Rental solar installations may require some negotiation
One of the questions I get asked often as both a solar blogger and a real estate attorney is whether people who rent apartments can install solar panels to convert to clean electricity? I am about to give you the classic lawyer answer: It depends. But in some cases, renters can convert to solar power.
Let me just start out by saying that if you are a renter and want to live off of solar power, your best bet is to find a property on which solar panels have already been installed. Yes, they do exist! Many commercial property owners have been looking for ways to increase the value of their investments. Installing solar panels has been shown to pump up property values by at least 10%. This is not to mention the significant drop in electric bills.
If you start out in an apartment or other property on which solar panels are installed, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of trying to convert to solar power in the future. Here’s an apartment near Boston that installed solar panels:
But let’s say that you are having trouble finding an apartment building that is already solar powered. Then what? Can you get your landlord to agree to let you convert to solar power?
Start by carefully examining the lease agreement. Many leases prohibit exterior installations of any kind, which would obviously include solar panels. Some are less obvious, stating that you are not allowed to have “reflective” materials on your deck or patio. Again, solar panels would likely be prohibited. To state the obvious, you should definitely discuss your plan to install solar panels with the landlord BEFORE you invest in them. A small solar panel kit can run you up to $1000. As part of your homework, decide whether you will save that much in electrical bills, unless you are simply just about going green.
Lots of roof area just begging for solar panels
Pull together a coalition of other renters in your complex that feel the same way you do about converting to solar power. You may be surprised by the fact that just a little bit of education can bring people around to solar energy. Who knows…. maybe your landlord will even decide to install solar panels on the roof of the building so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of solar energy.
Do you want to live in a solar rental property? It is definitely an option these days as more rental solar installations are being allowed – if not initiated – by landlords who believe in clean solar energy! But don’t take my word for it. I cannot guarantee that you will be able to convert to solar power as a renter. Be a savvy consumer, shop around and push a little bit with your landlord. You may be surprised at your success!
Tags: convert to solar power, rental solar installation, solar rental properties
