The increasing electricity prices underscore the urgent need for a transition to renewable energy sources and greater energy efficiency in our households.
Germany has been particularly affected by the energy pricing crisis, experiencing the highest price per kWh.
Meet Leopold Von Bismark, an enthusiastic early adopter of the WeDoSolar system since its inception.
For years, Leopold contemplated contributing to the energy transition, but living in an apartment limited his options. Typically, solar panels are installed on rooftops of houses. However, for urban residents like Leopold, a recent option has emerged—installing solar panels on balconies. The outbreak of the war in Ukraine motivated this Berliner to take action, seeking to both support the energy transition and reduce his soaring energy bills.
The WeDoSolar system comes with a companion app that tracks daily energy production and cost savings. It also quantifies the reduction in CO2 emissions, a result of solar energy usage. "It provides a valuable sense of satisfaction, knowing that our household appliances, such as the fridge and internet router, are powered by energy generated from our balcony," says Leo.
Like Leo, more and more Germans are embracing the opportunity to take control of their energy future. The number of solar installations in the country has steadily increased for over a decade, with over 200,000 balcony installations, according to the Federal Solar Energy Association.
Karolina, a co-founder of WeDoSolar, reflects on their mission, "When WeDoSolar was founded, our goal was always to offer solar solutions for all citizens, especially those living in apartments, enabling everyone to participate individually in this movement. Our use of monocrystalline panels makes them flexible and extremely lightweight, facilitating easy installation without professional assistance."
Leo has easily installed the solar system himself. Each panel weighs only one kilogram, they are discreet, and provide privacy protection for his bedroom as a sight protection.
The operation of the panels is straightforward. They connect to an inverter, which converts solar panel energy into alternating current. A wire from the inverter plugs into the standard electrical outlet, powering various devices. As solar energy is more potent than grid energy, devices prioritize solar-generated power.
Additionally, the German government offers subsidies to encourage solar production, reducing the acquisition cost for households. With a minimum lifespan of 25 years and a payback period of 2 to 5 years, depending on location and panel orientation, this investment is both financially and environmentally rewarding.
