Ikea Launches Balcony Solar Kits Amid Record Interest
Iconic Swedish furniture giant Ikea has embraced the growing trend of balcony solar energy by introducing its own range of balkonkraftwerk panel and battery kits tailored for the thriving German market. This initiative, launched in collaboration with Swedish solar firm Svea Solar, builds on a partnership that began in 2019, as both companies work together to provide a variety of clean energy solutions.
The newly unveiled balcony solar kits, marketed under the Stream brand by Svea Solar, offer a range of functionalities and capacities. True to Ikea’s ethos, these kits are highly customisable and designed for DIY installation, featuring a plug-and-play setup. In Germany, the concept of “balkonkraftwerk,” or balcony power plants, has surged in popularity, with the German Solar Industry Association (BSW) estimating around one million installed systems across the country. This trend is also gaining traction in Spain, while the UK government is making strides to introduce ‘plug-in’ solar options.
Cost-Effective Energy Solutions
Reports indicate that balcony solar systems can help households reduce their energy bills by approximately 30%. With no installation fees, these systems can pay for themselves within six years, making them an attractive option for many consumers.
Details of the Stream Solar Kits
The entry-level Ikea model, the Stream Complete Set S, comprises two 450W rigid solar panels paired with an 800W microinverter. The next tier, the Stream Complete Set M, offers a choice between two 450W or 520W solar panels and includes the Stream Pro Battery, which has a capacity of 1.92kWh and a maximum input power of 1,500W. For an additional €60, customers can upgrade to the Stream Ultra Battery, which maintains the same capacity but supports a maximum PV input power of 2,000W, along with the 800W microinverter.
The range continues to expand, featuring combinations of up to four modules ranging from 250W to 520W, either the Stream Pro or Stream Ultra batteries, and various mounting brackets. Each component is also available for individual purchase. The Stream balcony solar kits can be ordered from the Svea Solar online store, with prices starting at €449 for the basic Stream Complete Set S, rising to €1,229 for the Stream Complete Set M, and reaching a maximum of €2,379 for the Stream Complete Set XL, which includes four 520W solar panels, both the Stream Ultra and Stream AC Pro batteries, along with basic mounting brackets.
Exclusive Discounts and Market Response
Members of the Ikea Family or Ikea Business Network can enjoy a 15% discount on all energy solutions offered by Svea Solar. Reflecting the growing interest in these products, Svea Solar reported over 15,000 visits to its German website within just two days of launching the balcony solar kits. “The interest has been unprecedented, with extensive media coverage in Germany,” stated Mattias Ringqvist, CEO of Svea Solar. “This is particularly thrilling as it coincides with our five-year anniversary in the German market.”
The introduction of the Stream solar balcony kits marks a significant step in Ikea’s commitment to expanding clean energy technologies across Europe, complementing its existing Solstråle rooftop solar offerings available in various markets. In Australia, Ikea has also teamed up with Solargain to provide home solar solutions starting from $4,490, with battery storage available for an additional $9,000.
