Balcony power station subsidy: apply for a grant

Introduction

Many cities and federal states support balcony power stations with grants, in some cases up to 500 €. The programmes vary and are often used up quickly. Here you can find out what funding is available and how to apply for the grant.

Nationwide funding

Is there federal funding?

No. There is no nationwide funding programme specifically for balcony power stations. Funding comes from federal states, cities and municipalities.

Tax advantages (nationwide)

These tax advantages apply nationwide and are not funding in the narrower sense, but they reduce costs considerably.

Funding by federal state

The following overview shows the most important funding programmes. Note: Programmes change frequently and are often time-limited. Check the latest information on the relevant website.

Berlin – SolarPLUS

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Schleswig-Holstein

Other federal states

Also Saxony, Thuringia and North Rhine-Westphalia have launched programmes at times. The status changes frequently – check current availability.

City funding programmes (selection)

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

Tip: Also ask your local energy supplier (Stadtwerke) too, as some offer their own grants for customers.

How to apply for the funding

Step 1: Find a funding programme

• Check your state’s and your city’s website
• Search term: "[Your city] balcony power plant funding 2026"
• Check whether the budget is still available

Step 2: Check the requirements

Typical requirements:

Important: Many programmes require that the application is submitted before purchase is made. If you buy first and apply afterwards, you often end up with nothing.

Step 3: Submit an application

• Online form (usually)
• Personal details + address
• Details of the planned system
• If applicable, a quote

Step 4: Buy and install

• After approval of the funding: buy and install the system
• Register it in the MaStR

Step 5: Apply for payment

• Submit invoice + proof of payment
• Include MaStR confirmation
• Photo of the installed system (in some programmes)
• Grant is paid by bank transfer (time taken: 4–12 W weeks)

Tips for submitting an application

• Be quick: Budgets are limited and often used up within hours
• Apply before purchase: Many programmes only fund it if the application is submitted before purchase
• Combine: State and city funding can often be combined
• Newsletter: Sign up to your city’s or state’s newsletter so you do not miss the launch of new programmes

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for funding retrospectively?

Usually not. Most programmes require you to apply before purchase. Some programmes allow retrospective applications within a deadline (e.g. 3 Monate). Check the funding conditions.

Do I have to pay tax on the funding?

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

What if the budget has been used up?

Wait for the next round. Many cities and states set up new budgets, often at the start of the year.

Can I apply for funding as a tenant?

Yes. Most programmes are also aimed at tenants. The requirement is that your main residence is in the funding municipality.

Summary

• No federal funding – grants from federal states and cities
• Tax benefits nationwide: 0 % VAT, no income tax
• Apply before buying – most common funding condition
• Be quick – budgets are often used up quickly
• Can be combined – federal state + city funding possible
• 100–500 € grant depending on the programme

Related Tips

• Registering a balcony power plant – guide
• Balcony power plant – What is allowed? Rules 2026
• Connecting a balcony power plant – guide

Sources

• Verbraucherzentrale - FAQ on plug-in solar devices
• IBB Berlin – SolarPLUS
• Bundesnetzagentur – Marktstammdatenregister