Solar modules for a so-called balcony power plant are hanging on a balcony.Stefan Sauer/dpa
The Federal Network Agency warns of solar inverters without a CE mark, German instructions or German dealer address. What are the dangers?
The Federal Network Agency has warned of defective electrical components for balcony solar systems. Unfortunately, there are numerous inverters in stationary and online retail that are illegal or potentially dangerous, said the President of the Authority, Klaus Müller, according to a statement on Friday.
The Netzagentur noticed solar inverters that, illegally, had no CE mark, no German operating instructions or no German retailer address.
Other devices showed deficiencies in technical measurements and, for example, exceeded legal limits for electromagnetic compatibility.
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Inverters convert the direct current produced by plug-in solar devices into alternating current. In the simplest case, only a plug has to be plugged into an existing socket for the connection. The current from the solar device then flows to the electrical devices. In return, less electricity is drawn from the grid. The systems are known as balcony power plants or plug-in solar modules.
The authority recommended consumers to buy online from reputable and well-known sources and to obtain information from consumer advice centers beforehand. Customers should also make sure that the plug type can be used in Germany.