Greece to allow “Photovoltaic on Balconies”. Experts have reservations

Greece’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is determined to allow citizens install photovoltaic units “plug-in” on balconies. The project promises 30% savings on electricity bill. However, experts express reservations as the project clashes with the Greek reality: the already excess energy production by the RES.

Presenting the relevant legislation to the Parliament on Monday, April 27, Minister Stavros Papastavrou, stated “the sun and the wind belong to everyone. We are paving the way for PV on the balcony for every Greek citizen in order to reduce energy costs”. He praised the new alternative energy as “energy democracy.”

These are the so-called “plug-in” photovoltaic, which can be easily placed on balconies and other surfaces, offering the possibility of producing solar energy by households and businesses.

Their difference compared to the photovoltaic known until now is that they do not require a specific area on the roof, meaning they are much easier to use in any space. They also plug directly into the socket, rather than the meter.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is therefore promoting the use of these systems with a power of up to 800 W.

Anyone can buy such photovoltaic domestically or from abroad for a relatively low cost ranging up to 1,000 euros. Subsequently, they can self-produce part of their needs, reducing the final cost of electricity, at least in theory.

In practice, however, things are very different, while the relevant regulation for plug-in photovoltaic is expected soon with a new ministerial decision regarding net-billing self-production.

The Greek Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE/HEDNO) has reportedly already expressed its concern about what a massive installation will mean in terms of network stability. The issue has multiple dimensions: First of all, there is the issue of smooth operation at the building and area level. Thus, the minimum requirement is that these systems should be declared on a relevant digital platform.

Then, there is the more strategic issue, namely that today in Greece there is already an excess of solar energy production that has led to forced cuts in part of it for several hours each day. Thus, the addition of even more photovoltaics will intensify this specific problem.

This is the reason why even executives in the industry emphasize that what is needed is to put batteries on the balconies and not photovoltaics.

The president of Photovoltaic Energy Producers Association (SPEF),  Stelios Loumakis, warned on Monday that a major problem is about to arise. “Theoretically, if we could install photovoltaics in every house and balcony tomorrow, the grid would simply collapse.”

Therefore, the issue of controlling the production of photovoltaic plug-ins by the administrator arises, as it already does in the case of photovoltaic parks. The technical details, which will also determine the possibilities of installations, will be clarified by the upcoming ministerial decision, which both consumers and the market are eagerly awaiting.

PS if they solve the excess energy production issue, me, as consumer I’m highly interested to know what electric devices I could use with 800 W on 24/7 basis and what do I do in the winter months under the cloudy skies. I’m still bound to the electricity distribution system, right?