Schwerin (dpa/mv) - The state government wants to encourage homeowners and tenants in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to produce more solar power for their own needs. As Environment Minister Till Backhaus (SPD) announced in Schwerin on Tuesday, the state support program for photovoltaic systems on balconies, which was decided the day before at the energy summit in Rostock, is to start in October. The state is providing 10 million euros for this. The purchase of a PV system can be subsidized with up to 500 euros per household. The funding guideline is currently being coordinated by the departments. After their publication, the applications could be submitted to the state funding institute.
"The "small power plants" that we want to promote with an output of up to 600 watts do not require approval. They only have to be reported to the energy supplier," explained Backhaus. Depending on the living situation, however, the consent of the landlord may still have to be obtained. The procedure is unbureaucratic and can quickly bring savings when electricity prices rise, the minister continued. Above all, using the sun as an alternative source of energy can reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and counteract climate change.
Experts assume that a solar system on the balcony can cover around 10 percent of the electricity requirements of an average household. The annual savings are given as just under 100 euros, and even more with rising electricity costs.
The Association of North German Housing Companies (VNW) has meanwhile expressed reservations about the state subsidy program for balcony power plants. It is understandable that the use of solar energy should be as simple as possible. But it is also important to clarify the insurance cover, "otherwise, in the event of an accident, the tenants will have serious financial or criminal consequences," said the association's managing director, Andreas Breitner. He spoke out in favor of paving the way for greater use of roof areas for photovoltaics with a sales tax exemption for self-used solar power.
