Critics and opponents of the plug-in solar revolution have always used safety as an argument against it. For years, even before balcony power plants were widely used, critics warned of burning houses and explosions. As we now know, all of this is nonsense. Even with around 3 million devices currently in operation in Germany, there is not a single known case of a balcony power plant causing damage.

But is that really true?

One could argue that we are biased on this matter. That’s why it’s reassuring that this assessment is now also shared by completely impartial sources. According to a report by the Süddeutsche Zeitung, the leading German insurance companies Allianz and DEVK, as well as the Consumer Protection Center of North Rhine-Westphalia, have so far not recorded any damage claims related to balcony power plants. These devices are covered by standard household and liability insurance policies. This was already established by the German Insurance Association in 2023. Additionally, storage units are also included, as confirmed by an Allianz representative to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. However, according to a DEVK representative, the main reasons for insurance claims would be theft and storm damage – and even those occur only to a minor extent.

According to German insurers, balcony power plants do not need to be specifically reported to be covered under household and liability insurance policies. However, for older contracts, it is advisable to check just to be safe. Better safe than sorry.