920 Wp Balcony Solar Kit – Envertech EVT800 – for square railings

With this Balcony Solar Kit with 920 Wp Generate your own solar power right on your balcony. Two bifacial full-black solar modules, each with a power rating of 460 Wp, supply the Envertech EVT800 microinverter, which converts the generated direct current into grid-compatible alternating current for household use.

The solar power is automatically used by the electrical appliances that are currently running. This reduces the amount of electricity drawn from the public grid. If, at times, more energy is produced than the household needs, the surplus flows through the electricity meter into the distribution grid.

Envertech EVT800: factory-set to a maximum of 600 W

The Envertech EVT800 is designed to deliver a maximum AC output power of up to 800 W Configured. For this Swiss balcony solar kit, the microinverter is factory-set to a maximum of 600 W.

The 600-W limit cannot be changed by the customer via an app, the monitoring system, or other device settings. The kit thus complies with the currently applicable Swiss power limit for plug-and-play photovoltaic systems.

Why does a module with a power rating of 920 Wp have an output power of 600 W?

Together, the two solar modules provide a rated power output of 920 Wp. However, the Envertech EVT800 limits the AC output power in the Swiss version to a maximum of 600 W at all times.

The higher module power improves the microinverter's utilization under cloudy conditions, lower irradiance, high module temperatures, or less-than-ideal sun angles. As a result, the system can achieve a high usable output power more frequently. Under very high irradiance, the power is limited to 600 W.

Benefits of the Balcony Solar Kit

• 920 Wp total power: Two high-performance all-black solar modules, each with a power output of 460 Wp.
• Envertech EVT800: Microinverter for connecting two solar panels.
• Fixed Swiss limit: It is factory-set to a maximum AC output power of 600 W and cannot be adjusted by the customer.
• 800-W hardware platform: prepared for a possible future adjustment to the Swiss performance limit.
• Bifacial TOPCon modules: If installed properly, reflected light on the back of the module can also be utilized.
• All-Black Version: A uniform, dark look on the balcony.
• IP67 Microinverters: A dust-tight enclosure that is protected against temporary submersion.
• SolarHook Type E: Two mounting kits for compatible square railing posts.
• Included connection accessories: two solar extension cords and a 5-meter-long 230-V power cord.
• An Energy Plan with Room for Expansion: It is generally possible to integrate the system at a later date into a properly planned Victron storage or off-grid system.

Two bifacial 460-Wp TOPCon modules

The set includes two monocrystalline 460-Wp solar modules featuring TOPCon half-cell technology. Each module measures 1762 × 1134 × 30 mm, weighs 24.5 kg, and has 1.2-meter-long connection cables with MC4-compatible connectors.

Bifacial solar modules can convert light into electrical energy not only through the front side but also through the active back side. The potential additional yield depends on the mounting spacing, the surface, reflection, and shading of the rear side. If the rear side of the module is completely covered, the additional benefit of bifacial technology is correspondingly lower.

For which applications is this set suitable?

The Balcony Solar Kit is ideal for renters, condominium owners, and homeowners who want to generate their own solar power using a suitable balcony railing. Possible locations include:

• Balconies with suitable square, vertical railings
• Patios with appropriate and safe railing designs
• Tiny houses with utility connections and a suitable installation site
• Apartments and single-family homes with a suitable outdoor outlet
• Energy systems built up in stages, which are to be supplemented with storage later on

What's Included

Installation and Commissioning

1. Check the railing type, dimensions, stability, and suitability of the SolarHook mounting system.
2. Securely attach both solar panels to the railing according to the SolarHook installation instructions.
3. Install the Envertech EVT800 in a suitable, protected location behind or beneath the modules.
4. Connect one solar module to each input of the microinverter.
5. Report the system to the local distribution system operator along with the declaration of conformity.
6. Connect the 230-V power cord to the microinverter and the appropriate outdoor outlet.
7. Commission the system according to the manufacturer's instructions and check that it is functioning properly.

Modules and mounts must be permanently secured against wind, slipping, and falling. Cables and connectors must be routed so that they are not crushed, run over, kinked, or subjected to constant tension.

Swiss Guidelines for Plug-and-Play Solar Systems

In Switzerland, the total AC output power of the inverters in a pluggable, plug-and-play photovoltaic system may currently not exceed 600 W per subscriber connection, household, or electricity meter. This should be distinguished from the higher module power of 920 Wp.

For this reason, the Envertech EVT800 in this set is factory-set to a maximum of 600 W. As a complete set, the system must include the required declaration of conformity and protective equipment and must be reported in writing to the responsible distribution system operator.

Depending on the building, the installation site, and the ownership structure, the landlord’s consent, a resolution by the condominium association, or local building code requirements may also be relevant.

Potential Solar Yield and Self-Consumption

The actual annual yield depends on the location, orientation, mounting angle, shading, temperature, and system losses. For two vertically mounted 460-Wp modules facing south, an annual yield of approximately 790 to 910 kWh is possible, depending on the location in Switzerland. These values are based on model calculations and do not constitute a yield guarantee.

Direct self-consumption is the key factor in reducing electricity costs. Refrigerators, routers, control systems, and other devices that are constantly on automatically use a portion of the solar power. Other appliances can be operated during sunny hours of the day whenever possible.

Technical Specifications

Conclusion

The 920 Wp Balcony Solar Kit is a high-performance, all-in-one solution for suitable balconies with square railings. The combination of two bifacial 460-Wp modules and the Envertech EVT800 makes effective use of the available solar surface area, while the fixed 600-W limit complies with current Swiss regulations.

At the same time, the 800-W hardware platform offers a practical solution for potential future regulatory changes and for later expansion into a custom-designed energy or storage system.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 920 Wp Balcony Solar Kit

• What types of balcony railings is this set suitable for?

  
  

  The included SolarHook Type E mounting kits are designed for compatible balcony railings with square, vertical railings. The railing design, dimensions, handrail, stability, and wind load must be checked before purchase. A different mounting option is required for round balusters.

• Why does the set have a capacity of 920 Wp if only 600 W are fed into the grid?

  
  

  The 920 Wp refers to the rated power of the two solar modules under standardized test conditions. In this set, the Envertech EVT800 is permanently limited to a maximum AC output power of 600 W. The higher module power helps to achieve a high usable output power more frequently, even under weaker sunlight conditions.

• Can I change the 600-W limit myself?

  
  

  No. The Envertech EVT800 is used for this Swiss set factory-set to a maximum of 600 W. The limit cannot be changed by the customer via an app, the monitoring tool, or other settings.

• Is the set prepared for a potential Swiss 800-W regulation?

  
  

  Yes. The Envertech EVT800 is designed to handle a maximum AC output power of up to 800 W. This means the technical hardware foundation for a potential future 800-W configuration is already in place.

  However, the changeover does not occur automatically. It may only be carried out once Swiss regulations permit it and the manufacturer or provider makes an officially approved update available.

• Does the balcony solar kit need to be registered with the utility company?

  
  

  Yes. The system must be reported in writing to the responsible distribution system operator. Typically, the declaration of conformity for the complete set is required for this purpose. The total AC output power of all connected plug-and-play inverters may not exceed 600 W per subscriber connection.

• Do I need the landlord's permission?

  
  

  If installing the unit on a railing, on the exterior of the balcony, or on the building facade, written consent should be obtained in advance. Such consent is required for any structural modifications. In condominium buildings, a resolution by the homeowners’ association may also be necessary.

• What are the advantages of bifacial solar modules?

  
  

  Bifacial modules can also use light reflected off their rear side to generate electricity. The potential additional benefit depends on the mounting distance, reflectivity, the surrounding environment, and shading. Regardless of these factors, the front side continues to provide the regular solar output.

• Does the balcony solar kit work during a power outage?

  
  

  No. During normal grid operation, the Envertech EVT800 shuts down in the event of a power outage for safety reasons. Therefore, the Balcony Solar Kit alone does not provide an emergency power supply.

• Can the set be expanded later with a battery or a Victron off-grid system?

  
  

  It is generally possible to later expand the system into a battery storage, emergency power, or off-grid system. The Envertech EVT800 can be integrated as an AC-coupled PV inverter into a properly designed system featuring a Victron MultiPlus or Quattro.

  In off-grid mode, the Victron inverter/charger generates the local 230-V grid. The PV output is regulated via the grid frequency. To achieve this, the specific EVT800 grid profile, the frequency parameters, and the Victron configuration must be coordinated and verified before implementation.

  Important: For off-grid or emergency power operation, you will also need a Victron grid-forming inverter/charger, a suitable battery, a safe grid disconnection device, and a properly configured system.

  You can learn more about this in the article Solar Power in a Tiny House—A Simple Way to Get Started and at our Energy Storage Systems.

• How much do I actually save on my electricity bill?

  
  

  The savings depend on solar output, electricity rates, and self-consumption. Solar power yields the greatest financial benefit when it is consumed by the household at the same time it is generated. Excess energy is fed into the grid and compensated according to the terms set by the relevant grid operator.