| type="text/javascript"> ch_client = "articlealley"; | | | | laptop and TV off the grid. But they're a good backup |
| ch_type = "mpu"; ch_width = 590; ch_height = 250; | | | | power source if you live in a place with frequent |
| ch_non_contextual = 4; ch_noborders = 1; ch_vertical | | | | power outages. And they're a great way to keep your |
| ="premium"; ch_sid = "590x250 Article Mixed Top"; | | | | rechargeable batteries fully charged. |
| ch_alternate_ad_url = " var ch_queries = new Array( | | | | 2) Talk your landlord into installing a solar panel system |
| ); var | | | | for the whole building. You might be able to get |
| h)); if ( ch_selected < ch_queries.length ) { ch_query = | | | | together with some neighbors and make a |
| ch_queries[ch_selected]; } You know about the | | | | presentation to your landlord. This approach can be |
| energy benefits that are possible from switching to | | | | especially effective if your apartment building is located |
| solar energy from traditional power-plant energy. | | | | in a city or town where solar energy is popular and |
| Maybe you would like to live off the grid because you | | | | already being used. You'll have to gather some data |
| care about the environment and want to reduce your | | | | from the local utility company to find out what their |
| carbon footprint. But there's a problem...you live in an | | | | policy is on buying back energy from solar installations, |
| apartment, so you're not about to invest several | | | | and how much money your landlord might save from |
| thousand dollars into solar panels for your home. What | | | | installing solar panels. Do some research on state and |
| are your options? | | | | local tax credits for installing solar energy systems. |
| Here are three ideas that can help you realize your | | | | Also, find out if there are any other apartment |
| dream of using solar power: | | | | complexes in your town (or even nearby towns) that |
| 1) Invest in your own portable solar panels for your | | | | use solar energy, and ask them how they market that |
| small appliances. If you have a window, patio, deck or | | | | fact to their future renters. The plan is to show your |
| balcony that gets enough sunlight during the day, you | | | | landlord that he can save money on utilities, and |
| can get a portable solar charger that will collect the | | | | decrease vacancies because renters would rather live |
| sunlight and store enough of it to recharge your laptop | | | | in energy efficient apartments. With a little research, |
| or power your TV. These portable systems will only | | | | you can come up with a presentation showing your |
| provide an hour or two of use, though. And the cost of | | | | landlord that solar panels are a good business decision. |
| portable panels isn't yet cheaper than running your | | | | |