Renters Can Finally Try Home Solar Power Without Modifying Their Home

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Solar power is a great tool that homeowners can use to supplement utility costs or in some cases even power their entire home, but, for the most part, this source of clean energy has not been available to renters. Renting comes with rules that prevent tenants from modifying a home or apartment, and even if that weren't the case, the cost to add solar panels on a property you do not own didn't make sense. But that is changing.

Unlike relying on giant solar panels that are placed on the roof like ones typically seen on homes, there are now portable solar power stations to take advantage of the benefits solar provides without having to modify the building. This includes portable plug-and-play panels, balcony-mounted arrays, and solar generator kits. It's important to note that not all states allow solar power to be used, so make sure it is legal to run solar power in the state you reside in before you invest in a system.

While there are portable power stations that punch above their price bracket, expect a larger generator to cost a bit more. The Anker Solix F3800 portable solar power station is one such option, providing 3,840Wh of power for around $1,999. Make sure to get a solar panel for it as well so you can charge it. A 400W solar panel with the portable charger will cost around $2,399, again depending on where you look. These prices were on Amazon at the time of writing.

There also is the EcoFlow Delta Pro 3. It includes 4,096Wh, but has been listed at nearly $3,700 on sites like Amazon. Both are powerful enough to keep the lights on, run ceiling fans, power the internet, and even keep the fridge running. That's enough to get you through a storm with several hours of use before needing to recharge. Keep the larger stuff on a bigger portable charger and smaller devices you can power like laptops on smaller portable stations.

Both portable power stations include several connections for devices and appliances. Once charged, all you need to do is plug in the appliances you need and then turn it on to power them. The portable solar power stations listed are just a few examples as there are several other options available. It's worth taking the time to research what works best for you and if it's legal to use where you live.

Whether or not a portable solar power station can save you money depends on how you use it, but the most effective way is to store the solar energy and use it during peak hours. The savings vary by region and it may take a while for the savings to offset the upfront cost of the unit, but you will notice a difference in your electric bill. The biggest factor, of course, depends on your specific electricity rates.

To cut down on your monthly bill, you could intermittently swap between electricity and a portable solar power station. You could also see which devices draw the most power and when they do so, then use the solar station to offset that cost strategically. You may even want to invest in a large power bank and a solar charger to further offset your energy costs. A portable station may be expensive, but can save you money in the long run as you don't need to rely on using the power provided by a service provider, not to mention how beneficial it can be in case of an emergency due to a power outage.