Millions of Romanians living in apartment blocks may have the chance to install solar panels on their balconies to reduce their electricity bills. Several legislative projects on this matter have been submitted to Parliament. However, several apartment owners have installed photovoltaic panels without waiting for official approvals. [1]
In place of radiators, Marius installed solar panels himself on his balcony to reduce his expenses. His electricity bills are now much lower. [1]
“I pay 160–180 lei now, previously I paid 400–500 lei. I consulted a lawyer. As long as I do not touch the building façade and do not damage its appearance, there is no problem,” stated Marius, a resident in Sector 5 of the capital. [1]
A legislative bill submitted to Parliament by the Prosumers Association stipulates that an apartment owner may install on their balcony, without taxes and bureaucracy, up to four panels and one battery connected to the home’s electrical system. The proposal suggests merely notifying the electricity distributor, without requiring a technical opinion or a building permit. [1]
“One panel costs 70–80 euros plus VAT. A storage battery can cost between 300 and 400 euros,” stated Dan Tudose, a photovoltaic installer. [1]
Solar panels could also be mounted on the building façade without affecting the load-bearing structure, but only with the consent of the owners’ association. [1]
However, some people did not wait for the law. High electricity bills led them to seek solutions, and panels have ended up on balconies. This is the case for an apartment block in Sector 6 of the capital. [1]
Another legislative project aims to legalize and simplify the installation of photovoltaic panels on apartment building roofs. [1]
“The energy produced is used in the stairwell. We use a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom, we have a pressure washer, and we clean the walkways. From January, we will receive compensation for the electricity we inject into the grid,” stated Sorin Şega, the building manager. [1]
Until laws come into effect, there is the option of windows that produce electricity—special glass integrating a thin layer of photovoltaic cells. A medical rehabilitation center in Drobeta-Turnu Severin uses this solution. [1]
“I didn’t have to change any of my external framing. They were applied over the existing windows. It saves approximately 25% to 30%,” stated Doina Borugă, a physician. [1]
The legislative proposals to simplify the installation of solar panels on apartment blocks are still in the early stages. They must be voted on by senators and deputies and subsequently approved by the President. [1]
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