Balcony solar in Greece is now legal

The short answer

Greece now has an official rule for balcony solar. Ministerial decision YPEN/DAPEEK/102876/1958/2026 was published in Government Gazette B 5573 on 14 September 2026. It allows systems up to 800 W maximum output and 1,000 W installed, for self-consumption, with a simple online notification to DEDDIE. Installs start once DEDDIE publishes its safety specifications, due by 31 October 2026.

If you're new to the idea, below we explain everything from scratch: what balcony solar is, what changes and what you gain.

What is balcony solar?

It's a small solar system, usually one or two panels, mounted on your railing, wall or a stand on the balcony. The panels connect to a small inverter that turns solar power into ordinary household electricity, and a cable runs from there to a wall socket.

While the sun is out, whatever is running at that moment (fridge, router, air conditioning, devices on standby) draws from the panels first and only takes what's missing from the grid. You buy less power, with no rooftop and no changes to your home's wiring. That's why they're also called "plug-in" systems.

Why it was hard until now

In Germany, balcony solar has been everyday for years, with more than 1.3 million registered systems. Greece had no specific rule for such small systems. The law was written for larger rooftop installations, with a connection application and a study: far too heavy for 800 W.

That left out the people who would benefit most: millions of households in apartment blocks and tenants without a rooftop of their own. The new decision closes that gap by recognising balcony systems as a separate category with a much simpler process.

The decision at a glance

• Up to 800 W output and 1,000 W of panels, usually two panels.
• Self-consumption only: power sent to the grid isn't paid for.
• A notification instead of a permit, with an installer's declaration and an active YDE.
• Installs after DEDDIE's specifications, due by 31 October 2026.

Each point is explained in detail in our rules guide.

What changed from the draft

The final decision is more flexible than the draft that went to consultation in July, and that lowers costs for consumers:

• Installed capacity rose from 900 W to 1,000 W.
• The YDE no longer needs renewing every two years. An active YDE on the supply is enough.
• The mandatory directional sensor was removed for balcony systems.
• New: DEDDIE can block connections in parts of the grid with limited hosting capacity.

Some points from the draft, such as notice 5 days ahead, a TAXISnet login, random inspections and no connection fee, we have not yet confirmed in the final text. We'll update this article once we have.

What you gain as a consumer

• A lower bill. The system covers part of your use during sunny hours, so you buy less power. The more you use during the day, the bigger the benefit.
• A simple process. An online notification instead of a connection application, a study and a contract.
• Great for tenants. It plugs into a socket and mounts reversibly, so you can usually take it with you when you move.
• Battery option. Store the day's energy for the evening. On a dynamic (orange) tariff, a battery can charge when power is cheap.

What you can realistically expect

A balcony system is small, so it won't zero your bill. It targets your home's steady daytime use. The real saving depends on orientation, shade from nearby buildings and how much power you use while the sun is up.

That's why we don't quote a "magic" number. Put your own details into the payback calculator for a realistic estimate before you decide.

When you can start

First DEDDIE publishes its safety specifications (due by 31 October 2026) and announces when the digital portal opens (due by 31 December 2026). Then, with equipment that meets the specifications and an installer's declaration, you file the notification and DEDDIE installs a smart meter. See the steps in detail.

How Sunrail helps

We review your balcony (orientation, shade, mounting), propose a system within the 800 W and 1,000 W limits, bring a licensed installer for the compliance declaration, and help you with the DEDDIE notification. As soon as the specifications are out, we confirm your equipment meets them before you order.

Frequently asked questions