Life in the city is exciting, but it also brings with it some challenges. For one thing, outdoor space is often in short supply, and for another, monthly electricity bills are higher than ever.
Why solar panels make sense for artists
Artists in creative industries will face unprecedented energy challenges in the coming years. German electricity customers pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world. Compared to other countries such as Belgium, Ireland, or the United Kingdom, Germany often ranks at the top in terms of household electricity prices, depending on the survey.
This reality affects artists’ studios, galleries and creative spaces.
The energy crisis is creating significant problems for artists. One glass artist has seen his gas bills increase severalfold since the outbreak of the Ukraine war and the subsequent electricity crisis. Glass artists and sculptors in general are facing a difficult time in this regard, as their energy-intensive processes are becoming virtually unaffordable.
Glassblowing feels like throwing money directly into the furnace at the moment,”
a glass artist told us.
Creative spaces are struggling with shocking price increases. Energy costs have risen by 200% at some creative venues. These dramatic price increases are forcing artists to reduce production hours, use kilns less frequently, or close their studios altogether.
How solar panels work in a studio setting
Photovoltaic (PV) cells capture sunlight and convert it into direct current (DC). The system uses an inverter to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which powers lighting, air conditioning, and studio equipment.
Studios can connect the panels directly to their electrical system and generate clean energy on-site. Additional energy flows back into the grid or is stored in batteries. These solar cells provide electricity at night or on cloudy days. Art studios with high ceilings or accessible attic space are ideal locations for solar panels.
What to do if there is no space available for solar panels?
If you live in an apartment or flat in a big city, you may have already considered solar panels. However, you may have found that installing them on your roof isn't practical.
What applies to private homes is equally true for artists who operate a studio or workshop in urban spaces.
The good news? There's a simple, innovative solution that doesn't require climbing ladders or complicated installations: one of these solutions is the EcoFlow balcony power station .
Funding programs , which often exist at the state level here in Germany (in Bavaria up to 500 € funding per balcony power plant), reduce the investment costs.
Some artists have found innovative ways to finance their solar projects. One astonishing story comes from London, where two artists raised money for neighborhood solar panels by sleeping on their roofs for three weeks during the winter as part of a performance. Their creative fundraising effort helped dozens of homes in North London get solar panels. One resident expects to reduce his electricity bill by 70% as a result.
Benefits beyond just saving money
Solar energy offers artists more than just financial benefits—it provides a degree of freedom and independence. Artists can operate energy-intensive equipment reliably and avoid service interruptions. They work without having to worry about sudden electricity price increases or unexpected power outages.
Solar panels also enhance public awareness of artists' work and attract visitors who value environmental responsibility. These positive associations create new opportunities for community support and engagement.
What makes a balcony power plant so special?
A balcony power station isn't a massive array of solar panels mounted on your roof. It's a small plug-and-play solar kit that easily fits on a balcony, patio, or even a sunny wall. Installation is surprisingly simple. The kit includes long-lasting solar panels that collect sunlight and a microinverter that plugs directly into an outlet in your studio—no need to call an electrician or tear down your walls to get started.
You can generate clean electricity instantly. The panels capture solar energy, and the microinverter converts it into electricity that you can use for anything from cell phone chargers to 3D printers to power tools for woodworking. In a world where space is at a premium but the sun is plentiful, this is a win-win.
How a balcony power plant works – Schematic diagram
How it works for different types of housing
Everyone has a slightly different living space. Studio settings are often diverse, too. In urban areas, private living space and creative spaces are often located under the same roof. Perhaps your apartment has a long, narrow balcony, or you enjoy a small courtyard on the ground floor with your creative workshop.
With EcoFlow you have several options:
Some people attach their modules directly to railings – without damage and without effort.
Flat surfaces such as terraces or gardens are suitable for freestanding module mounts.
Flat roofs benefit from flat supports designed for stability and ventilation.
On pitched roofs, tilting mounts are used to capture the sun from morning to evening.
On vertical facades, you can install modules on sunny walls and thus make the most of every ray of sunshine.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution. You can customize your solar system to your location and the amount of sunlight.
Battery storage: Power when the sun goes down
It's always good to have power reserves, especially as the day draws to a close. While your balcony power station performs best when the sun is shining, you may also want to have power in the evening. This is where EcoFlow batteries come into play.
With models like the STREAM Ultra, you can store excess energy during the day and use it at any time
With models like the STREAM Ultra , you can store excess energy during the day and use it anytime. Whether it's for post-production editing on a video late at night or powering your Wi-Fi router during a downpour. With battery sizes ranging from 1.9 kWh to 4 kWh, you decide how much reserve you need. You can start small and then expand as your needs grow over time.
Additional innovative features, real impact
Solar panels have evolved significantly – today's systems are equipped with clever technology. EcoFlow equips its balcony power station with a SolarTracker . This ingenious feature adjusts the angle of the panels throughout the day, tracking the sun and thus extracting up to 60% more energy than permanently installed panels.
Furthermore, Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology that a kit delivers optimal energy even when a cloud passes by or your neighbor's building casts a shadow. Thanks to real-time statistics in the EcoFlow app, you know exactly how much your system is generating.
What convinces existing customers the most?
When you talk to people who have installed a balcony solar system at home, you always hear about some clear advantages:
Almost immediate savings: A typical household generates up to 858 kWh per year.
Electricity bills are significantly lower – many save between 130 and 240 euros.
Since the mounting materials are included in the delivery, you do not need to hire an installer.
The compact modules look neat and fit into most balconies, keeping your outdoor oasis appealing.
Almost anyone with an outdoor space can get started. Renters benefit from the fact that the systems don't require any permanent structural changes. If you move, simply take your kit with you.
Easy installation
Who likes long, step-by-step instructions? Nobody. With EcoFlow, installation is child's play:
Choose a module size – most people choose based on the amount of sunlight their location receives.
Mount the modules using the included brackets. No drilling is required for most installations.
Connect the microinverter to the modules and plug it into a standard electrical outlet.
See how your home uses solar energy.
The app takes care of the monitoring. You don't have to monitor anything, but it's fun to see your performance stats increase.
Example installation of a balcony power plant on the railing.
What about local regulations and registration?
Most countries have simple regulations for small solar systems, such as balcony power plants. In Germany, for example, you simply register your system online in the market master data register. The process only takes a few minutes. This way, the local power grids remain secure and your solar energy is officially counted.
However, it is always advisable to check local regulations – a quick search or a phone call will save you a lot of trouble later.
Who benefits from a balcony solar system?
Tenants who want lower bills and an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
City dwellers who are annoyed by tiny balconies or limited outdoor space.
New homeowners who want to switch to solar energy without significant upfront costs.
Sustainability fans who want to start small.
Anyone who moves frequently – simply unplug and reconnect at the new location.
Visual inspiration through real installations
EcoFlow presents examples that provide ideas for your own home:
Balcony panels are neatly lined up and capture the midday sunlight.
The STREAM microinverter is hidden next to the garden furniture and is quickly accessible.
The batteries are discreetly stacked under a plant shelf and ready for nighttime use.
The SolarTracker panels tilt towards the sun, maximizing the daily harvest.
Seeing these systems in action will make it easier to imagine your own solar-powered space.
Calculate your savings
Numbers help you make decisions. A well-placed kit can provide up to 858 kWh of electricity per year. Depending on your tariff, you can expect annual savings of up to €240—money you can use for art supplies, new furnishings, travel, hobbies, or simply a night out.
If you combine these savings with local solar subsidies, you'll typically have paid for your investment in four to six years. After that, your electricity will be virtually free, except for minimal maintenance costs.
Solar energy for more people
What's special about the EcoFlow balcony power system isn't just its flexibility or savings. It's the fact that people and creatives from all walks of life can easily use it.
You no longer have to feel excluded from the solar revolution because you live in a high-rise or rent your studio. If you have sunlight, you have electricity.
Creative applications of solar energy technology in art
We wouldn't be an art magazine if we didn't talk about the use of new media as components in art itself.
Solar technology has also evolved from a useful tool into an artistic medium. Artists are now incorporating photovoltaic elements into their works to create pieces that generate electricity and provide an experience for viewers.
Integration of solar panels into installations
The Solar Panel Art Series transforms recycled solar panels into creative canvases. Since 2017, over 40 international artists have created works on recycled panels, and the proceeds support the Solar Kids School Program .
The Land Art Generator Initiative unveiled La Monarca —the world's first solar mural—in 2017. This butterfly-inspired artwork uses a special solar-generating film that covers standard blue cells and simultaneously generates electricity for the local power grid.
Use of solar-powered tools and lighting
Solar-powered tools offer artists flexibility and sustainability. The Shadowlight solar lantern offers outdoor lighting without wiring, making it ideal for creative outdoor spaces. These lanterns glow for 8-10 hours after a 4-5 hour charge.
Solar panels help artists power various aesthetic components, including:
Interactive kinetic sculptures with moving parts
Dynamic murals with changing colors or light effects
Illuminated installations that respond to environmental conditions
Examples of artistic solar panels in real studios
Artist Marjan van Aubel works with completely transparent solar cells. Her installation "8 Minutes and 20 Seconds" features 11 solar panels surrounding an electric vehicle. Her designs combine solar technology so naturally that "you wouldn't know it if you weren't told."
V8 Architects created a colorful skylight made of translucent photovoltaic modules at Expo 2020 in Dubai. The skylight casts pink and blue light like stained glass windows, generating energy in the process. The Copenhagen International School features 12,000 solar panels disguised as blue cladding with a sequin-like effect. These panels generate more than 50% of the building's annual electricity needs.
Final words
Solar technology offers artists a practical way to cope with rising energy costs in 2025 and beyond. The financial benefits are incalculable. They can take advantage of tax incentives and grant programs and protect themselves from unexpected price increases. These savings help creatives put more money into their art instead of watching it disappear into rising overhead costs.
Solar panels are transforming artists' work in significant ways. They provide reliable power that doesn't cut out during creative sessions, which is especially essential for those using power-hungry devices like kilns, 3D printers, or digital video editing tools.
Artists looking to upgrade their studios have compelling reasons to switch to solar energy. This investment leads to stable finances while offering greater creative freedom and environmental protection. As more and more artists experience these benefits firsthand, solar technology will become as essential in modern studios as paintbrushes, clay, or cameras.
The rise of solar energy in artistic communities means more than just saving money. It marks a radical shift toward green creation that remains true to artistic vision and environmental care. Studio owners facing challenging economic times will find that solar panels or balcony power plants offer them a welcome opportunity.
Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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