Wallbox sharing offers an innovative way to earn money with photovoltaics. In this article, you will learn how this concept works, what income is possible, and the advantages and disadvantages.
First things first
- With Wallbox Sharing you can share your Wallbox with others and thus expand the charging infrastructure.
- Access to the wallbox is usually via apps that enable billing and management of the charging current.
- The requirements for wallbox sharing include a stable internet connection, a charging station that complies with legal requirements and sufficient power capacity.
- If you share your private charging station, you must register a business.
- You can share the wallbox with neighbors and friends or make it available for public rental.
What is wallbox sharing?
Wallbox sharing is the shared use of a private charging station for electric vehicles. Here, the owner makes his wallbox available to several users for a fee. Charging station sharing is an innovative concept that expands the charging infrastructure and offers owners an additional source of income.
How does wallbox sharing work?
With wallbox sharing, the owner makes his private charging station available to other electric car drivers via a platform or app. The process begins with registering the wallbox on a sharing platform. There, the owner can specify when the wallbox is available and what price he charges for using it.
Users can use the app to find an available wallbox near them and make a booking. Authentication at the wallbox is done either via an RFID card, a mobile app or a QR code. As soon as authentication is complete, the charging process starts. The app monitors the entire charging process and records the electricity consumed. This is then billed according to the set prices.
How Wallbox Sharing Works
Do I have to register for wallbox sharing?
To use wallbox sharing, you need to register on a specialized platform or app that allows charging station sharing. There, you create your user profile and register your wallbox by entering information such as the location, availability of your wallbox and the price of charging. Such platforms then manage the entire process, from booking to billing.
How is wallbox sharing billed?
A wallbox with a meter and log function is required for billing and tracking the electricity charged. This is particularly important in Germany, especially if you sell electricity to strangers. Billing is usually automated via the app, so no manual interaction is necessary.
Do I have to register a business?
If you make your wallbox available to third parties for a fee with a profit markup, you must register a business. This means that you may not sell the electricity for more than the price at which you purchased it. Otherwise, wallbox sharing is considered a commercial activity from which you generate income. You must register with your local trade office, either in person or online. There you must fill out the business form and state the type of activity. After registering, you will receive a business registration, which you will also need for tax purposes.
What requirements must be met?
If you are interested in charging station sharing, certain requirements must be met. You need sufficient power capacity, a charging station that complies with legal requirements and a stable internet connection.
How much electricity must my PV system produce so that I can offer wallbox sharing?
If you want to offer wallbox sharing, the PV system must produce 11 to 22 kWh. Wallboxes achieve a maximum charging power of 11 or 22 kW. The required capacity therefore depends on the number of planned charging processes and the power of the wallbox.
charging station that complies with legal metrology regulations
In order to correctly record and bill electricity consumption during wallbox sharing, the charging station must comply with calibration law. This means that it must have a calibrated meter that accurately measures and documents the electricity charged.
internet connection
A stable internet connection is essential for wallbox sharing as it ensures communication between the wallbox and the sharing platform. An internet speed of around 1 to 2 Mbit/s is usually sufficient for data transfer.
Many modern wallboxes already have integrated communication modules that establish a direct connection to the Internet either via WLAN or a cellular connection (e.g. LTE). If your wallbox does not have such a function, you can ensure the required Internet connection by retrofitting a separate communication module or a WLAN router.
What models of wallbox sharing are there?
You can monetize wallbox sharing in different ways, depending on your individual needs and the available infrastructure. Here are some common models:
- Private Sharing: Share your wallbox with neighbors or friends who live nearby. This allows for flexible use and reduces the effort. The users are familiar and billing is handled simply and directly. This would be possible in an apartment building, for example.
- Public Sharing: Make your wallbox available to the general public via a platform. This model requires more comprehensive administration and legal billing, but also offers the potential for higher revenues through a larger user base.
Which wallbox sharing providers are there?
Various platforms offer wallbox sharing in Germany. Here is a selection of providers who are active in this area:
- Plugsurfing: A well-known platform that offers access to a wide network of charging stations. Users can register their wallbox here and make it available to others.
- Juice Technology: This platform also makes it possible to make private wallboxes accessible to the public. It places particular emphasis on smart charging solutions.
- chargeIT mobility: chargeIT mobility offers a comprehensive solution for the management and billing of charging processes. Here, wallbox owners can easily manage their charging station.
- &Charge: This start-up combines wallbox sharing with a loyalty program. Users can exchange collected kilometers for charging credit, and billing is done via the app.
- Sharepnp: This platform allows private wallboxes to be shared with others, especially in rural areas or holiday regions. It aims to improve the charging infrastructure in less well-covered areas.
How much can I earn with wallbox sharing?
Through wallbox sharing, you can expect monthly income of €100 to €300 per wallbox. Income from wallbox sharing depends on location, frequency of use and fees.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wallbox sharing?
Wallbox sharing offers an interesting opportunity to share unused private charging stations while improving charging infrastructure, but there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
| Advantages of Wallbox Sharing | Disadvantages of wallbox sharing |
| additional source of income | administrative burden and legal requirements |
| improving the charging infrastructure | higher maintenance requirements |
| flexibility in use | Security risks due to unauthorized access |
| promotion of electromobility | effort required to comply with regulations |
What alternatives are there to earn money with PV?
There are several ways you can sell PV power to neighbors. In addition to wallbox sharing, you can also earn money with photovoltaics through direct connection or through the tenant power model.
