The renter solar starter guide

Plain-English guide to balcony solar for renters, apartments and small homes.

NOTE Sunplug information is general. Follow the product instructions and any rule that applies to your rental or building. Sunplug is removable and temporary, not a permanent change to the property.

What is balcony solar?

Balcony solar is a small, plug-in balcony solar kit that helps you use more of the sun during the day. You do not need technical knowledge or solar experience to understand it. It is for renters and apartment dwellers who cannot put solar on the roof.

What it is not

  • It is not rooftop solar.
  • It will not power your whole home. The full kit is intended to help reduce part of your purchased electricity. It is not a promise to run your whole home or remove your retailer supply charge. Daytime use, sunlight, shading and your electricity plan all matter.
  • It is not a list of separate products you need to assemble from scratch. The Sunplug product is one full kit. Read what arrives in the full kit before you decide.

Who it suits

  • Renters who cannot install rooftop solar.
  • People with some sunlight at home.
  • Balconies, patios, courtyards, tiny homes and other compact spaces.
  • People who use some power during the day.
  • People who want to take the kit with them when they move.

WHAT TO CHECK BEFORE BUYING

SUNLIGHT Check where the sun reaches and for how long.
SAFE SPACE Check where the panels can sit safely. Keep walkways clear and make sure the panels and equipment cannot fall, move or become a trip hazard.
WALL SOCKET Check the kit can be used with a normal wall socket.
RENTAL RULES Our simple renter rule is: do not modify, damage or alter fixed items. Do not drill, cut into, or permanently change the property as part of a removable setup. If your lease, building or body corporate rules need approval, get it in writing before you buy.
DAYTIME USE Check what power you use during the day.
EXPECTATIONS Expect help with some of your usage, not everything.
PLAN FOR MOVING If you move, check the new home again. Sunlight, safe space and building rules can be different. The system should only be used where the new setup is safe and allowed.

COMMON MISTAKES

  • Buying before checking the sunlight.
  • Expecting it to work like rooftop solar. The full kit is intended to help reduce part of your purchased electricity. It is not a promise to run your whole home or remove your retailer supply charge. Daytime use, sunlight, shading and your electricity plan all matter.
  • Putting it somewhere unsafe or where it could move.
  • Expecting it to help at night without a battery.
  • Looking only at panel size, instead of when and where you use power.What is balcony solar?
  • Not giving yourself enough time. If you are unhappy with the system, Sunplug offers a 60-day return policy. Read the Returns Policy before buying so you know the conditions.

Next step

Start with sunlight and daytime usage. If both are reasonable, balcony solar may be worth considering.

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