Solar Energy Options for Renters
You do not need to own a home to benefit from solar energy. Explore community solar, portable panels, and other options for renters.
One of the biggest misconceptions about solar energy is that you need to own a home with a suitable roof to participate. While rooftop solar is the most common approach, renters have several viable options for reducing their carbon footprint and saving on electricity. Here is a comprehensive look at how renters can benefit from solar energy.
Community Solar: The Best Option for Most Renters
Community solar, also known as shared solar or solar gardens, allows multiple participants to share the benefits of a single solar installation. You subscribe to a portion of a local solar farm and receive credits on your electric bill for the energy your share produces.
The beauty of community solar is its simplicity. There is nothing to install, no roof requirements, and no upfront equipment costs. You simply sign up, and the savings appear on your monthly utility bill. Most community solar programs offer 5 to 15 percent savings on electricity costs with no long-term commitment.
Community solar has grown rapidly across the United States, with programs now available in over 40 states. To find programs in your area, check with your utility company, search online community solar marketplaces, or ask your local solar installer about available subscriptions.
Portable Solar Panels
Portable solar panel systems offer renters a way to generate their own electricity on a small scale. These plug-and-play systems typically include one to four solar panels, a microinverter, and a standard electrical plug. You simply place them on a balcony, patio, or sunny window and plug them into a wall outlet.
While portable systems will not power your entire apartment, they can offset a meaningful portion of your electricity use. A 400-watt balcony system might generate 40 to 60 kilowatt-hours per month, enough to cover the electricity used by a refrigerator or several smaller appliances.
The best part is that portable systems require no permanent installation. When you move, the system moves with you. Prices have dropped significantly, with basic plug-in systems now available for $500 to $1,500.
Talk to Your Landlord
If you have a good relationship with your landlord, it may be worth discussing solar installation on the property. Many landlords are interested in solar because it increases property value by 3 to 4 percent. Solar installations can make rental properties more attractive to prospective tenants. Some programs allow landlords to install solar with no upfront cost. Tax incentives including the 30% federal ITC benefit property owners.
You might propose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) where the landlord hosts the system and you both benefit from lower electricity costs. Some states have specific programs designed to encourage solar on rental properties.
Green Energy Plans
Most utilities offer green energy or renewable energy plans that allow you to source your electricity from renewable sources. While you will not see the dramatic savings of rooftop solar, these plans support the growth of renewable energy and often cost only slightly more than standard rates, sometimes just 1 to 3 cents per kilowatt-hour extra.
Some competitive energy markets allow you to choose your electricity supplier entirely. In these markets, you can select a 100 percent renewable energy plan and know that your electricity consumption is matched by clean energy generation.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
If community solar and green energy plans are not available in your area, you can purchase Renewable Energy Certificates directly. Each REC represents one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from a renewable source. By purchasing RECs equal to your annual electricity consumption, you effectively offset your carbon footprint.
RECs typically cost between $1 and $5 per megawatt-hour for standard certificates, making this an affordable way to support renewable energy. Some organizations offer subscription services that make purchasing RECs simple and automatic.
Advocate for Change
As a renter, you can also advocate for solar-friendly policies in your community. Support local initiatives for community solar programs, encourage your local government to adopt solar-ready building codes, participate in public utility commission proceedings, and join or support local clean energy organizations.
Many of the policies that make solar accessible to renters, such as community solar legislation and virtual net metering, came about because of grassroots advocacy. Your voice matters in shaping the energy future of your community.
The Bottom Line
Being a renter does not mean you cannot benefit from solar energy. Community solar offers the most straightforward path to savings, while portable panels provide a hands-on option for generating your own clean electricity. As solar continues to grow and new models emerge, the options for renters will only expand. Start exploring what is available in your area today.
