Small balcony, big savings: micro storage puts the power back in your hands

If you live in an apartment or a home without much outdoor space, you might think solar energy isn’t an option.

But across Europe, that's changing.

In the first half of 2024, the average electricity price for EU household consumers stood at €0.2889 per kWh – with prices even higher in countries like Germany, Ireland, and Denmark. As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners are on the hunt for more sustainable and cost-effective solutions to manage their electricity consumption.

Thanks to balcony solar systems – consisting of compact photovoltaic (PV) panels paired with plug-in microinverters – homeowners and renters alike can now generate their own solar electricity, even in urban settings.

With over 1.5 million balcony solar systems installed in Germany alone, this trend is booming.

But it' not just about producing energy – it's about using it wisely.

That's where balcony solar storage comes in.

Let's explore these balcony solar storage solutions in more detail – and why they make financial sense.

How does balcony solar storage work,and how does it save you money?

You already know that a solar panel produces electricity when the sun is shining. But what happens when it’s not? Or if you’re not home to use the energy when it’s generated?

Micro storage systems let you store excess energy from your balcony panels for use later – or even charge from the grid during low-cost hours, depending on your electricity tariff.

Let's

To get the most out of your balcony storage system – especially under TOU tariffs – you’ll want to know how and when you’re using electricity.

Smart meters and plugs are the answer, allowing you to track total home energy use in real time, while also monitoring how much electricity each device uses.

Plus, when combined with a smart energy management solution like the S-Miles Home app, you can:

Create detailed charging and discharging schedulesSet different rules for weekdays vs weekendsPrioritize which appliances get powered when energy is limitedTrack everything – from solar input to appliance usage – in one place

explore both approachesSelf-consumption mode

In this mode, the system stores surplus solar energy generated during the day to supply the load at night.

In other words, instead of sending unused solar energy back to the grid – often for little to no compensation – storing it in a small battery means you can use it during the evenings, when your appliances are running and electricity is more expensive.

It's a simple change, but one that can add up to hundreds of euros in annual savings. Especially if you live in a region with high energy prices.

Daily savings using self-consumption mode

Micro storage Capacity (kWh) x Unit Electricity Price (€)

Time-of-use (TOU) optimization

More and more utility providers in Europe now offer time-of-use energy tariffs, where electricity prices change throughout the day.

• The cheapest rates are usually late at night or early in the morning.

• The most expensive rates are typically during the early evening, when demand spikes.

A smart battery system can automatically charge itself from the grid during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, and discharge during peak hours when rates are higher. This cuts your electricity costs without changing your habits.

This is especially useful in places like Germany, where the country’s Digitization of the Energy Transition Law means from 2025, smart meters are mandatory for households consuming more than 6,000 kWh a year.

With ambitious targets to have 95% of these German households equipped with smart meters by 2030, it paves the way for dynamic pricing to become the norm, making TOU optimization even more essential for homeowners.

Daily savings using TOU mode

Micro storage Capacity (kWh) x [Peak Electricity Tariff - Off-Peak Tariff (€)]

How much could I save with balcony solar storage?

Let's run the numbers with a simple savings calculation.

To understand the full potential, we'll use Germany's average electricity price in the first half of 2024 (€0.40 per kWh), as well as an estimate of €0.12 (peak minus off-peak tariff).

For this example, we'll also use the Hoymiles MS-A2 balcony micro storage system. With its 2.24 kWh capacity, it supports both self-consumption and TOU optimization, allowing homeowners to maximize their savings regardless of their daily routines.

By combining both modes, homeowners can achieve annual savings of up to €425 – although your actual savings might vary based on individual usage patterns and regional electricity tariffs

Don't forget you have solar, so you already have the basic saving of €219 per year besides the savings above, so your total yield is

€219 + €425 = €644

This means the payback period is no more than three years.

*The above calculation is for reference only. The actual result can be different based on the actual electricity price and your energy consumption.

Can I use smart devices to

track my balcony solar storage in real time?

To get the most out of your balcony storage system – especially under TOU tariffs – you'll want to know how and when you're using electricity.

Smart meters and plugs are the answer, allowing you to track total home energy use in real time, while also monitoring how much electricity each device uses.

Plus, when combined with a smart energy management solution like the S-Miles Home app, you can:

• Create detailed charging and discharging schedules

• Set different rules for weekdays vs weekends

• Prioritize which appliances get powered when energy is limited

• Track everything – from solar input to appliance usage – in one place

Hoymiles MS-A2: TOU mode in practice

Implementing the TOU mode with the Hoymiles MS-A2 is incredibly straightforward:

1. Activate TOU mode– use the S-Miles Home app to turn on TOU mode.

2. Set time spans– set up to eight time spans based on your local electricity tariff schedule.

3. Monitor energy usage through the:

• Shelly Pro 3EM Smart Meter – accurately tracks your home's energy consumption.

• Shelly Plus Plug S Smart Plug – monitors the energy usage of individual appliances.

These tools provide insights that help optimize energy consumption and maximize your savings.

Check what other benefits MS-A2 holds:

Built to Place Anywhere: How Hoymiles AC-coupled Micro Storage Brings Ultimate Solar Flexibility – Hoymiles

Why AC coupling matters: Hoymiles Micro Storage technology explained – Hoymiles

Bidirectional converter tech explained: The secrets behind Hoymiles Micro Storage (MS) – Hoymiles

Your energy, your way

Balcony solar systems have already made clean energy accessible to millions of European homes. Now, micro storage is unlocking the next level – helping you use that energy smarter, save more money, and prepare for a more dynamic energy market.

Already generating your own solar power (or thinking about it)? Adding micro storage to your balcony could be the next step on your journey to energy independence.

Investing in a balcony micro storage system means you can:

• Significantly cut down on your electricity bills

• Reduce your reliance on the grid to save money, especially during peak periods

• Lower your carbon footprint to minimize environmental impact

With the rising costs of electricity and the increasing emphasis on sustainable living, there’s no better time to make the switch.

Ready to start saving?

Explore the Hoymiles MS-A2 Micro storage System and see how smart storage can help you take control of your energy use – today, and for years to come.