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Balcony, terrace, garden: where should you install your plug & play kit?
The great advantage of plug & play is that it can go almost anywhere. The downside: “almost anywhere” does not mean “just anywhere” — between a good and a poor location, production can vary from one to twofold. Here is how to choose yours in three rules, followed by the specifics of each situation: balcony, terrace, garden and flat roof.
The 3 rules that determine everything
Rule 1 — Sunlight between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time slot when most of the production is generated. Observe your candidate location on a sunny day: if it is in full sun during this period, it is suitable — even if it is shaded in the morning or late afternoon. The opposite is unforgiving: a wall or tree blocking the midday sun cuts production where it matters most.
Rule 2 — A socket within reasonable reach. The kit plugs into a standard socket, ideally outdoors and protected. A good-quality outdoor extension cable works over a few metres; beyond 10–15 metres, have an electrician install a dedicated socket — it is a small job, not a construction project.
Rule 3 — Stability above all. A panel is a 2.5 m² sail. Placed on the ground or on supports, it must be ballasted (slabs or purpose-designed trays); when fixed, it must be secured using the manufacturer’s mountings. The common-sense rule: your installation must withstand the gust that sends parasols flying.
On a balcony: the most common situation
There are two ways to do it. Placed on the balcony floor and tilted against the railing: the zero-permission solution, invisible from outside and ideal for apartment buildings — this is the one we recommend trying first. Attached to the railing and facing outwards: better exposure, but the appearance of the façade is affected — co-ownership approval may be required, and the mountings must be those supplied by the manufacturer, tightened and checked again after the first strong gusts. Full details of the rules (co-ownership, tenants and declarations) can be found in our guide plug & play kit: is it legal?.
An often-overlooked point that works in your favour: an east- or west-facing balcony remains perfectly usable — you lose 15 to 20% compared with south-facing, not half. Even a vertical panel against a south-facing railing produces respectable results, with a bonus in winter when the sun is low.
On a terrace: the best simplicity/production ratio
The terrace is often the ideal location: plenty of space, no façade concerns and a socket rarely far away. Use supports tilted at approximately 30° and facing south (or south-east/south-west), ballasted according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Keep a passageway clear: you walk around a panel, not over it. Also think seasonally — the low wall that causes no problems in June may cast a long shadow in December, when the sun is low.
In the garden: complete freedom, with two details to consider
On the ground in the garden, you can freely choose the perfect orientation — that is the luxury of this location. The two details that make all the difference: growing shadows (today’s hedge will be a wall of shade in three years — install the kit on the unobstructed side) and the cable route, which must be protected if it crosses a walkway or mowing area. Raising the panels slightly (20–30 cm supports) protects them from grass-clipping debris and rising damp.
On a flat roof: the professional option, without drilling
A garage, shed or extension: a well-exposed flat roof is an excellent location, with ballast trays that provide the inclination without any drilling. Simply check that the structure can support the weight (panel + tray + ballast: allow 50 to 80 kg per panel) and keep sufficient distance from the edges to withstand wind uplift. At this height, the installation disappears from view — the argument that wins everyone over, including the neighbours.
The decision table
| Location | Production | Permission | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Balcony, placed on the floor | Good | None | Tenants, co-ownership, first kit |
| Balcony, fixed to the railing | Very good | Co-ownership if visible from the façade | Well-oriented balconies |
| Terrace, 30° supports | Excellent | Generally none | The best overall compromise |
| Garden, on the ground | Excellent | Generally none | Houses, freely chosen orientation |
| Flat roof, ballasted trays | Excellent | Rarely (protected areas) | Garages, sheds, complete discretion |
The 3 locations to avoid
Due north: the only truly disqualifying orientation — production collapses, and no support can save it.
Permanent midday shade: a wall, neighbouring building or tall tree south of the location — even partial shade is the costliest shade of the day.
A conservatory or behind glass: glass filters part of the useful spectrum and traps heat — a panel behind a window loses a great deal and heats up for nothing.
Unsure about your configuration? Send us two photos of the location (one facing south and one showing the whole area) — our advisers will tell you within a few minutes what it is worth and which kit is suitable. It is as simple as that, and it follows the same principle as all plug & play systems: start, measure and adjust — our complete guide will support you from there.
Your location is ready. The kit plugs in within 10 minutes.
Choose my plug & play kit 04 49 42 00 99Frequently asked questions
What is the best orientation for a plug & play kit?
South remains ideal, but east and west work very well too (15 to 20% less). The real criterion is not the compass: it is the absence of shade between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. A completely unobstructed east-facing location outperforms a south-facing location shaded at midday.
Does a vertical panel on a railing really produce electricity?
Yes — approximately 70 to 80% of a tilted panel, with an interesting profile: vertical panels capture low winter sun and early- and late-day sunlight more effectively. For a balcony, it is a perfectly respectable compromise, especially with bifacial panels that also capture reflected light.
Can I move my kit after installation?
Yes, this is one of its major advantages: nothing is permanently sealed. Many users refine the location after a few weeks by looking at the figures in the app — moving the kit by one metre or changing its inclination takes ten minutes.
Is the kit resistant to rain, snow and frost?
Yes: panels and microinverters are designed to remain outdoors in all weather, including winter. The only point to watch is the connector on the socket side, which must remain protected from direct splashes — a weatherproof outdoor socket solves the issue.
Should I tilt the panel differently in summer and winter?
You can, but it is not essential: a fixed inclination of around 30° provides an excellent annual compromise. If your support is adjustable and you enjoy making adjustments, moving to 50–60° in winter gains a few percentage points — a bonus, not an obligation.
Orientation losses and efficiency figures are approximate for mainland France. Ballast loads and mountings: always follow the recommendations of your kit manufacturer. Article updated in July 2026.
