Is it possible to install solar panels in an apartment?

Solar Panels in Apartments: An Eco-Friendly and Affordable Solution Within Reach

Many people living in apartments assume solar panels are only for standalone houses. However, it is entirely possible to install solar panels in an apartment. Whether on a balcony, on a shared rooftop, or in a common courtyard, there are accessible options available.

Installing solar panels in your apartment means contributing to the energy transition, lowering your electricity bills, and generating your own green power. In this article, we explain how it works, the advantages and disadvantages, and the steps to follow.

Why Install Solar Panels in an Apartment?

Electricity prices keep rising. At the same time, climate change, CO₂ emissions, and renewable energy are at the forefront of public discussion. Solar power is a simple and effective answer to these challenges.

Even in an apartment, you can:

• Produce your own electricity

• Reduce your bills

• Lower your environmental impact

Thanks to apartment solar panels, you take control of your own energy usage. You don’t need a large rooftop — a single balcony-mounted panel is enough to get started.

1. Balcony Solar Panels: Simple, Fast, and Accessible

What is a balcony solar panel?
A balcony solar panel is a small-scale system, often referred to as a "Plug and Play" solar panel. It attaches to your balcony railing and plugs into a standard 230V outlet.

It works like any traditional solar panel:

• It captures sunlight

• Converts it into electricity

• Feeds that electricity directly into your home to power appliances and reduce energy costs

No professionals needed. Buy the kit, install it in 15 minutes, and you’re ready to go.

Who can install a balcony solar panel?
Anyone! Whether you’re a tenant or homeowner, you can install one or more balcony panels. You just need:

• A balcony or railing

• Available space

• A grounded electrical outlet

Note: Tenants should ask their landlord for permission, especially if the panel is visible from the street. It’s also recommended to inform your condo association.

Advantages:

• Easy installation — no tools or professionals needed

• Affordable — a Sunflower Solar kit costs €489 incl. VAT and shipping

• Immediate savings — reduce your usage by 25–50%, saving up to €190/year

• Fast return on investment — 2 to 5 years, depending on your location and sun exposure

• Eco-friendly — tap into a free and renewable energy source

Disadvantages:

• Limited surface area — small balconies can only hold 1 or 2 panels

• No surplus resale — you can't sell unused electricity

2. Shared Rooftop Solar Panels: Produce and Consume Together

A Collective Solution for Greater Power
If you want to generate more electricity, consider a shared rooftop system. This involves installing panels on the building’s roof or in a common courtyard.

This solution allows you to:

• Share production among residents

• Sell surplus electricity

• Qualify for government incentives

How it works:

• The project is discussed and voted on during a condo meeting

• Authorization is obtained from the building management

• A certified installer (RGE QualiPV) performs the installation

• A shared self-consumption system is set up, distributing power based on an agreed formula

Advantages:

• Higher output — covers more household needs

• Surplus can be sold

• Financial incentives — tax credits, rebates, and reduced VAT

• Up to 50% reduction on electricity bills

Disadvantages:

• Requires co-owner approval

• Bureaucratic and time-consuming process

• Higher upfront investment

3. Other Solar Options for Condominiums

If the roof is unavailable or poorly oriented, panels can also be installed in:

• Shared courtyards

• Rooftop terraces

• Parking lots

As with rooftops, these require approval from the co-owners, review of local building codes (PLU), and installation by a certified professional.

Steps for a Solar Project in an Apartment

For a Sunflower Solar balcony kit:

• Check your balcony's orientation

• Choose a suitable plug-and-play kit

• If renting, get landlord or condo approval

• Order the Sunflower Solar kit (delivered in 5 working days)

• Install it in under 15 minutes

• Plug it into a grounded outlet

• Complete the Enedis declaration in 5 minutes (tutorial provided)

• Monitor production and savings with the Sunflower Solar app

For a collective rooftop project:

• Discuss it with fellow owners

• Check local urban planning regulations

• Vote during a general assembly

• Contact a certified RGE installer

• Set up a collective energy-sharing system

What’s the ROI?

For a 440W balcony panel like Sunflower Solar’s:

• €100–250 saved annually

• Payback in 2 to 5 years

For a collective project:

• Greater savings

• Payback in 8 to 12 years

• Financial incentives can offset upfront costs

What About the Environmental Impact?

Apartment solar panels help:

• Produce carbon-free electricity

• Reduce reliance on fossil fuels

• Lower the building’s carbon footprint

Even in cities, every installation makes a difference.

Conclusion: Solar Power is Possible and Useful in Apartments

Installing solar panels in apartments — whether individually on balconies or collectively on rooftops — is a practical and effective way to:

• Cut your energy bills

• Contribute to environmental sustainability

• Produce your own electricity, even in urban settings

With just a little space and a lot of sunshine, you can make a big impact.

🌞 Start your solar journey today — explore our easy-to-install balcony kits on our online store.
Make your balcony useful, green, and future-ready