Balcony power plants in the allotment garden: power supply or trouble?

Balcony power plants in the allotment garden: power supply or trouble?

In the past few years, interest in environmentally friendly energy solutions has grown, and balcony power plants are very popular. These small solar modules, which are simply inserted into a socket, can be a valuable source of clean electricity in self -consumption. But where there is light, it is also shadow, because the use of this technology in allotment gardens remains a hotly controversial topic. As the Futurezone is currently prohibited in small gardens in Germany. The reason for this can be found in the 1983 Federal Kleinsgarten Act, which is intended to prevent allotment gardens from being used as living space.

The ban states that gazebos must not be suitable for permanent living and that a firm power connection is evaluated as an indication of living use. There are many allotment gardens in Berlin, but many clubs block the use of balcony power plants for fear of violating the BKleingG. And that despite the fact that, according to the judgment of the district court of Dessau-Roßlau of April 30, 2025, the public interest in climate protection weighs higher than the concerns of the allotment garden associations.

planned changes in the law

A ray of hope could appear on the horizon in the form of a new law. The Federal Council has submitted a draft law to enable the installation of small photovoltaic systems up to 800 watts in allotment gardens. This was announced by the Bundestag and aims to clarify that the operation of such systems has no influence on the assessment, whether it is a residential building or not. This could give the tenants of allotment gardens more security and reduce the fear of loss of dismissal protection.

The restrictions by the BKleingG, in particular Section 3 (2), ensure that the use of photovoltaics still remains a legally delicate matter. The use of solar systems in allotments becomes the subject of heated discussions. It is important that garden owners deal with both the legal framework and the local development plan.

extensive regulations and funding opportunities

The installation of a photovoltaic system in an allotment is not fundamentally prohibited. However, it is subject to strict legal provisions that are defined in the BKleingG. The eGigo states that smaller, portable systems often do not require permission and therefore use a practical option to use solar energy without having to go through different approval procedures.

Before installation, however, should be planned thoroughly. Advice with experts and the exchange with the allotment garden association are essential to avoid misunderstandings and possible conflicts. There are also numerous funding opportunities at federal, state and local levels that support the purchase and installation of solar systems.