Installation | Lukinski

Balcony solar power system: advantages, installation, maintenance and costs + 3 tips on Amazon.

L_kinski — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 11:01:16 +0000

Balcony Solar Power Plant – Solar power plants on the balcony (terrace or garden), often referred to as balcony power plants, are a cost-effective way to illuminate your home. This is because the use of solar energy not only reduces electricity consumption, but also reduces CO2 emissions. In addition, the purchase of a balcony solar power system is relatively inexpensive and installation is usually straightforward. Best of all, by installing a balcony solar system, you can reduce your electricity costs by up to 80%.

Advantages of a balcony solar system

Solar panels on the balcony are a great way to generate electricity while protecting the environment. This is because solar energy is a sustainable energy source that produces no emissions. In addition, it is inexpensive and easy to install.

A balcony solar system has many advantages. On the one hand, it is environmentally friendly, since it does not cause emissions. On the other hand, it is cost-effective, since the investment costs for a system are relatively low. The running costs for maintenance and servicing are also low.

In addition, a balcony solar system is easy to install. All you need is a solid substructure to which the panels can be attached. Even for laymen, the installation is usually no problem.

So, if you are considering whether to invest in a balcony solar installation, then you should carefully consider the above advantages. Because solar energy is not only environmentally friendly, but also inexpensive and easy to install.

Advantages of a balcony solar system

Balcony solar systems save money: By installing a balcony solar system, you can reduce your electricity costs by up to 80%. They are environmentally friendly: Solar power is a renewable energy source and thus contributes significantly to climate protection. You are independent: Solar power is generated directly on site and you are therefore no longer dependent on the price trends of the electricity market. You have a high return on investment: The investment in a Balkon solar system pays for itself after only 5-7 years.

The advantages of a balcony power plant at a glance:

Balcony solar systems save money
You live more environmentally friendly
You are more independent
You have a high profitability

Disadvantages of a balcony solar system

The disadvantages of a balcony solar system at a glance:

A balcony solar system is relatively expensive to purchase
The installation of a balcony solar system can be costly
A balcony solar system requires regular maintenance and care to function optimally
In bad weather, a balcony solar system can generate less electricity than in good weather
A balcony solar system takes up space and can interfere with the view

That to the pros and cons of a balcony solar system. Now my 3 recommendations on Amazon.

Recommendations on Amazon: My top 3

Many buyers, 4-5 stars in the rating, with these solar panels you can become self-sufficient.

EcoFlow: 400 W solar module

EcoFlow’s 400W solar panel is extremely powerful and can provide a significant amount of power to your power station. It is foldable and comes with a carrying bag with adjustable stand, so it can be transported comfortably. The solar panel is also very efficient and weighs only 16 kg.

EcoFlow solar system

Dokio: 110-W solar module (up to 300-W)

The solar panel is super practical and can be folded to save space. Whether in your backpack, bike bag, car or camper: take this mobile power plant with you everywhere.

Dokio solar system

Firefly: 100W solar panel

The solar charger from has a cell conversion efficiency of up to 23% and is particularly efficient due to our advanced manufacturing process. This results in improved output power compared to conventional solar panels. The unit is compact and easy to transport, so you can take it anywhere. The attached stands support the panel and allow you to adjust the angle to get the best performance. Three USB ports and two DC output ports give you more charging options.

Firefly solar system

Extra Tip! Flexible solar model from Dokio

Have you ever seen this before? A flexible solar panel with 4+ stars. Balcony, caravan, on the road with the family – The semi-flexible solar module weighs only 1.1kg and can even be bent up to 30% due to its thin but robust cell structure. It has a special surface coating which protects it from external effects such as salt water, hail, rain and wind. It can be easily attached to eyelets or glued with adhesive. This makes it ideal for caravans, boats, curved and small surfaces.

Dokio flexible solar system

Installation of the balcony solar system

Installing a balcony solar system is relatively simple and can usually be done by anyone. However, there are some points that should be considered before starting the work. First of all, you should find out the size of the system and make sure that you have enough space for installation. Secondly, one must make sure that the plant is installed on a stable surface so that it cannot fall down. Thirdly, one must make sure that all the components are properly connected before connecting the power.

After learning about the above points, you can start installing the balcony solar system. First, you should place the solar system in the desired location on the balcony and make sure that all components are present. After that, one should fix the solar cells on the surface and then make the connection between the solar cells and the inverter. After everything is connected, you can connect the power and put the system into operation.

Installation: Instructions in 6 steps

The instructions in short:

Determine position for solar system (direction of sun)
Secure / clean area for installation
Measuring, procuring tools
Frame installation
Install solar panel
Connect solar system

Determine position for solar system (direction of sun)

Step 1 – Determine the best position for the solar installation on your balcony. Take into account the course of the sun and the shadows cast by other parts of the building to achieve optimal results.

Secure / clean area for installation

Step 2 – Make sure the area is safe and complies with the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, check that there is no dirt or that there is an obstacle nearby that could interfere with mounting.

Measuring, procuring tools

Step 3 – Measure all components again and obtain all necessary tools and materials.

Frame installation

Step 4 – Start installing the frame towards the sun and adjust it based on the size and angle you measured. Make sure the frame is securely fastened; check its stability several times, especially in the wind.

Install solar panel

Step 5 – Now install the solar modules on the frame and connect them with cables. Make sure that all connection contacts are securely insulated and that the connection plugs are free of interference – loose modules can cause damage!

Connect solar system

Step 6 – Finally, attach the inverter, connect it to the power grid and regulate the voltage transformers for maximum efficient operation of the system. At the end, test again all the functional units of the solar system for proper operation!

Maintenance and care of the balcony solar system

Maintenance and care of the balcony solar system is relatively simple and straightforward. All you need for this are a few utensils and means that you can find in any household. First of all, you should regularly inspect your system and check if everything is in order. To do this, you just need to look on the balcony to see if all the components are in place and do not have any damage. Also, you should check if the plant is completely covered, so that it can not be damaged.

Additionally, you should clean your system regularly to prevent dirt or debris from building up. There are several ways to do this: First, you can wash the system with lukewarm water and then rub it dry with a cloth. Alternatively, you can also use a mild cleaning agent to clean the system. However, make sure that this agent is not too strong and does not have any negative effects on the components.

Cost-benefit analysis of the balcony solar system

A balcony solar system can pay for itself in the long run. Buying a solar system is an investment and can pay off for the owner in a number of ways. The savings from operating the system can be significant if you choose the right size and make good use of the energy generated.

Cost of installation by craftsman

The cost of a balcony solar system varies depending on the provider and type of system. On average, a fully installed balcony solar system costs between 8,000 and 12,000 euros. However, there are numerous factors that influence the price, such as the size of the system, the cost of the installation process, and any government subsidy programs.

In terms of savings, it is estimated that a balcony solar system can save approximately 10,000 to 15,000 euros in energy costs over its life cycle of about 20 years. Depending on the particular consumption and the efficiency of the system, this value may vary. The savings are greater the more electricity is produced, so it may make sense to invest in a slightly larger system than originally planned.

Cheap balcony solar power systems: do-it-yourself installation

If you are looking for an inexpensive way to generate electricity on your balcony and at the same time want to learn something new – why not think about building a solar system? With Amazon’s wide range of high quality products, it’s fast and cheap!

Above you will find my tips for solar systems with good reviews!

Mitigate long-term environmental problems

In addition, there are other benefits to installing a balcony solar system: For example, solar systems help conserve fossil fuel sources and reduce carbon emissions – which, in turn, can help alleviate long-term environmental problems. In addition, individuals with solar systems can generate revenue by “pumping” excess electricity into the public grid. This concept is known as grid parity, and it makes it possible for homeowners to earn money by selling their solar energy to underserved regions or giving it to other homeowners.

Investment costs and long-term savings

Although the initial investment in a Balkon solar system is high, it offers many potentials for financial savings and positive impact on the environment and the community – making it a worthwhile investment. With rising energy prices, it has become increasingly important to use alternative energy sources – making it even more important to invest in solar systems to reap the benefits of clean energy production!

Solar in the electricity mix: annual increase

Here you can see the share of photovoltaics in gross electricity generation in Germany from 2002 to 2021, which is rising and rising. Each new solar module feeds more into the system.

You can find more statistics at Statista

Crowdfunding calculator: comparison of German providers – Free check

L_kinski — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 13:20:44 +0000

Crowdfunding calculator

Crowdinvesting providers compared[año]

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The crowdfunding explained

Crowdfunding refers to the investment of a large number of people in a company. People can support companies or carry out projects with relatively small amounts of money.

Guide contents:

Comparison and calculator: Crowdinvesting
What is crowdinvesting?
How does crowdinvesting work?
Difference: Investment and financing

The most important facts about crowdinvesting

Many people invest small amounts
Investing in projects or companies
Investing through online platforms
Receiving shares of the company in return
The goal of investors is to create profits

Crowdfunding calculator

What is crowdinvesting?

Crowdinvesting consists of many people investing small amounts in projects or companies. In these cases, the realization of the projects cannot be financed solely by the company itself. The goal is to make a profit from the invested money.

How crowdinvesting works

Crowdinvesting works similarly to crowdfunding through online platforms. People and interested parties can invest a minimum contribution in the projects they choose. The minimum amount is set by the company itself. Investors act out of economic interest to make profits.

Difference: Crowdfunding and Crowdinvesting

Crowdfunding is often used to support and develop products or services. Crowdinvesting, on the other hand, is advantageous if you want to support a company. Crowdinvesting is not a donation, but an investment. In return for the investment, sponsors receive shares in the company.

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Tax Advisors for Companies: Tasks, Costs, Taxes, Risks, Tips – Find a Law Firm

L_kinski — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 17:47:14 +0000

Tax Advisors for Companies — in this Premium Guide you will learn everything about the selection, cooperation, tasks and costs of a tax firm. Specifically for real estate investors, wealthy individuals and founders with growth ambitions. You will learn about the three biggest risks that can cost hundreds of thousands of euros when choosing the wrong tax advisor, get three practical tips for selection, an overview of all tasks (bookkeeping, payroll, annual financial statements, tax planning) and a complete fee table according to StBVV. Anyone investing in real estate should particularly rely on a specialist — because between Share Deal Real Estate, Asset Deal Real Estate, Real Estate Holding and the Capital Gains Tax Real Estate there are six-figure optimization potentials. Anyone who wants to sell an inherited real estate property or optimize the Inheritance Tax Real Estate needs an advisor who can do more than payroll calculations. Taxes are the biggest cost factor in most companies — and exactly here it is decided whether your tax advisor is a pure manager or a real planner. Learn from decades of practical experience.

Responsibilities: What Does a Tax Consultant Do?

Before diving into risks, tips, and fees, let’s start with an overview: Which core areas does a tax firm cover? The work goes far beyond classic bookkeeping — from financial accounting through full payroll accounting and salary calculations to strategic tax planning, choice of legal structure, setting up a holding company, and representation before the tax office and tax court.

What Does a Tax Consultant Do, Simply Explained?

The ten typical core tasks of a tax firm for companies:

Tax Planning & Advisory: Choice of legal structure, holding structure, tax optimization
Financial Accounting: Posting, chart of accounts, ongoing entries
Payroll Accounting: Salary calculations, social contributions, reports to health insurance and tax office
Einkommenüberschussrechnung (EÜR) for freelancers & small businesses
Preliminary Declarations: Value Added Tax, Payroll Tax, Capital Gains Tax
Annual tax returns: Income tax, capital gains tax, corporate tax, trade tax, inheritance and gift tax
Annual financial statements & balance sheet: including notes, management report, publication in the Federal Gazette
Review of tax assessments: appeal, lawsuit, representation before the tax court
Special real estate topics: depreciation, §6b Income Tax Act, commercial land trading, speculation periods
Support in special situations: inheritance, gift, sale, insolvency, tax audit

A complete overview of the relevant terms can be found in the Real Estate Lexicon.

Compare tax advisors: The 3 biggest risks

Are you looking for a good tax advisor nearby? Before you sign — do you know the three biggest risks? Because choosing the wrong firm can have long-term financial consequences that many entrepreneurs only realize after years.

Risk 1: Intensive, regular commitment

After signing a mandate agreement, you are bound to the firm in nearly all financial and tax aspects — from monthly pre-notifications to payroll calculations up to inquiries, often almost weekly. The interconnection is particularly close for self-employed individuals, small GmbHs, and growing companies, where management often handles many tasks themselves.

A change is therefore not possible overnight. A realistic timeframe for a clean transition: 3 to 6 months — including data transfer (DATEV inventory, client master data), change of power of attorney at the tax office, and final invoice from the old firm.

Risk 2: Monthly Cost Burden

Tax advisors do not work for free. The costs consist of three blocks:

Ongoing bookkeeping — billed according to the subject value (revenue/expenses), Table C of the StBVV
Payroll accounting — flat rate per employee and month (15–25 €)
Additional services — consultation, annual accounts, special questions, all charged by the hour at rates of 120–300 € (consultant) or 60–120 € (employee)

The catch: The higher your turnover, the higher the bookkeeping fee — even if the effort does not increase proportionally. If your turnover jumps from 250,000 € to 1 million €, the bookkeeping flat rate doubles, even though the number of entries may only increase by 30%. Tip: Negotiate a flat-rate agreement under §14 StBVV once you reach a certain turnover level.

Risk 3: Losing money due to insufficient advice

The training to become a tax consultant is by no means trivial — tax consultant exam, professional experience, tax specialist training. However: Many tax consultants learn standards, not tax planning.

Many tax consultants are tax auditors — not tax planners

They handle the posting, invoice employees appropriately, and carry out the annual accounts correctly. The question is: Is that enough? Depending on the company, goals, and scale, a tax consultant should do much more — especially in the real estate sector.

Lack of advice carries two risk factors:

Losses from missed advice: unused tax benefits, lack of holding structure, no mention of calculating the speculation period when selling real estate
Risks from too much (unstructured) advice: cost-benefit ratio turns — every minute is billed

Suddenly, the monthly costs are no longer 400, 500 or 800 €, but 4,200 € — due to unplanned advice, document procurement by employees and research time. By the time a managing director notices this, years may have passed.

Calculation example: What does poor advice really cost?

Let’s take a realistic scenario of a medium-sized GmbH with real estate activity:

Position	Forest & Meadow Law Firm	Specialist (Real Estate)
Fee p.a.	9,600 €	14,400 €
Recognized depreciation optimization	0 €	+8,000 € tax savings
Holding structure (95 % tax exemption on disposal)	not set up	+45,000 € on exit
Speculation period advice	missed → 25 % capital gains tax	0 € speculation tax
Annual effect	−9,600 €	+38,600 € net

Difference: 48,200 € per year — and that without the compounding effect of the reinvested amounts. Whoever reinvests 30,000 € annually for 10 years at 6 % ends up with about 395,000 € more wealth. This is the real cost of poor advice.

Paying taxes means losing profits

Taxes are the biggest cost factor in most companies

By the way: What is actually your biggest monthly cost factor once you’re in the five- to six-figure revenue range? Rent? Personnel? For the majority of companies, it’s actually taxes — considering corporate tax, trade tax, capital gains tax, and additionally the speculation tax or real estate transfer tax when purchasing property.

Checklist: The 3 biggest risks at a glance

Intensive commitment — switching takes 3–6 months
Amount of monthly and unplanned additional costs
Long-term loss of wealth due to poor tax planning (too much tax + costs + missed reinvestment)

Keep in mind: Tax planning is largely in your hands — the tax advisor is a sparring partner, not the sole person responsible.

Find a tax advisor: The 3 best tips from practice

After the risks, here are the tips: How do you find a good tax advisor? Three strategies that have worked in over 20 years of practice.

Tip 1: Avoid ads

The most important tip first: Don’t click on the ads in search engines. You’re looking for a tax advisor in Berlin-Mitte, Cologne or Hamburg and type — like 92% of people — your query into a search engine. The top positions are paid ads, marked only by a small “Ad” or “Sponsored”.

Practical tip: Go directly to page 2 of the search results. There you’ll find the law firms that don’t finance their marketing budget from client fees — and thus often the more serious providers. After all, who ultimately pays the marketing budget? You, the client.

Tip 2: Check reviews on online portals

Popular are comparison portals, online magazines and industry directories (proven expert, Google Business, kanzleifinder.de of the Federal Tax Consultants Chamber). Pay attention to qualitative and quantitative meaningful reviews:

At least 5–10 reviews, in big cities 20+
Meaningful texts (not just “5 stars, top!”)
Reviews spread over several years (no star explosion within 4 weeks)
Check negative reviews — how does the office react to them?

Tip 3: Recommendations from experienced entrepreneurs

The goldmine: Recommendations from other entrepreneurs. Important — the sources must match:

Entrepreneurs, not private individuals (different matter, different requirements)
At least 3–5 years of client relationship (shorter is not meaningful)
Comparable industry & size — a restaurant tax consultant is not a real estate specialist
Ideally with similar structures (holding company, GmbH & Co. KG, international connection)

Insider Tip: Anyone investing in real estate should specifically look for advisors who manage mandates in the areas real estate as an investment, buying an apartment building or buying a historic property.

Insider: Diese drei Berater-Typen gibt es

Typ

Annual General Meeting – decision-making body of a stock corporation (AG)

Laura — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:28:24 +0000

Annual General Meeting – A stock corporation consists of several bodies. The management board deals with the day-to-day business and other matters of the company and represents the stock corporation externally. The supervisory board is a legally prescribed self-controlling body that appoints and monitors the individual members of the management board and, in case of doubt, also removes them. Furthermore, it is responsible for the written reporting of the annual financial statements as well as for annual reports. The general meeting acts as the decision-making body of the stock corporation. Here you can find all legal forms and here you can go back to the overview AG.

Annual General Meeting – The decision-making body

The Annual General Meeting acts as the decision-making body of a stock corporation. It represents the legislative body of the company and is intended to relieve the members of the supervisory board and the management board of their duties. The general meeting consists of the shareholders of an AG and is usually convened once a year.

More on the other bodies of a public limited company:

Board of directors

Board of directors

Duties of the Annual General Meeting – Auditor, appropriation of profits & Co.

It decides which shareholders are appointed to the supervisory board and also elects the auditor(s) for the annual financial statements. The general meeting is the only body of an AG that may decide on the appropriation of the balance sheet profit and can be influenced by proposals from the members of the management board and the supervisory board. Another important task of the general meeting: It passes resolutions on essential issues – for example, with regard to capital increases or reductions, possible mergers or dissolutions, sales, takeovers or acquisitions…. insofar as these result in an amendment to the Articles of Association.

Overview of the tasks of the Annual General Meeting:

Discharge of the Management Board & the Supervisory Board

Election of the Supervisory Board members representing the shareholders

Election of the auditor

Decision on the appropriation of profits

Decisions on matters concerning amendments to the Articles of Association

The members of the general meeting are automatically provided with participation in the formation process of the stock corporation. In contrast to the management board and supervisory board, they are not bound to fixed terms of office, but are allowed to hold office until they leave the company. Each shareholder receives votes in proportion to his profit shares. The shareholder is granted one vote per share.

AG: foundation, legal form, special case real estate

Stock corporation (AG)

Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)

Real estate company

Stock corporation (AG): Formation, liability, legal form & Co.

Aktiengesellschaft (AG) – The stock corporation is a German legal form founded by at least one person and organized by different bodies. Instead of a managing director, the company is managed by a board of directors consisting of at least one person. As the name already indicates, this legal form of a company primarily stands for stock trading. You would like to start a company alone or together with other people and learn more about company law forms in advance? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Stock corporation (AG)

Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)

Real estate stock corporation / REIT-AG – You don’t find the idea of a stock corporation bad at all and are now wondering how you can combine your capital company with the real estate industry? A real estate company is a company that serves the financing, development, realization, leasing, or marketing of real estate – starting with a single property up to a real estate portfolio in the three or multi-digit range. The management of real estate property or third-party real estate on behalf of third parties can also be handled by a real estate company.

Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)

Real Estate GmbH & Asset Management GmbH

Alternative – In this article you will learn the basics about real estate companies. Briefly explained, a real estate company is a company that has the purpose of leasing, developing, financing, realizing and/or marketing. It doesn’t matter if it is one or more properties. The management of residential and commercial real estate – in its own interest or as a service offered to third parties – is also a popular focus for real estate companies and asset management GmbHs. Find out more about the main advantages and disadvantages of buying real estate and the expected costs.

Real estate company

Supervisory Board – controlling body of a stock corporation (AG)

Laura — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 12:27:31 +0000

Supervisory Board – The Supervisory Board is a legally prescribed self-monitoring body that appoints and monitors the individual members of the Management Board and, in case of doubt, also removes them. Furthermore, it is responsible for the written reporting of the annual financial statements as well as for annual reports. The Management Board deals with the day-to-day business and other matters of the company and represents the stock corporation externally. The general meeting acts as the decision-making body of the stock corporation. Here you can find all legal forms and here you can go back to the overview AG.

Supervisory Board – The controlling body

The supervisory board is the supervisory body of a stock corporation and consists of at least three members. The Supervisory Board is appointed by the Annual General Meeting for a term of four years and is obliged to report to the Annual General Meeting.

More on the other bodies of a public limited company:

Board of directors

AGM

Duties of the Supervisory Board – Appointment, Supervision, Dismissal & Co

As the name suggests, the supervisory board is primarily responsible for supervising the management board, in addition to appointing and dismissing the management board. Furthermore, it is responsible for reporting in writing on the annual financial statements after they have been prepared by the management board and audited by the auditors, and it prepares annual reports. Formally, the Supervisory Board issues the invitation to the Extraordinary General Meeting and can submit proposals to the General Meeting on the appropriation of the profits generated.

Tasks of the Supervisory Board at a glance:

Reporting to the Annual General Meeting

Appointment of the Management Board

Supervision of the Management Board

Dismissal of the Management Board

Written reporting

Preparation of annual reports

Invitation to the Extraordinary General Meeting

Proposal for the appropriation of profits

The members of the supervisory board are registered in person with the registration court and at least the chairman of the supervisory board must also be listed by name on the AG’s business letters. Upon taking up their office, supervisory board members may not simultaneously act as members of the management board of their company, and they are also prohibited by the prohibition of cross-linking from being appointed as a member of the management board of another company. Remuneration is paid to all members of the Supervisory Board in accordance with the Articles of Association or the amount is decided at the Annual General Meeting.

AG: foundation, legal form, special case real estate

Stock corporation (AG)

Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)

Real estate company

Stock corporation (AG): Formation, liability, legal form & Co.

Aktiengesellschaft (AG) – The stock corporation is a German legal form founded by at least one person and organized by different bodies. Instead of a managing director, the company is managed by a board of directors consisting of at least one person. As the name already indicates, this legal form of a company primarily stands for stock trading. You would like to start a company alone or together with other people and learn more about company law forms in advance? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Stock corporation (AG)

Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)

Real estate stock corporation / REIT-AG – You don’t find the idea of a stock corporation bad at all and are now wondering how you can combine your capital company with the real estate industry? A real estate company is a company that serves the financing, development, realization, leasing, or marketing of real estate – starting with a single property up to a real estate portfolio in the three or multi-digit range. The management of real estate property or third-party real estate on behalf of third parties can also be handled by a real estate company.

Real estate stock corporation (REIT-AG)

Real Estate GmbH & Asset Management GmbH

Alternative – In this article you will learn the basics about real estate companies. Briefly explained, a real estate company is a company that has the purpose of leasing, developing, financing, realizing and/or marketing. It doesn’t matter if it is one or more properties. The management of residential and commercial real estate – in its own interest or as a service offered to third parties – is also a popular focus for real estate companies and asset management GmbHs. Find out more about the main advantages and disadvantages of buying real estate and the expected costs.

Real estate company