How do tenants use solar panels?

1. Install your own solar panels

When the house you live in has enough space to install solar panels, you can consider going for it, but this is obviously not very easy because you have to communicate with the homeowner first and find out from him if you can modify his house and who should bear the cost of installing the solar panels, and you also have to think through if this is cost-effective for a tenant.

If you are really ready to go for a solar panel system, find out first how big your house needs to be and how you can go about picking a good solar panel dealer and installer.

2. Participate in community solar programs

You can participate in community solar programs. In your community, many users may not be able to install solar systems, and in order to develop their business, the grid company may offer community solar programs, where the heads of households only need to co-finance the installation of solar panels. You don’t need to go worrying about the solar system being installed on someone else’s roof because the grid company will allocate the electricity generated by the solar energy based on each household’s contribution to your credit, counting it towards your credit and using it for a credit when you use electricity.

Even if you move out of the neighbourhood, you can sell your credits in the solar program to someone else. However, this program is currently only available in a very small percentage of areas, and it’s likely that your area doesn’t have such a policy.

3. Purchase portable solar equipment

If your balcony receives enough sunlight, you can purchase a small portable solar system, which doesn’t require the homeowner’s consent, you can install them directly on your balcony or windowsill, and you can also take it with you as an off-grid power source when you go out camping to supply power to your electronic devices.

However, due to its small size and capacity, it doesn’t generate a lot of power and may only be able to power your small devices such as cell phones, lights, etc., but it can also save you money on your electricity bill. For example, a 200W solar panel can generate 25 kWh of electricity in about a month, which can save you roughly a quarter of your electricity bill. While it doesn’t generate as much electricity as a full-fledged solar system, it’s also more affordable, making it a better option for tenants.

Benefits of solar panels for tenants

Reduces the cost of energy use: Reducing the use of local grid power by redeeming credits for electricity generated by solar panels saves a portion of the electricity bill, which, even though it requires an upfront investment in construction costs, still saves a significant amount of money in the long run.

Reduce your carbon footprint by using cleaner energy: Using more cleaner energy means using less fossil fuels to generate electricity, which indirectly reduces air and water pollution from coal-fired power. You also reduce your carbon footprint by using a more sustainable lifestyle.

Get subsidized by local policies: Some areas offer solar incentives to tenants who use clean energy such as solar. For example, there are areas in the U.S. that offer free community solar participation opportunities for income-eligible tenants.

Limitations of Solar for Tenants

Fewer options: Tenants can’t make the decision to install a solar system on their own, and community solar programs may not be in place, so portable solar panels are the only option.

No more financial incentives: Because tenants don’t own their homes, when you install a solar system on your roof, you don’t get a direct subsidy like a homeowner would, and you’ll need to go to the homeowner to negotiate.

Is it worth it for tenants or apartments to use solar panels?

Of course it’s worth it. While you may not be able to get a subsidy for installing solar panels, you can still participate in community solar programs or buy portable solar panels to save money on your electricity bill, and you won’t have to put much effort into managing them, which saves you a lot of hassle. For a tenant living here for a short period of time, this is clearly the better way to use solar energy.