Do you stay in an apartment and intend to go solar? Perhaps it is not the money-saving aspect of installing solar panels that will interest you, but the cleaner living or self-sufficiency that piques your interest. However, you have one problem to face – you stay in an apartment. As a tenant, you don’t own the land around the apartment or its roof. You even don’t have the authority to acquire and install a solar panel for apartments. What should you do?
Fortunately, you have different directions to take if you plan to install solar panel for apartments. For example, you can work with the property owner or landlord to figure out a plan that works for everyone. Let’s analyze these options.
1. Work with your landlord or property owner
Suppose your apartment has an open roof that could support solar panel installation. Talk to your landlord about the possibility of installing a functional solar panel system. In case utilities are included in your monthly rent, there is a good incentive for him or her to listen to you. After all, an efficient solar system could reduce monthly utility bills significantly.
If you pay for your utility bills yourself, the conversation about installing a solar panel on apartments is going to be challenging. But with a solar panel lease, your landlord no longer needs to buy the solar panels or incur other related costs. He or she could increase your rent slightly but your electricity bill is likely to go down. So, this is a win-win situation for everyone involved. Just think about it and pitch the idea to your landlord and you will probably have solar panels installed in your apartment.
2. Join a community solar plot
In case your landlord squashes your plan and you still want to install solar panel for apartments, you have other options. First, you can join our community solar garden if there is one nearby. Community solar gardens are specifically designed for people who cannot install solar panels, be it renters, apartment dwellers, or property owners whose roofs are small or too shaded.
Community solar gardens are mid- to large-sized solar installations, typically located somewhere off in a field. Renters, apartment dwellers, or property owners who cannot install solar panels on their roofs can buy ‘shares’ of the solar panel installation for about 8 solar panels or more. Keep in mind that you won’t be using the energy generated by the solar panels in your apartment. Instead, the electricity goes to the primary electric grid. So, what are the benefits of community solar gardens?
First, you are adding green or renewable energy to the grid that would not otherwise exist. This would reduce emissions and contribute to a clean planet. Isn’t that awesome? Secondly, you will be compensated by the utility provider on a $/kWh basis for the energy your share generates and sends to the grid. You can use those credits to cover the electricity bills in your apartment.
Lastly, unlike rooftop solar panel installations, if you decide to shift, you do not have to give up your community solar shares. That means investing in community solar gardens is a smart investment that could offset your monthly electricity bills.
3. Install your own solar panels
If the thought of investing in a community solar garden isn’t really floating your boat, your last option is to install your own solar panels in your apartment. Due to roof or space restrictions, you are likely to install your solar system in your balcony, patio, or windows. That way, you will be able to generate enough electricity for your apartment.
Summary
If you intend to install solar panel for apartments, consult with a reputable solar panel installer. Clean energy makes for clean air, minimizes the impact of climate change, and most importantly, reduces or eliminates monthly electricity bills. Contact Clear Sky Solar to figure out how you can benefit from solar power even if you live in an apartment.
