Solar panels on apartment-block balconies: two bills filed in the Senate propose kits of up to 800 VA

The Association of Prosumers and Energy Communities of Romania (APCE) announced that two legislative initiatives that would allow apartment-block residents to produce solar energy were registered on 4 November with the Standing Bureau of the Senate. The initiators include USR deputy Cezar Drăgoescu, and the supporters come from several parties.

The balcony kit. The first bill allows the installation of a system with at most four panels and an inverter of up to 800 VA, with an optional battery, connected directly to the home’s wiring. A notification to the distribution operator would suffice, with no technical grid-connection approval, connection solution study or building permit. The systems would not feed energy into the grid and would disconnect automatically when the grid voltage is lost. APCE estimates that such a kit, with a battery, can cut an apartment’s energy bill by up to 40%.

The condominium prosumer. The second bill concerns panels installed on the roof or terrace of the building. The decision would rest with the general assembly, with the agreement of two thirds of the owners and the written consent of those directly affected. According to APCE, up to 85% of the revenue from energy delivered to the grid would be deducted from each owner’s maintenance charges, in proportion to their share, with the rest going to the repair fund.

Who it targets. The association estimates that the measures would reach about 6.5 million Romanians who live in apartment blocks. “We are democratising energy from the sun: it is no longer just the privilege of those who have a house with their own roof,” said Dan Pîrșan, president of APCE.

What comes next. The bills must go through the parliamentary procedure in the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. Until they are adopted and enter into force, the installation of panels remains subject to current legislation.

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