news

For homeowners who want to reduce their electricity bills, installing solar panels is a good choice, and under favorable conditions, the payback period may be only a few years. However, due to lack of space, renters and apartment owners cannot use the typical solar power generation system, especially renters must also negotiate with the landlord. In these cases, a portable and easy-to-install miniature solar system may be a better choice.
The rooftop solar system can greatly reduce your electricity bill, and you can add solar cells to store solar energy for night use. However, since most systems are connected to the local grid, you must meet many technical requirements and obtain a permit to install solar energy on your property. When installing solar panels in a house you own, initial investment and paperwork are not a problem, but they are limiting factors for renters.
If you do not own a house or apartment, you may not have the incentive to invest in improving the property of others. Even if your landlord allows you to install solar panels, but if you plan to rent for a long period of time-longer than the payback period of solar energy investment, then this decision makes economic sense. In addition, please consider the following factors:
Many types of micro solar systems can be installed without complicated requirements and permitting procedures for more permanent structures. These systems are an excellent choice for renters, because taking them to another property is as easy as moving a TV.
Regardless of the size, solar panel systems have a common benefit: they generate electricity from sunlight, reducing the monthly electricity bills you have to pay to the utility company. Solar energy can also reduce your home’s environmental footprint, especially if you live in an area where most of the grid’s electricity comes from fossil fuels.
Although mini solar panel systems may not meet these privileges, they have advantages compared to rooftop systems. For example, they are easier to install, no license is required, and any maintenance is simpler. The price of a small solar system is also lower and it is easy to relocate.
The electricity bills saved by rooftop solar systems are much higher, but that’s because they are much larger. Many homeowners use solar photovoltaic systems with a capacity equal to or higher than 6 kW (6,000 W), while micro-systems usually only produce 100 W. As you might expect, the corresponding costs of solar panels are very different: the installation cost of a 6 kW solar system is approximately US$18,000 (excluding incentives), while the cost of a 100 W micro system may be less than US$300. However, in both cases, every dollar invested can be earned back multiple times.
Plug-in mini solar systems work exactly the same as rooftop photovoltaic systems-they are connected to your home’s electrical wiring and synchronized with the voltage and frequency of your grid power supply-but on a smaller scale. Plug-in mini systems usually generate enough electricity to power multiple electronic devices and LED bulbs, but not high-power devices such as air conditioners and washing machines.
When deciding whether a solar plug-in mini system is suitable for your rental property, you need to consider the following points:
Off-grid solar panels and solar cell systems are completely disconnected from the grid, which makes them a popular choice for remote or rural areas without electricity service. In these types of systems, one or more solar panels are used to charge batteries or solar generators with USB charging sockets and power sockets for small appliances. These off-grid systems are also a viable option for renters because they are completely independent and not connected to the public grid.
Portable solar panels are popular in camping, but tenants can also use them to power small devices. These are some of the smallest solar panels available, and their capacity is only a few watts. Their main purpose is to charge smartphones, tablets and other micro USB devices, many of which have built-in LED flashlights.
DIY solar panel setup is also an option. You can buy compatible solar panels, inverters, batteries and solar charge controllers online, and then build a customized system according to your needs. However, please keep in mind that you must have at least a basic knowledge of electricity to safely and successfully install a homemade solar system.
Appliance-specific solar panels are also a viable option for renters. You can find many devices with built-in solar panels that do not rely on electrical outlets to operate. For example, you can install solar-powered outdoor lights in your backyard or balcony, or use solar-powered air conditioners or fans to provide additional ventilation during the hottest part of the day.
Micro-solar systems have the same advantages and limitations as any device. They are less expensive than traditional roof systems and are easier to install and relocate. Keep in mind that they cannot power larger devices, which means they save very little on electricity bills.