‘Balcony solar’ may at last become a reality for flat residents in Britain

A balcony power station outside an apartment in Germany. UK regulations mean such panels cannot simply be plugged into the mains like a toaster. Photograph: Ronald Rampsch/Alamy

From herb boxes and flower pots to washing lines and hanging baskets, residents of Madrid, Berlin and other European cities are well versed at making the most of their compact balconies – even generating power for wifi, the kettle and the TV.

“Balcony solar” allows urbanites to install a small number of panels in the tight space outside apartments, which generate electricity that can be used for the household. Soon flat owners and renters in the UK could be able to use the same “plug-in” technology, which is currently prohibited.