The biggest myth about solar energy is that you need to own a home with a perfect south-facing roof to benefit from it. In reality, renters have more options than ever to use solar power, save money on electricity, and reduce their carbon footprint without installing anything permanent.
About 36 percent of American households rent their homes. That is over 44 million households excluded from traditional rooftop solar. But these five options change that equation entirely.
1. Community Solar Programs
Community solar is the biggest game-changer for renters. You subscribe to a share of a local solar farm and receive credits on your electricity bill for the power your share produces. There is no installation, no equipment to buy, and no long-term contract in most cases.
The savings are real. Most community solar subscribers save 5 to 15 percent on their monthly electricity bill with zero upfront cost. As of 2026, community solar programs are available in over 40 states. Visit your state’s energy department website or platforms like EnergySage to find programs near you.
2. Portable Solar Panels
Modern portable solar panels can charge your electronics, power small appliances, and offset a portion of your electricity use. A 200-watt portable solar panel with a power station costs $300 to $600. For apartment dwellers with a balcony, a set of 100-watt panels can generate 300 to 400 watt-hours per day in good sunlight — enough to run LED lights, charge all your devices, and power a small fan. Savings: $5 to $15 per month.
3. Plug-In Solar Kits for Balconies
Plug-in solar kits include one or two panels and a micro-inverter that plugs directly into a standard outlet. A typical 800-watt balcony kit costs $500 to $900 and can generate 70 to 100 kWh per month, saving $10 to $16 per month and paying for itself in 3 to 5 years. Companies like Anker and EcoFlow now offer these systems specifically designed for renters.
4. Green Energy Plans From Your Utility
Many electricity providers now offer renewable energy plans sourcing 50 to 100 percent of your electricity from wind and solar farms. The premium is typically $0.01 to $0.03 per kWh — about $5 to $15 per month. Some green plans are actually cheaper than standard rates.
5. Solar-Powered Gadgets That Reduce Your Bill
Solar-powered outdoor lights eliminate outdoor electricity use. Solar phone and laptop chargers save a few dollars per month. Solar-powered attic fans reduce cooling costs by 10 to 15 percent and cost $200 to $400. Combined, these can reduce your electricity bill by $20 to $40 per month.
How to Choose the Right Option
If you want the biggest savings with zero effort, start with community solar. If you have a sunny balcony, a plug-in solar kit gives you the most hands-on experience. If you simply want to support renewable energy, a green energy plan is the easiest switch. The key takeaway: not owning your home is no longer a barrier to going solar.