Even if you rent, you can still tap into solar power (image from Wayne National Forest on Flickr)
Renewable energy is hot these days, and prices just keep falling, particularly when combined with ample tax credits and other incentives.
But what if you are not a homeowner? Lack of control over the property in which you live may seem like a problem.
But I’m here to tell you that solar power for renters is possible! Whether you live in a condo, duplex or apartment, solar power can be your source of clean, renewable energy.
Admittedly, the two biggest hurdles to installing solar panels are cost and property ownership. Yet with the multitude of solar financing options, there are now programs that make it easier to encourage your landlord to go for solar power.
In California, for example, the Multi-Family Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program, qualifying apartment buildings may be eligible to receive additional solar incentives. The goals of the program are to:
- Stimulate the adoption of solar power in the affordable housing sector;
- Improve energy utilization and overall quality of affordable housing through the application of solar and energy efficiency technologies;
- Decrease electricity use and costs without
increasing monthly household expenses for
affordable housing building occupants; and - Increase awareness and appreciation of the benefits of solar among affordable housing
occupants and developers.
When special government programs are not an option, you may be able to deal directly with the utility company through solar shares or renewable energy offsets. As renters generally pay utility bills directly to the electric company, this provides more control over the type of electricity that is provided to the unit – simply by checking a box on a form. Sure, you may pay slightly more than the average utility customer, but you may decide that going green is worth the extra investment.
Check out this video for information about Renewable Energy Certificates:
Another potential option for renters who want to go solar is to draw on energy generated by community solar arrays. Some cities in sunny locales like Tuscon and Sacramento have built municipal solar arrays from which they sell solar shares to renters or homeowners who cannot afford or otherwise are unable to install their own solar panels.
The bottom line is that going solar need not be limited to those with property ownership. Renters can take control over the type of energy they use by seeking housing units included in a MASH program, or by looking into renewable energy certificates and/or community solar shares.
Why not look into it today?
Tags: apartment solar power, clean renewable energy, installing solar panels, landlord solar power, multifamily affordable solar housing, renewable energy certificates, solar financing, solar panels rent, solar panels rental, solar power renters, solar shares
