You need to know this now Mini photovoltaic systems on the balcony

Are you a tenant at HOWOGE and would like to install a mini photovoltaic system on your balcony? A balcony power plant can be worthwhile, so you can produce solar power with your PV system. Basically, HOWOGE is pleased that you are interested in alternative ideas for generating electricity and would like to make a personal contribution to the energy transition using solar energy. However, growing such PV systems on your balcony also involves some risks that you must take into account in advance. As a responsible landlord, it is first and foremost important to us that the facility is traffic- and fire-safe and does not endanger the lives of others or the entire power supply in your neighborhood. In addition, the professional installation and fall-proof assembly of your PV system is a prerequisite for approval from HOWOGE.

The technique:

• Only commercial, plug-in complete systems with CE markingand a maximum output of 600 wattsmay be used
• For safety reasons, only complete systems consisting of a solar module, inverter and connection cable may be used. The connection cable must have a Wieland plug.
• The system used may only be used for the power supply of the self-rented apartment.

The assembly:

• The installation of the system must not cause any damage to the structure.
• Before installation, a specialist companycommissioned by you as the tenant must check whether a mini-photovoltaic system can be connected to the apartment’s own electrical circuit.
• A signed specialist declarationfrom the company about the work to be carried out must be handed over to HOWOGE beforeinstallation. This is part of the agreement on structural changes to the rented property.
• The assembly of the mini photovoltaic system (if assembly is necessary) must also be carried out by a specialist company commissioned by you. Here, too, the signed specialist contractor declaration must be handed over to HOWOGE.
• Drilling into walls, facade parts, window elements or parapets or railings and the associated constructive and static interventions on the structure are only permitted by specialist companies.
• There are HOWOGE buildings for which drilling into the facade is generally not permitted. The tenants concerned have been informed of this.

The maintenance:

• As the tenant, you are responsible for the proper operation, maintenance and attachment of the mini photovoltaic system during the period of operation. You are responsible for regular traffic safety for the installed system.

When moving out:

• At the latest at the end of the existing tenancy, you as the tenant undertake to have the photovoltaic system you have installed dismantled by a specialist company. If HOWOGE needs to carry out maintenance work on facades and balconies, the system must also be (temporarily) dismantled by a specialist company.

The insurance:

• The installation and operation of the mini photovoltaic system must be included in private liability insurance or liability insurance must be taken out for it. Proof of this must be submitted to HOWOGE. In addition, we recommend that you inform your household contents insurance.

The registration:

• The mini-photovoltaic system must be registered with the Federal Network Agency in a mandatory and verifiable manner in the market master data register (legal basis: Energy Industry Act).
• Before the photovoltaic system can be operated, you as a tenant must register it with the responsible network operator (usually Stromnetz Berlin). The network operator can also be requested from the tenant's own energy supplier. The application for registration with all information from Stromnetz Berlin can be found here.

Before installation

In summary, if you decide to install a balcony photovoltaic system, the following documents are required before installation for conditional approval:

1. Type and size of the system with manufacturer information (product data sheet) as well as information on the installation site - type and position of the attachment/assembly of the system, if necessary with a sketch.
2. Specialist declaration from the electrical company about a possible connection to the electrical system/power distribution.
3. Declaration or proof of liability insurance.

Immediately after the completion of the installation work

The following documents are required after installation and must be submitted to HOWOGE immediately after completion of the work:

1. Specialist contractor declaration of the company about the assembly and installation of the mini photovoltaic system
2. Registration certificate of the system in the market master data register of the Federal Network Agency
3. Registration certificate with the responsible network operator (usually Stromnetz Berlin)
4. Statement or proof of household contents insurance.

Tenants who would like to set up a balcony photovoltaic system are asked to send the documents mentioned in bundles to kundenzentrum@howoge.debefore submitting the application and immediately after the installation.

Written agreement

Written approval from HOWOGE for the installation of the mini photovoltaic system will only be granted after the documents listed have been submitted. Until then, all work in connection with the construction of a mini photovoltaic system is to be omitted.