Municipal funding program for balcony power plants and micro PV systems

The city of Rastatt is one step closer to becoming climate-neutral by 2035. Since June 1, 2024, Rastatt residents have been able to apply online for funding for a balcony power plant or a small photovoltaic system. The municipal council approved the funding program by a majority at its meeting on 29 April 2024. The funding pot contains 50,000 euros. If this is exhausted, the funding program will end early. The maximum funding rate is 200 euros. There is no legal entitlement to payment of the funding. Only systems with an invoice date from 01.06.2024 are eligible for funding.

On the way to a climate-neutral city, it is necessary to gradually reduce fossil fuels. This includes not only the direct burning of fossil fuels such as heating oil or gas, but also indirect fossil fuels such as those found in electricity. The use of photovoltaic systems for renewable electricity generation and subsequent partial self-consumption is a building block towards climate-friendly electricity. As not every resident can install a photovoltaic system on a roof, it is possible to install so-called balcony power plants. The city offers all interested parties the opportunity to apply for funding.

Systems with an installed system output of up to 1200k Wp are subsidized. The maximum subsidy rate is 200 euros and is only granted as a one-off subsidy. Funding is staggered.

Balcony power plant funding application

Important questions and answers

How can I check whether I am allowed to install a balcony power plant as a tenant?

A discussion with your landlord is crucial here. They must grant permission. However, this may also be regulated in the rental agreement. The electrical engineer can provide you with information on technical suitability.

Do I have to register with the market master data register?

You must carry out the registration. This is not carried out by the grid operator or Stadtwerke Rastatt. Registration takes place digitally via the Federal Network Agency's market master data register. You can obtain additional information by downloading the PDF from the market master data register (PDF) (309 KB).

What do I have to bear in mind to ensure that the second escape route is kept clear?

If you are installing a balcony power station on balcony railings, check in advance whether this is designated as a second escape route. The second escape route must be clear or freely accessible under all circumstances. Obstructing the second escape route makes it more difficult for the fire department to rescue people.

If I want to install more than 1200 Wp, can I still apply for a subsidy?

You can also install more than 1200 Wp on your apartment or house. However, you can only apply for funding for a maximum of 1200 Wp. The decisive factor is the number of modules rounded up to the maximum eligible system output and the module output. The following example: You want to install modules with a module output of 435 Wp. To determine how large the total system output may be in order to submit the subsidy application, carry out the following calculation. 1200 Wp divided by 435 Wp (output per example module) equals 2.76 modules. Rounded up, this results in a maximum number of three modules. This results in a total system output of 1,305 Wp. This example shows you the maximum subsidy amount. You cannot apply for a subsidy for a planned system with the example modules that is larger than 1,305 Wp.

Can I buy modules/inverters before 1.6.2024 and then submit the subsidy application?

The invoice date is decisive. This must not be before 01.06.2024 for funding purposes.

Does the subsidy only apply to modules or also to the inverter?

The subsidy applies to the entire package. However, the installed kWp output of the modules is decisive.

Do separate components (modules and inverters) require CE certificates to be submitted for all components?

If you have purchased separate components, i.e. the inverter and PV module do not form a single unit, a CE marking must be submitted for both components.

I would like to install the PV system in two different directions, can I apply for a subsidy for both?

The system output is decisive for the subsidy application. For example, if you buy two modules and remain below the 1200 kWp, but install one of them in the east and the other in the west, you can submit an application for both modules. The funding guideline does not specify the direction in which the system should be installed or whether the same compass direction must be observed for several modules.

If I have more than one module promoted, can I mount one module on my balcony and another on the gazebo?

The location where the subsidized system is to be installed must be specified when applying for the subsidy. You must therefore decide which location you would prefer. You can only apply for funding for one location. It is more economical to install the system in the apartment/house in which the applicant lives.


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