# Can You Install Solar For Your Apartment?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/can-you-install-solar-for-your-apartment/
- Published: 2021-11-23T13:30:42-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Let’s talk for real about a solar apartment! For every year, we learn more about
how climate change affects our planet. Now that 2021 is nearly over, you’ve decided
it’s time to make a difference. You want to switch to solar power as an energy source.
But is this possible in an apartment? Even if you’re sold on the benefits of solar
power, your landlord might not be. How can you switch to renewable energy when you
rent an apartment?

Here’s how you can take advantage of solar power, even in a rented space:

![4 tips on saving money using solar energy](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/
wp-content/uploads/2020/12/1CDA4BFA-D7E6-46C2-B16C-095BC85A7BA1.jpg?resize=780%2C585&
quality=52&ssl=1 "4 Tips on Saving Money Using Solar Energy - The Green Living Guy")

Solar panels Photo courtesy of UnsplashJadon Kelly

## **Portable Solar Systems**

Did you know that you don’t need to use a rooftop to [install solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/6-facts-you-didnt-know-about-solar-panel-energy/)
panels? There are alternatives to roof-mounted panels, and they’re perfect for an
apartment.

Portable solar kits are great for those with RVs, but you can also use these kits
in your apartment. When setting up your portable solar system, you’ll want to choose
a spot that receives the most sunlight. Naturally, an optimal place for your solar
panels will be near a window. Or, if you have a balcony, you can place the panels
there. 

In an apartment, these small-scale systems typically produce between [0.3 and 1.5 kWh per day](https://www.solarreviews.com/blog/solar-panels-for-rental-homes-and-apartments).
It’s not enough to fuel your dishwasher or refrigerator, but it can keep your cell
phone fully charged.

To install this system, you’ll need to purchase the following equipment: 

 1. An inverter
 2. A battery
 3. Charge controller
 4. Solar panels

Since these systems are portable, you can pack yours up and take it with you on 
your next road trip (or to your next apartment).

## **Rooftop Solar**

Try to [talk to your property management company](https://premierpropertysolutions.ca/)
about setting up a solar system. If you think your apartment complex can benefit
from a solar array, it’s worth a shot. Your landlord might be open to the idea of
solar panels; you’ll only find out by starting the conversation. 

[Renewable energy can benefit](https://greenlivingguy.com/2007/03/barbados-renewable-energy-stands-to-benefit/)
the property owner, their tenants, and the environment. Is your landlord on the 
fence about solar? You can tell them about the main benefits of solar, which include:

#### Improve the value of your property

_ _In all likelihood, your landlord will eventually sell their apartment complex.
With solar panels, they can get a [higher asking price](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/solar-energy-apartment-a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-urban-living/)
once the building is listed. Solar systems make for a great selling point; what’s
more enticing than the idea of low (or non-existent) electricity bills?

#### Protect yourself from rising electricity rates.

Each year, the cost of electricity seems to increase. But when you generate your
own electricity, you can remain independent of these costs.

#### It ends up saving you money.

One of the hardest parts about persuading your landlord to go for solar is the expense
of these systems. But installing a [solar system will create savings](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/12/traditional-vs-satellite-solar-which-saves-more/)
in the long run.

#### Tell them about energy initiatives.

Depending on where you live, you can apply for grants that help cover the costs 
of a solar installation. It’s worthwhile to do some research about tax credits in
your area. 

This conversation could go a few different ways. The best-case scenario is that 
your landlord decides to go ahead and install a solar system themselves. Or, they
might allow you to place your own panels on the roof (you’ll just have to cover 
the costs). 

But what if they’re against the idea? There’s still one more thing you can do:

## **Windowsill Solar System**

As a tenant, you may not be able to install solar panels on your roof. However, 
you _can _install them in your windows. Even a small solar system can offset your
energy costs and make your apartment a greener place.

The owner of [Globe Property Management](https://www.globepm.ca/) writes, “A windowsill
solar system is effective _and_ discreet; most people won’t even notice that you
have one.”

With small systems like these, you can generate just enough energy to charge your
laptop, phone, or power your lights for a day. It won’t be enough to eliminate your
electricity bill, but it’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint.

You can even purchase [solar blinds](https://www.theshadestore.com/blog/what-are-solar-shades/),
which absorb sunlight _and _prevent heat from entering your apartment. These will
keep your place cooler on warm days. Better yet, they’ll block out the light from
your windows, so you can sleep in on weekends.

If you live in an apartment, you may have assumed that solar was exclusive to homeowners.
But once you do your research, you’ll find out that there are a few ways to use 
renewable energy in a rented space. We hope this post inspires you to generate clean
energy in your [apartment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/12/how-to-build-a-sustainable-home/).

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
s=300&d=monsterid&r=g)

 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)