SolarPower Europe has launched its first “Plug-In Solar PV” report, offering an in-depth analysis of the emerging solar segment. The report examines the growth, potential, and challenges of plug-in solar PV systems, highlighting their role in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Plug-in solar photovoltaic (PV) products are gaining momentum across Europe as households seek all avenues to produce their own solar electricity. The solution consists of usually one or two solar PV modules, which can be plugged into a grounded home power socket. A common type of plug-in solar PV is ‘balcony solar.’ In some markets in Europe, plug-in PV can cover up to 25% of annual household electricity needs.
Michael Schmela, the Director of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe, stated that the report offers a comprehensive analysis of the growth, opportunities, challenges, and regulatory landscape of the rapidly expanding plug-in solar PV segment in Europe.
The plug-in PV market is growing in Europe, though exact numbers are difficult to uncover.Germany leads the way with over 780,000 registered plug-in PV systems by the end of 2024. Estimates suggest up to 4 million systems could be in use in Germany, many of which remain unregistered. Accompanying the plug-in solar growth, small-scale battery storage solutions (1–5 kWh) for plug-ins are also on the rise in Europe, with the number of small batteries (less than 2 kWh capacity) increasing 24-fold between 2023 and 2024 in Germany.
The EU and national governments are increasingly recognising the possibilities of plug-in solar, with new policies emerging to match market realities. Belgium is expected to legalize plug-in solar in April 2025, while Germany has taken major steps to simplify grid registration for plug-in solar.
Leah Le Pénuizic, the Project Manager for the report, emphasized the importance of establishing clear product standards and consistent installation guidelines as plug-in solar technology rises in Europe. She highlighted that these measures are crucial to ensuring safety, grid compatibility, and boosting consumer confidence.
The German regulator VDE is set to develop the first dedicated plug-in solar product standard, expected by the end of 2025.
