I received a fine for my unregistered balcony power plant
Conclusion: The probability of punishment for unregistered balcony power plants tends to zero.
Mini solar systems are conquering German balconies. In 2022 there were 40.000 balcony power plants registered in the market master data register, and the number is expected to be 360 by 2023.000 registrations expected. Since many mini solar systems are not registered, the actual number could be higher. So is registration of balcony power plants necessary?
Due to continually rising electricity prices, more and more people are opting for plug-and-play solar systems in order to reduce the effects of price increases. With increasing competition in the market, the prices for balcony power plants are also falling, which means that the payback period for installing a balcony power plant with 800 watts is shortened to 2-3 years.
When installing a balcony power plant, you must now register with your local network operator and in the Federal Network Agency's market master data register (MaStR). There will be some positive changes for this type of bureaucracy in 2024.
Registration required for balcony power plants
In principle, every mini solar system must be registered. However, compared to solar systems, the registration process for balcony power plants has been significantly simplified.
The legal basis for the registration of balcony power plants comes from the Renewable Energy Act (EEG), which states that operators of solar power systems with a total output of a maximum of 25 kilowatts (25.000 watts) can feed a maximum of around 70% of the installed power into the public power grid. Although the 70% rule was temporarily suspended at the beginning of 2023, the penalties for unregistered balcony power plants remain.
Penalty for not registering a balcony power plant
Despite the obligation and the penalties, only a few plug-in solar system users are currently registering.
Penalty for non-entry in the market master data register
If not registered in the market master data register, it will be considered unlawful according to Section 95 of the Energy Industry Act, and the maximum penalty is up to 50.000 euros.
However, the reality is that the penalties are only a few hundred euros, and there are currently very few cases of fines, so their authenticity cannot be verified.
Penalties from network operators
If not registered with the network operator, a fee of 1 euro per month per 100 watts of module power will be charged. For an 800-watt balcony power plant, the monthly fee is 8 euros.
From 2024, according to the latest guidelines of the "Solar Package I", the registration of balcony power plants with the network operator and your 800-watt balcony power plant< will no longer be necessary t53> just needs to be registered with the Market Master Data Register of the Federal Network Agency (MaStR), click to learn more. |
Steps for the correct registration of a balcony power plant
Although many people have not registered their balcony power plants, we appeal to our customers to register their balcony power plants properly. After receiving your mini solar system, you do not need to install balcony solar systems immediately. First you should complete the registration for your balcony power plant. To do this, you must register with your local network operator. You can find the information about your network provider on your electricity meter. You must then fill out and submit the network operator's online form.
Then you can install your balcony power plants. After completing the installation, you have to complete one more task: you have to register in the Federal Network Agency's market master data register (MaStR). Registration is also done online. Here is the registration link. Registration must be completed within one month of completion of installation. Please note that if your balcony power plant has a storage system, the storage must also be registered. There are options for battery storage systems during the registration process.
Conclusion: It's up to you whether you register
It is required by law that you must register your balcony power plant. However, there are very few cases of fines, which means that the government does not take a strict stance on the registration of balcony power plants and it is not possible for the grid operator to inspect every balcony power plant. It therefore makes sense for you to decide for yourself whether you want to register a balcony power plant or not.
SUNNEX appeals to consumers of balcony power plants to register properly, as this is the only way to promote the positive development of balcony power plants! |