More people are considering solar power for their homes due to escalating utility bills and the renewed focus on sustainability and clean energy. According to a recent survey, nearly 48% of Americans plan to install solar panels in their homes, while almost 12% already have them. Meanwhile, 33% don’t plan to install solar energy, and one of the main reasons why they hesitate to do so is because they live in an apartment.
Having a roof in the ideal shape to install solar panels is a must to get the most out of the system, which is why single detached homes are the best candidates for solar power installation. It can be difficult to find a good place to install solar panels if you live in an apartment or a condominium. But thankfully, there are several ways to work around this challenge. If you live in an apartment and you’re thinking about saving money while lowering your carbon footprint, here’s what you need to know to install solar power in your home.
There are many benefits to using solar power, whether you own a conventional home or an apartment unit. Not only will it save you money, but adding solar panels to your home can also raise your house’s value by more than $9,000. A new survey even shows that more than 80% of prospective homeowners are more likely to buy a house if it comes with solar panels. You also get tax credits, and depending on where you live, you get incentives to bring down the cost of solar adoption. For instance, if you live in Texas, the average cost of installing a solar energy system is around $26,000. But once the solar investment tax credit is considered, the cost can go as low as around $18,000.
One of the best solutions for apartment dwellers is to choose a solar energy provider that has equipment and technology that enables everyone in the apartment building to benefit from shared solar energy. The panels will be installed on the rooftop, and apartment units can receive their share of solar energy when they need it. Propose this solution at your next apartment owners association meeting, and don’t forget to talk to the property manager to find out if this is feasible.
One of the easiest ways to switch to solar energy is to use portable solar panels. Although these don’t generate the same amount of energy as typical solar panels, they may help to lower your energy costs. Portable solar panels typically generate around 1.5kWh of electricity, and these can be hung from a window or placed in the balcony, or anywhere that gets plenty of sunlight. The power generated is enough to charge several devices, such as laptops, cellphones, smart watches, or Bluetooth speakers. Moreover, since they’re portable, these solar panels can be used while camping or on a holiday at the beach. And while you can certainly use these to keep small appliances running, keep in mind though that since portable solar panels produce limited energy, you’ll still need to rely on the grid to provide electricity for your apartment.
Live a greener lifestyle by making the switch to solar energy. Talk to your neighbors and property manager to see if you can use a shared solar energy system, or use portable panels to save money while doing your part to protect the environment.