“Residents can produce solar electricity themselves with one to three photovoltaic modules hung on balconies or walls, or installed on a terrace, roof or in the garden. Most importantly the devices don’t require installation by a tradesperson.
The direct current from the solar module is conducted to a small box where it is converted into grid-standard alternating current (AC) by an inverter. The unit can then be simply plugged into a standard wall outlet.”
Come on, that is seriously impressive. Think what this could mean to people who live in small spaces, apartments, condos or underserved parts of the world. The potential to move farther away from fossil fuels is incredible.
Germany is not known for their sunny climate so what can these panels generate? From the DW.com piece,
“A 400-watt module installed on a south-facing facade or balcony in Germany perpendicular to the sun’s rays, generates an average of around 260 kWh of electricity per year. A module facing east or west can still generate around 190 kWh annually.
Plug-in solar systems with one to three panels cost anywhere between €400 and €1200 ($449 to $1,348) in German online stores.”
While you cannot power a large PC with monitors or a washing machine, you can relieve yourself of energy and cost burdens and take the strain off the grid for about $1000.
