Small-scale solar systems designed for balconies are beginning to appear in Greece, offering households a low-cost way to reduce electricity bills, even as a formal regulatory framework is still pending.

Known as “plug-and-play” photovoltaic systems, the units are already popular in Germany and other European countries. In Greece, they are being installed on railings, parapets and pergolas, transforming balconies, terraces and gardens into small electricity generation points. They connect directly to a standard household socket and require no complex installation.

The Ministry of Environment and Energy has moved to enable wider adoption through a recent renewable energy bill submitted to Parliament.

The legislation provides for a ministerial decision, expected in May, that will allow installation with a simple notification to the electricity distribution operator. The operator is also expected to create a digital platform where consumers will declare the equipment they install.

A typical system consists of two photovoltaic panels, usually rated at 400 Wp each, a microinverter of up to 800 watts, and a mounting system. With a cost ranging from €500 to €1,000, the systems can reduce annual electricity bills by 15% to 25% by covering basic household energy needs.

Their main advantage, beyond affordability, is portability. Unlike conventional rooftop systems, which require permanent installation, an electrician and a grid connection contract, balcony units can be installed and removed by users themselves. This makes them particularly attractive to renters and lower-income households.

“Plug-and-play photovoltaics allow anyone to harness solar energy, saving money on electricity bills,” said Stelios Psomas, an adviser to the Hellenic Association of Photovoltaic Companies. He noted that the technology is especially relevant in Greece, where 60% of the population lives in apartment buildings.

Electricity generated is consumed instantly by appliances in operation, typically covering devices such as refrigerators, routers, televisions and lighting, rather than high-consumption equipment. Combined with a solar water heater, a household could reduce annual electricity costs by up to 50%, Psomas said.