On June 20, 2025, our board member Sebastian Müller sent a letter to Michael Shanks MP, the UK’s Minister for Energy, expressing our strong support for recent plans to promote plug-in PV systems—also known as balcony solar—in the United Kingdom. The initiative was highlighted in a recent Guardian article about enabling solar installations for renters and flat owners.
As a registered non-profit and long-time advocate for plug-in PV in German-speaking countries, we shared our experience in regulation, standardization, and public engagement. Since 2018, we’ve actively supported the development of user rights—such as the 2024 update to the German Civil Code (§ 554 BGB) and Condominium Act (§ 20 WEG)—that legally secure access to plug-in PV for tenants and co-owners.
We estimate that more than 3 million plug-in PV systems are currently operating in Germany, though many go unregistered due to minimal incentive. These systems are safe, legal, and growing in countries like France, Spain, and Lithuania as well.
We highlighted the role of plug-in PV in sparking broader interest in energy transition—especially among the 55+ demographic—and noted our ongoing efforts to develop grid-friendly small battery systems.
Our letter offers partnership and knowledge-sharing with UK stakeholders—from civil society to government and industry—and encourages open collaboration to reduce barriers and accelerate adoption.