If you live in a condo or apartment, investing in solar power can be tricky. However, installing plug-in solar panels on your balcony can be a great DIY clean energy solution. These can help power appliances and devices in your home, lower your overall electricity costs, and reduce your carbon footprint.
How do plug-in solar panels work?
Plug-in solar panel kits work similarly to the smaller solar panels you see at the hardware store for RVs and seasonal cabins. These little solar power systems can operate small appliances, lights, electronics and other devices in your home. They can generate up to 800 watts and connect to an inverter to convert the sun’s energy into 120-volt AC electrical current. These panels simply plug into a regular wall outlet.
They don’t produce enough electricity to run your home, but can certainly take an edge of the electricity you use from the grid and help save money.
They cost between $200 and $2,300 USD. The more expensive ones come with battery storage.
Would you buy a plug-in balcony solar power kit?
It is a simple, affordable, and practical solution, but not easily accessible in Canada. They’re very popular in Germany and other European countries, but Canada is wading through bureaucratic hurdles to get them approved.
In Germany, they’re in around 1.5 million homes, saving users up to 30 percent on their power bills.
Why are they so hard to get in Canada? Is it a lack of consumer interest? This article shares more >>> https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/plug-in-balcony-solar-panels-1.7618883
Would you purchase plug-in solar panels for your apartment?