Balcony power station - the energy bundle for the socket 🔌
A balcony power station is a small photovoltaic system for your home. It's simply plugged into an electrical outlet and feeds the generated solar power directly into your home's grid. This allows you to use your own electricity – and also feed it into the public grid if needed.
Without a suitable electricity meter it does not work
To ensure that your balcony power plant is billed correctly, you need the right electricity meter – or you can simply supplement it with the electricity reader to keep an eye on your consumption.
This is the only way to accurately determine how much electricity you use yourself and how much is fed into the grid.
Important: The operation of your mini photovoltaic system must not only be reported in the market master data register – you are also required to use an approved meter type.
An unsuitable or outdated meter can lead to incorrect billing – in the worst case, even to legal problems.
In Germany, there are clear regulations for electricity supply – and this also includes which types of meters are permitted when operating a balcony power plant.
Tip: Are you looking for a reliable and easy-to-install balcony power system? MOE offers high-quality complete kits including inverters, modules, and accessories – ideal for getting started with solar energy.
Types of electricity meters at a glance
Analog electricity meters (Ferraris meters)
A Ferraris meter is an older, mechanical electricity meter that measures consumption using a rotating aluminum disc. Many households still use them – but they are no longer suitable for operating a balcony power station unless they have a backflow preventer.
Without this lock, the meter can run backwards when electricity is fed into the grid – this is not permitted by law.
If you still have such an analog meter without a backflow preventer, you must have it replaced before you can operate your balcony power plant permanently.
Since the Solar Package 1 came into force in May 2024, the following applies:
Ferraris meters without a backstop may continue to operate temporarily – even if they run backwards when electricity is fed in.
This means you can put your balcony power plant into operation immediately, even if your old meter has not yet been replaced.
The network operator is obliged to replace the Ferraris meter with a suitable bidirectional meter or an intelligent measuring system (smart meter) within four months of commissioning.
Digital electricity meters (modern measuring device)
Digital electricity meters measure electricity consumption electronically and significantly more precisely than older Ferraris meters. They are often referred to as modern measuring devices and are now used in many households.
They are generally suitable for operating a balcony power plant – but only if they have a backflow preventer.
Without this block, the generated electricity may be illegally billed. In this case, the use is not permitted, and a replacement is required.
Tip: If you want to monitor your electricity consumption and feed-in in detail in addition to your digital meter, the stromleser offers a simple solution for real-time visualization.
Intelligent measuring systems (smart meters)
Smart meters are digital electricity meters with integrated communication technology. They are connected to the grid via a so-called smart meter gateway and automatically transmit consumption and feed-in data to the grid or metering point operator.
This makes monitoring electricity consumption and feed-in – for example from a balcony power plant – particularly simple and transparent.
In certain cases, smart meters are already required by law, for example in cases of high electricity consumption or larger photovoltaic systems.
For smaller systems such as balcony power plants, however, they are not mandatory, but can still be useful – for example, for detailed consumption analysis.
Want to learn more about the differences between the various electricity meters? Check out our detailed comparison.
Bidirectional meters and balancing bidirectional meters
A bidirectional meter measures the flow of electricity in both directions—that is, how much electricity you take from the grid and how much you feed into it. Both values are recorded and billed separately.
Such a meter is particularly important for operators of a balcony power plant, as it enables correct and transparent billing.
A balancing bidirectional meter is even more precise. This compares feed-in and consumption simultaneously for each phase and determines the actual surplus or self-consumption—particularly advantageous for single-phase balcony power plants.
Balancing bidirectional meter: Get even more out of your own consumption
A balancing bidirectional meter goes one step further than a normal bidirectional meter:
It calculates the electricity generated and consumed across phases – i.e. between the individual power lines in the household.
This means: Even if your balcony power plant only feeds in electricity on one phase, this will be offset against the total consumption in the household.
This leads to optimal use of your solar energy and can significantly increase your self-consumption.
Allowed? Yes – both standard and balancing bidirectional meters are permitted for the operation of a balcony power plant. Many grid operators recommend or even require their use.
When is a bidirectional meter required?
As soon as your balcony power plant feeds electricity into the public grid, a bidirectional meter is usually required.
It measures separately how much electricity you take from the grid and how much you feed into the grid – thus ensuring correct billing.
Meter recommendation for balcony power plants
|
Your use case |
Recommended counter / action |
Why? |
|
You use most of the electricity generated yourself (no targeted feed-in to the grid) |
Digital electricity meter with backstop (modern measuring device) |
• Prevents billing errors caused by backward-running counters |
|
You regularly feed electricity into the public grid |
Bidirectional meter |
• Bidirectional meter: separate recording of consumption and feed-in |
|
You want to analyze your electricity consumption and feed-in in detail |
Smart Meter (intelligent measuring system with communication interface) or the electricity reader |
• Automatic data transfer to app/web platform |
|
You still have an old Ferraris meter without a backstop |
Meter must be replaced! Transitional regulation: permitted up to a maximum of four months after commissioning (Solar Package 1, May 2024) |
• Ferraris meters without backstop are not permitted |
Why the right electricity meter is so important ❗
Inappropriate meter = legal risk
If you operate your balcony power plant with a meter without a backflow preventer, this can lead to billing errors, legal consequences, and even the loss of insurance coverage.
Legal requirements according to the EEG ⚖️
According to Section 52 of the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), you must:
- Register your mini-PV system correctly
- use an approved electricity meter
In case of violations, the following may occur:
- Fines
Up to 10 € per month per kW of installed capacity
(e.g. 800 W system = 8 €/month or 96 €/year) - Loss of insurance coverage
In the event of damage caused by unregistered or non-compliant installations, liability, building or home contents insurance may refuse to pay out (depending on the conditions). - Criminal consequences
In serious cases (e.g., deliberately allowing the meter to run backwards), this can be considered fraud – with possible fines or imprisonment.
How do I know if my electricity meter is suitable?
A Ferraris meter without a backstop can be identified by the following features:
- No visible backstop (no symbol or marking)
- Counter disc rotates backwards when power is fed in
- Check the type plate or contact the network operator if you are unsure
Modern measuring devices (digital meters) and smart meters usually have a backflow preventer.
What to do if you are unsure?
- Contact network operator
Ask whether your current meter is approved for operation of a balcony power plant. - Ask meter operators for information
The meter operator is often its own service provider – not identical to your electricity provider. - Apply for meter replacement if necessary
Steps to change the meter
- Contact the meter operator:
This person is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the electricity meter. - Make an application:
This often happens through the network operator or electricity provider. - Make an appointment and have the exchange carried out:
A suitable meter with a backflow preventer or a smart meter is then installed.
Costs & Responsibilities
- Cost coverage: In many cases, the network operator covers the costs.
- Duration: The change usually takes place within 2 to 6 weeks.
- Costs (if self-funded): Between 50 and 150 €, depending on the provider.
❓FAQ:
Do I have to replace my old electricity meter before commissioning the balcony power plant?
Not necessarily. Since May 2024, Solar Package 1 has allowed a transitional arrangement: You can temporarily operate your balcony power plant even if you still have a Ferraris meter without a backflow preventer. However, the grid operator must replace this meter with a suitable model (e.g., a bidirectional meter) within four months.
How do I know if my current electricity meter has a backflow preventer?
A meter with a backstop doesn't run backward when electricity is fed in. This is easy to check with Ferraris meters: If the disc rotates backward, the backstop isn't working. With digital meters, checking the nameplate or checking with the grid or meter operator can help.
How can I digitally monitor my electricity consumption and feed-in using the electricity reader?
With the stromleser (electricity reader), you record your electricity consumption and feed-in in real time – without having to change the meter. The data is displayed digitally on your smartphone, so you always have an overview. Ideal if you want more transparency or want to make the most of your balcony power plant.
What are the costs of replacing my electricity meter – and who covers them?
In many cases, the network operator will cover the costs of the switch. If you have to pay yourself, the cost is usually between €50 and €150, depending on the provider. The switch typically takes two to six weeks.
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