Balcony solar panels (plug-in) in the UK
A balcony is the classic spot for plug-in solar, and it's what made it popular in Germany. Most balcony kits hang the panel on the railing at a steep angle. That costs some output compared with an ideal tilt – roughly 15% facing south – but still works well facing south, south-east or south-west.
How much a two-panel kit makes here
| Facing | Per year | vs ideal | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| South | 737 kWh | 85% | £118 |
| South-east | 688 kWh | 79% | £114 |
| South-west | 671 kWh | 77% | £112 |
| East | 532 kWh | 61% | £95 |
| West | 516 kWh | 59% | £93 |
| North | 247 kWh | 28% | £53 |
920W kit with an 800W inverter, middle of England, someone home part of the day, 26.32p/kWh. “Ideal” = garden frame facing south at 35°. Data: PVGIS.
Tips
- Check your lease or tenancy before fixing anything to a balcony – many kits clamp on without drilling.
- Lightweight flexible panels (like Thunder Storm) are easiest to lift and tie on; rigid glass panels make more power per pound.
- Keep the cable run short and plug into a fixed socket – no extension leads.
- A railing facing east or west still makes roughly two-thirds of what a south-facing one does.
Best-value kits for a balcony railing
| Kit | Price | Saving | Payback | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltacon 465W plug & play kit Voltacon Solar | £276.99 | £77 | 3.6 yrs | See deal |
| DMEGC 950W Hoymiles HiFlow kit City Plumbing | £456 | £120 | 3.8 yrs | See deal |
| DMEGC 1050W Hoymiles HiFlow kit City Plumbing | £480 | £123 | 3.9 yrs | See deal |
| JA Solar 800W balcony & garden kit (2 × 465W) Voltacon Solar | £470.95 | £119 | 4.0 yrs | See deal |
| DMEGC 950W Hoymiles HiFlow PRO kit City Plumbing | £480 | £120 | 4.0 yrs | See deal |
| Worldwide Solar 800W (2 × 535W, HMS-800-2WB) Worldwide Solar | £498 | £124 | 4.0 yrs | See deal |
Based on the Voltacon 465W plug & play kit (£276.99), the fastest payback for this spot.
made used at home (the part that saves money)
Best kits for this spot
Voltacon 465W plug & play kit
£276.99 at Voltacon Solar · saves about £77/yr · pays back in 3.6 yrs
See deal at Voltacon SolarDMEGC 950W Hoymiles HiFlow kit
£456 at City Plumbing · saves about £120/yr · pays back in 3.8 yrs
See deal at City PlumbingDMEGC 1050W Hoymiles HiFlow kit
£480 at City Plumbing · saves about £123/yr · pays back in 3.9 yrs
See deal at City Plumbing