Balcony Solar Panel as a Tenant in Austria: Rights, Obligations & WEG Amendment 2024

On 1 September 2024, the amendment to the Condominium Ownership Act (WEG) came into force. It classifies balcony solar panels up to 800 watts as privileged use — similar to barrier-free conversions or charging stations for electric vehicles.

Before the amendment (up to August 2024):

• Installation required consent from all co-owners or a majority resolution
• In practice: vetoed by individual co-owners or property managers
• Result: balcony solar panels were almost impossible in multi-unit buildings

After the amendment (from 1 September 2024):

• No majority resolution required for panels up to 800 W
• Landlord/property manager has 2 months to object
• Objection only valid if technically justified (e.g. unsafe installation)
• After 2 months without objection: deemed consent applies automatically

As a tenant or co-owner, you can install a balcony solar panel without asking every co-owner for permission. You only need to:

1. 1Inform the landlord or property manager in writing (letter or email)
2. 2Wait 2 months for the objection period to expire
3. 3If no technically justified objection arrives → proceed with installation
4. 4Register with the grid operator (mandatory, free of charge)

Important: The landlord may still object — but only on technical grounds (fire safety, structural safety, visual impact on listed buildings). A vague "we don't want that" is no longer a valid reason.

What Must the System Meet?

What If You Move Out?

The balcony solar panel must be removable — no permanent structural changes. This is generally fulfilled by balcony rail mounts. When you move out, you either take the system with you or negotiate a handover value with the new tenant.

Permitted objections:

• Technical safety concerns (e.g. overloaded electrical circuit)
• Visual impact on historically listed buildings (requires expert opinion)
• Proven risk to other residents (e.g. fire safety)

Not permitted:

• General aesthetic objections ("not in keeping with the building's character")
• "We've never done it before"
• Refusal without technical justification

After the 2-month objection period: The landlord loses the right to object — even if they respond later.

Step 1: Notify Landlord

Write to the landlord or property manager (email is sufficient):

``` Subject: Notification of balcony solar panel installation

Dear [Landlord/Property Manager],

I hereby inform you that I intend to install a balcony solar panel (800 W, plug-in solar unit) at my flat at [address, flat number].

Technical details:

• System: [e.g. Hoymiles HM-800 + 2× 400 W panels]
• Mounting: Balcony rail mount (removable, no wall penetration)
• Connection: Standard Schuko socket
• Registration: I will register with the grid operator.

In accordance with § 16 WEG (as amended 1.9.2024), this falls under privileged use. I request any technically justified objection within 2 months.

Kind regards, [Your name] Date: [Date] ```

Step 2: Wait for the Objection Period

2 months from the date of notification. If no objection arrives: proceed.

Step 3: Register with the Grid Operator

Online via the grid operator's website (Wiener Netze, Netz NÖ, Netz OÖ, etc.). Takes about 10 minutes, free of charge.

Step 4: Install the System

Balcony rail mount or window sill mount — no electrician required for a plug-in system.

In classic rental homes (not subject to WEG), the same principles apply since September 2024: the landlord cannot refuse without a valid technical reason. The 2-month deemed consent rule also applies here via the tenancy law amendments (MRG).

The WEG Amendment 2024 is a game-changer for tenants and co-owners in Austria. Balcony solar panels are no longer blocked by individual co-owners. With the 2-month deemed consent rule, virtually every tenant with a south-facing balcony can now install a plug-in solar system and save €100–200/year on electricity — with full legal protection.