Free solar tools for renters
Our free solar tools for renters help you understand whether portable solar could suit your home, where it may help reduce your power bill and what to consider before buying. You don't need to hand over your email to understand the basics.
reduce your bill
How to reduce your power bill when renting
Looking for ways to reduce your power bill when renting? You can still make changes that reduce the electricity you buy from the grid, even when you don’t own the roof. Balcony solar may be one option if you have a suitable space with sunlight.
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Rental Check
Can portable solar work at your rental?
Portable solar may suit you if you have access to sunlight, a standard power outlet and somewhere safe to place the panels without making permanent changes.
GOOD SIGNS Useful daylight, safe panel position, standard outlet access, daytime power use.
WARNING SIGNS Heavy shade, no safe place for panels, strict balcony rules, expectation to run the whole home.
Avoid buyers regret
What renters should know before buying portable solar.
Most renters cannot use rooftop solar because they do not own the roof. Portable solar gives renters a simpler way to reduce daytime power use without a fixed installation.
It is made for portable use
Portable solar works best during daylight hours
The aim is to reduce the amount of power you draw from the grid
It should not be treated as a whole-home power system
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Rental permission
Need to ask your landlord or building manager solar?
You may not need formal approval, but you should check your lease, by-laws or building rules if the system will be visible, attached to a balcony, or placed near common property.
KEEP THE MESSAGE SIMPLE Temporary, portable, removable, no drilling.
SAMPLE TEASER I am looking at using a portable solar system at the property. It is designed for temporary use, does not require drilling, and is not a fixed electrical installation.
Save on your next bill
Where portable solar may help reduce your bill.
Portable solar may help most when your home uses power during daylight hours. Fridges, Wi-Fi, computers, washing machines and device charging can all add up during the day.
BEST FIT Useful sunlight plus daytime use.
LOW FIT No one home, little daytime use or heavy shade
Battery options may help people who want to use more of their solar later.
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Have your say
Help shape the future of balcony solar in Australia
Balcony solar is helping households overseas access smaller-scale renewable energy. Australia does not yet have a clear pathway for these systems to connect through a standard household outlet.
If you would like Australian regulators and policymakers to consider a safe, practical framework, we have prepared two editable email templates to help you share your view.
Make sure to change your name and location at the bottom of the email
Compare your options
Which solar option suits your rental?
Not all solar works the same way. Compare portable solar, balcony solar and traditional rooftop solar to understand the costs, limitations and practical differences for Australian renters.
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The 7-day power bill challenge
7 days to find where your daytime power goes.
Spend one week finding where your daytime power goes. You will check always-on loads, work-from-home usage, appliance timing, standby power, sunlight and portable solar suitability.
- Find your always-on loads
- Check work-from-home power
- Move flexible loads into daylight
- Find wasted standby power
- Do a sunlight check
- Check your portable solar fit
- Decide if portable solar is worth exploring
Start here next
Once you have checked your rental and daytime power use, read the renter solar starter pack, use the daytime power check or view the 800W full kit. If you need help, contact Sunplug.
Our solar tools for renters are designed to help you make a more informed decision before choosing portable solar.