Alternative energy sources are increasingly popular, especially with homesteaders. Whether you are concerned about the environment and want to reduce your carbon footprint or are concerned with being tied to a strained and unreliable power grid, solar power may be the solution you are looking for. And while it would be nice to attach some solar panels to the roof of your home, apartment homesteaders, or those renting land and a home from a landlord, do not always have that option. Solar power for apartment homesteaders is possible, however. Much like any other homestead project, you can tailor your solution to your circumstance.
We all know solar power is energy from the sun. Without getting too technical, it is helpful to have a basic understanding of how solar systems work. The typical solar system is designed with a layer of silicon cells, a metal frame, glass casing, and wiring. Silicon has conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Working by what is called the photovoltaic effect, when light hits a silicone cell movement occurs within the electrons, causing a flow of electricity. When sunlight hits the solar panels, the energy of the sun is converted to DC electricity. The inverter on your solar system converts the DC electricity into AC electricity, suitable for powering appliances and other devices.
There are four main components of a solar system, regardless of the size you choose. These components are the panels, charge controller, inverter, and batteries.
The most cost-conscious solar panels are made up of 60, 72, 120, 132, or 144 cells. The cells are the small squares that comprise each panel. One of the most important aspects of your solar system is determining the size of your solar array, which involves determining how much electricity you need based on the size of your home and the appliances you want to power. Do not let this scare you away from solar energy. Solar calculators online will take the numbers you give and determine the appropriate size for your needs.
The charge controller is what manages the flow of energy from the panels to the battery bank. This device also ensures the batteries are properly charged, which will help your battery bank live longer.
The inverter is responsible for converting the DC electricity stored in your battery to the AC electricity necessary for powering your appliances and devices. They come in various sizes, depending on whether you will be powering smaller or larger loads, as well as the number of loads you will be powering simultaneously. One important thing to remember is the inverter needs to match the voltage of your system. If you are using a 12-volt inverter, you need to have a 12-volt battery pack. The online solar calculators also makes it simple to determine the size of inverter you need.
When purchasing your system, a hybrid inverter system may be a good choice. The hybrid inverter system has inputs for solar, grid, loads, generators, and a battery built into one device. This system works well with lithium batteries and most of them allow you to charge batteries from a generator.
The final of the four major components is the battery. You have a choice between lead acid or lithium. Lithium is the more efficient and safer option. Lithium batteries can be stored without ventilation, are maintenance-free, and do not need to be fully charged. They are also designed for a significant amount of charging cycles. Look for a lithium battery pack with a built-in battery management system (BMS). The BMS constantly monitors the state of the battery and will force the battery to shut off if there is a problem.
The traditional rooftop solar systems that we are familiar with are connected to the local grid and, not only must they meet a number of technical requirements before installation, renters must clear it first with their landlord. This may be a possibility if you are footing the entire bill, as it increases the value of the property, but it is not a financially sound idea unless you certain you will be living in the same location for at least ten years.
Miniature solar systems are a much better idea for renters. They are simpler to maintain, there is no permit required, they require less maintenance and have a lower initial cost, and they are easily relocated. There are multiple mini systems to choose from, including the plug-in system, off-grid panels and battery systems, portable panels, and appliance-specific solar panels.
Plug-ins are miniature systems that connect to the wiring in your home and synchronize with the frequency and voltage of your power grid. These units can be easily connected to a suitable power outlet and generate enough energy to power multiple electronic devices and LED bulbs. They do not produce enough power for high-power appliances such as washing machines and air conditioning units, and you will need to have an electrician ensure the outlet has a circuit with enough capacity to carry the current. You will also need to inform the landlord, as this system connects to the property’s electrical system.
The off-grid panels and battery system, however, is completely independent from the grid, making it a popular choice for both renters and homeowners who happen to be in remote or rural areas with unreliable service. In this system, one or more panels are used to charge a solar generator or a battery with USB charging ports and outlets for small appliances.
The portable panel option, generally used for extended camping trips, is also good for renters wanting to explore solar energy. This system uses one of the smallest panels available and, although it only has a few watts of capacity, it is ideal for keeping smartphones, tablets, and other small devices charged. Even if you are not interested in running your home on solar power, this is a great system for weather or other emergencies that may affect the grid.
You can also find many appliances with built-in solar panels that do not require an outlet to work, including AC units, refrigerators, freezers, and clothes dryers. Of course, the original solar-powered clothes dryer is the laundry line, but sadly, this also isn’t permitted in many rental situations.
Renting as a homesteader, whether an apartment or a home on a tract of land, provides endless opportunities to get creative. Technology can help us in our quest to live a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle, regardless of our location. Learning about and utilizing solar energy options allows us the freedom to lessen our dependence on a fragile grid and take one more step toward the totally green and totally clean lifestyle homesteaders everywhere dream about.