Germany-based Ilzhöfer is offering plug-in mini PV systems for flat and trapezoidal sheet metal roofs. The arrays feature 450 W bifacial solar panels.
Image: Ilzhöfer GmbH
From pv magazine Germany
Plug-in solar devices make it possible to install PV systems with minimal effort and without professional help. These systems have typically been installed on balconies, leading to the term “photovoltaic balcony system” in Germany.
However, German mounting system manufacturer Ilzhöfer is now offering a plug-in mini photovoltaic systems for flat rooftops, carports, and trapezoidal sheet metal roofs.
Flat roofs are especially well-suited for the new solution, said the manufacturer. The mini photovoltaic systems do not require drilling or roof penetration. The ballasted system has been wind tunnel-tested and is designed for easy self-assembly, according to Ilzhöfer.
Each package includes solar modules, an inverter, and a mounting system. The company supplies its “Wave” mounting solution for flat roofs and the “Hook” system for trapezoidal metal roofs. The “Hook” system reportedly allows direct mounting onto the metal sheet and can be adapted to various roof geometries.
The system with two solar modules, an 800 W Hoymiles inverter, the “Hook” mounting system, and connecting cables costs €395 ($462). A package with four bifacial 450 W glass-glass modules is priced at €795 ($930). The carport version with four modules is €995.
The systems can typically be connected to the grid via a plug. A dedicated socket with a backflow preventer or a Wieland system is recommended.
For customers not confident in connecting the system themselves, installation services are available. Costs vary but often start below €400, according to Ilzhöfer. The company lists delivery and installation costs from €385 on its website.
The plug-in solar systems are also cost-effective, the company said. Based on a purchase price of €400 to €1,000 and an electricity price of €0.35/kWh to €0.40/kWh, the systems could pay for themselves in two to three years. This estimate assumes annual solar power production of 600 kWh to 750 kWh, primarily for on-site consumption.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
More articles from Sandra Enkhardt
The word is “balkonkraftwerke” which literally means “balcony power plant”. The solar is implied by context.
Am I understanding this correctly?
With 450 watts, I can power nine 50 watt light bulbs at one time?
if so, then I might be able to use this to power the lights on my carport…during the day. It doesn’t seem that it would be much help at night when I really need the lights.
Unless I’m missing something, this sounds like a great kit for the hobbyist. But at $1000 I doubt it fits into many people’s “fun budget”.
I suppose you could add a battery system to it, but we all know that costs thousands more dollars (or euros).
I wish them luck.
I clicked this thinking it was something viable to power an entire home.
Please be mindful of our community standards.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Comment *
Name *
Email *
Website
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.


Δ
By submitting this form you agree to pv magazine using your data for the purposes of publishing your comment.
Your personal data will only be disclosed or otherwise transmitted to third parties for the purposes of spam filtering or if this is necessary for technical maintenance of the website. Any other transfer to third parties will not take place unless this is justified on the basis of applicable data protection regulations or if pv magazine is legally obliged to do so.
You may revoke this consent at any time with effect for the future, in which case your personal data will be deleted immediately. Otherwise, your data will be deleted if pv magazine has processed your request or the purpose of data storage is fulfilled.
Further information on data privacy can be found in our Data Protection Policy.
Legal Notice Terms and Conditions Data Privacy © pv magazine 2025
Δ
This website uses cookies to anonymously count visitor numbers. View our privacy policy. ×
The cookie settings on this website are set to “allow cookies” to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click “Accept” below then you are consenting to this.
Close

source