If you are living in an apartment, solar energy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking for ways to lower your utility bills and reduce your energy consumption. In fact, it may seem impossible due to space constraints. However, there are several ways to be able to use solar energy in your apartment, whether through flexible solar panels or portable solar panels. In case you're considering solar power for your apartment, here are some things to keep in mind. In this article, we will give you the details.
- Amount of Area with Sunlight Exposure in the Apartment. If you have a south-facing balcony, it may be appropriate to install a solar energy system for your apartment. Knowing how much area the sun hits will help you determine how effective solar panels are in reducing your electricity bill. Solar panels need a lot of sunlight to work properly. If your balcony receives a lot of sunlight during the day, you may want to explore installing photovoltaic modules. Just make sure it will be installed safely and reliably. You can start with some lightweight solar panels that are flexible like thin film modules. In this case, you will probably need at least three 120 watt modules. You can also install a grid-tie inverter and use it directly with your appliances. Another option is to use a solar charge controller, which will charge the batteries and use the stored power later.
- Size and Layout of your Apartment. Depending on the size and layout of your apartment, you probably know how many solar panels you can install. If you have a balcony, then you can install up to four solar panels with a capacity of 200 watts. Then you will have an 800 watt solar PV system. This is not a very large system, but at least you will be able to utilize solar energy.
- Your Energy Needs. One of the main problems that arise in apartments nowadays is the rising cost of electricity. This is obviously related to the amount of electricity used and the type of appliances owned by the apartment owner. So, your energy needs will also determine if you really need to install solar panels. In most cases, people want to use solar panels. If done correctly, this can be a really good investment. If you are a huge consumer of electricity, then installing solar panels on your apartment will be a very attractive option. No matter what your reasons are, solar energy is still something that is well worth exploring.
If you rent a residential apartment, you may think that solar energy is not an option. However, in many cases, it is still feasible to install solar panels in an apartment building. If you've had a fleeting interest in solar energy, don't let any factors stop you. No matter how big or small, a solar power system can not only bring clean energy to an apartment, but it can also help dispel the misconception that solar energy is overly complicated.
