requirement makes small solar systems an attractive option for those living in apartments or condos where a traditional rooftop system might not be feasible.

Small home solar systems can take a number of different forms: from stand-alone units that generate electricity which is then used by the home, to systems that are integrated into the home’s electrical grid and provide power back to the utility company.

The most important thing is that small solar systems are designed to be modular and scalable – this means that they can be easily expanded as your energy needs grow (or as your financial resources allow).

WHY SMALL HOME SOLAR SYSTEMS MAKE SENSE IN 2022

With both short- and long-term global energy prices tending only one way (up), small solar systems offer a number of compelling benefits for homeowners. Let’s take a look at some of their biggest ones.

Rising electricity prices

More generally, electricity prices are rising across the globe as utilities scramble to meet growing demand. In the EU, for example, the average price of electricity has increased by more than 2.5% per year for the last decade.

This trend isn’t slowing down any time soon. Energy demands are only going to continue to increase, as industries and populations grow and become more affluent. Installing a small solar system can help you begin to insulate yourself from future price increases, and keep your electricity bills under control. They’re also a great introduction if you’re considering a larger solar installation down the line.

Accommodative policies

In response to recent energy events, as well as the growing popularity of solar energy, more and more governments are introducing policies and incentives that make small solar systems more accessible to homeowners. In Germany, for example, solar system installations not exceeding 600W don’t have to be registered with the local energy department, leading to reduced bureaucratic hassle. In Austria, that limit is 800W. Many other countries are following, in an attempt to stimulate solar energy growth.

Additionally, many governments are now offering financial incentives in the form of tax breaks and rebates to homeowners who install small solar systems. These incentives can often offset a significant portion of the system’s initial cost, making solar energy an increasingly affordable option. Countries like Germany are also soon making it a requirement to have solar installed on certain types of buildings during construction and renovation.