Balcony Power Plant Subsidies: How to Apply for Funding

Introduction

Many cities and federal states in Germany offer subsidies for balcony power plants (Balkonkraftwerke) – sometimes up to 500 EUR. The programs vary and are often exhausted quickly. Here you will learn which subsidies are available and how to apply for funding.

Federal Subsidies

Is There a Federal Funding Program?

No. There is no nationwide funding program specifically for balcony power plants. Subsidies come from federal states, cities, and municipalities.

Tax Benefits (nationwide)

Benefit	Details
VAT	0% on purchase and installation (since 2023)
Income tax	Exempt for systems up to 30 kWp
Trade tax	Not required

These tax benefits apply nationwide and are not subsidies in the strict sense, but they significantly reduce costs.

Subsidies by Federal State

The following overview shows the most important funding programs. Note: Programs change frequently and are often time-limited. Check the current status on the respective website.

Berlin – SolarPLUS

Detail	Info
Program	SolarPLUS
Funding amount	Up to 500 EUR
Requirement	Primary residence in Berlin
Application	IBB (Investitionsbank Berlin)
Status 2026	Check program – budget may be exhausted

### Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Detail	Info
Funding amount	Up to 500 EUR
Requirement	Primary residence in MV
Application	Landesfoerderinstitut (State Development Institute)

### Schleswig-Holstein

Detail	Info
Funding amount	Up to 200 EUR
Requirement	Primary residence in SH
Application	IB.SH (Investitionsbank)

### Other Federal States Saxony, Thuringia, and North Rhine-Westphalia have also launched programs at various times. The status changes frequently – check current availability.

Municipal Funding Programs (Selection)

Many cities offer their own grants, which can often be used in addition to state programs.

City	Funding Amount	Program
Munich	Up to 240 EUR	Climate Protection Program
Cologne	Up to 200 EUR	Plug-in Solar
Freiburg	Up to 200 EUR	Climate Protection Fund
Heidelberg	Up to 250 EUR	Energy Savings Program
Bonn	Up to 200 EUR	Solar Grant
Duesseldorf	Up to 400 EUR	Climate-Friendly Housing

Tip: Also ask your local energy provider (Stadtwerke / municipal utilities) – some offer their own grants for customers.

How to Apply for Funding

Step 1: Find a Funding Program

Check the website of your federal state and your city
Search term: "[Your city] Balkonkraftwerk Foerderung 2026"
Check whether the budget is still available

Step 2: Check Requirements

Typical requirements:

Criterion	Typical
Primary residence	In the funding municipality
Timing	Application before purchase (for many programs!)
System	Plug-in solar device up to 800 W
Registration	MaStR registration
Invoice	In the applicant's name

Important: Many programs require that the application is submitted before the purchase. Those who buy first and apply later often miss out.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Online form (usually)
Personal data + address
Details about the planned system
Cost estimate (if applicable)

Step 4: Purchase and Install

After funding approval: Buy and install the system
Register in the MaStR

Step 5: Request Payment

Submit invoice + proof of payment
Attach MaStR confirmation
Photo of the installed system (for some programs)
Grant is transferred (processing time: 4–12 weeks)

Tips for the Application Process

Be quick: Budgets are limited and often exhausted within hours
Apply before purchasing: Many programs only fund applications submitted before the purchase
Combine: State and city funding can often be combined
Newsletter: Sign up for your city's or state's newsletter to avoid missing the launch of new programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for funding retroactively?

Usually no. Most programs require application submission before the purchase. Some programs allow retroactive applications within a deadline (e.g., 3 months). Check the funding conditions.

Do I need to pay tax on the subsidy?

No. Grants for balcony power plants are generally exempt from income tax, since the system itself is operated tax-free.

What if the budget is exhausted?

Wait for the next round. Many cities and states allocate new budgets – often at the beginning of the year.

Can I apply for funding as a tenant?

Yes. Most programs also target tenants. The requirement is a primary residence in the funding municipality.

Summary

No federal funding – grants from states and cities
Tax benefits nationwide: 0% VAT, no income tax
Apply before purchasing – the most common funding condition
Be quick – budgets are often exhausted fast
Combinable – state + city funding possible
100–500 EUR grant depending on the program