Integration of plugin balcony solar systems within the UK

About the Project

On the continent there’s been a growing trend of balcony solar panels [1]. These can be mounted onto the sides of an apartment balcony. These are typically thin film solar panels, mounted horizontally, although some products do allow for monocrystalline panels, or for the panels to be angled to maximise solar gain. Instead of being wired into the mains, as is normal for solar panels, these balcony solar panels are typically plugin systems, feeding the power generated by the solar panels into the house via an inverter and a standard plug [2].

Growth rate of these devices is difficult to quantify, but the latest estimate is at least 3 million such installations in Germany (known as “balkonkraftwerk”). A typical installation consists of one or two 150 watt panels, for an installation cost of 200-800 euros, which in some cities (such as Berlin) can be in part covered by subsidies of up to 500 euros [3]. This would represent a peak power output of between 450MW’s and 900 MW’s. Figures for other European countries are a bit harder to come by, but it does seem to be a trend that’s catching on.

Reasons for installing such devices are a desire of flat dwellers to “do their bit” for the climate crisis and lowering energy bills [4]. It should be noted that flat dwellers, in particular those renting properties, are limited in their options when it comes to the installation of renewables in their homes. These plugin balcony solar systems represent one alternative. Indeed, the German authorities have now passed legislation allowing renters to install balcony solar systems, without first seeking permission from their landlord or homeowner’s association [5]. It should also be remembering that electricity is more expensive in Germany and it is priced differently, with variable contracts offered (and hence a desire to cut consumption during peak hours). Similarly, many European countries also price electricity differently, often including variable rate charging and charging by “capacity” (i.e. your maximum potential usage). These factors make building integrated renewables a much more attractive option financially.

However, there are a number of issues, as discussed in a recent article published by Edinburgh Napier in the Conversation [6]. Firstly, there is a lack of published research on this topic, as well as data from metered installations. There’s also the issue that if the balcony is not orientated towards the sun, or is cast in shadow for part of the day by a neighbouring building, the panels may not yield a lot of power and may not be economically viable. There deployment in the UK would have to overcome a range of hurdles, ranging from health and safety issues, electrical standards, planning permission and insurance related issues.

By way of example, current UK planning regulations [7] state that solar panels are considered “permitted development” and can in theory be installed without planning permission, subject to a number of factors. If for example a balcony solar system is mounted horizontally on the side of the balcony, they would imply that they don’t require planning permission (subject to further conditions of course, i.e. they don’t stick out of the building, it is not a listed building, or near a highway, etc.), however if you were to tilt the panels outward to maximise solar gain, that would require a planning application. Also, many more modern UK blocks of flats are collectively insured and hence there are rules regarding what you can and can’t put on your balcony (as that will impact on not just your insurance costs, which have been rising since Grenfell, but all of your neighbours). The government is promising to tackle these issues with new legislation [8], but it is unclear what measures they are going to undertake.

This project proposes to close the research gap in this field and help to identify barriers to the installation of balcony solar systems in the UK. We also aim to help identify where a business case for these balcony solar systems may exist and generate advice to policymakers and home owners to ensure safe installation of these systems in the UK.

Academic qualifications

An MEng or Beng(Hons) degree in either Mechanical engineering, Energy and Environmental Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

MSc renewable energy (or equivalent) should only be considered if their honours project included a related project (PV for example).

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Completion of suitable module on the topic of Solar photovoltaics, or the completion of a research project within this field
• Good fundamental knowledge of Solar power (PV), energy policy, plugin electrical systems

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.

The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.

• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact d.ryan@napier.ac.uk

Application Enquiries: https://www.napier.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/doctoral-college/application-guidance

Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_sso.go?mP9MDnTs1Rwm8ftb3WVhDhXtraMQwXSUMdHC9wIc34es5bJqXf