Blog Post

How Do I Know if Solar is Right For My Rental Property?

Dustin Edwards • Sep 19, 2023

Many homeowners have begun to adopt photovoltaic (PV)/Solar systems. Yet landlords can also benefit from solar.


Why would you want to install
solar on a rental? After all, you’re not living in the rental. Only your tenant will benefit. 


There are many benefits to installing solar for your rental, including an increase in property value, commanding a higher rent, tenant satisfaction, and gaining a competitive edge in the green housing market. In today’s article, we’ll go over whether or not solar is suitable for your rental property and how to get the most out of your solar panels if you decide to install a photovoltaic system.


Proactive Compliance

As of 2020, new construction, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), single-family homes, condominiums, or apartment buildings less than three stories high, requires a photovoltaic/solar (PV) system. There are some exceptions to the rule, such as the roof of the building being too small to accommodate solar panels, the roof needing more direct or sufficient sunlight, or if the home has access to a communal solar system. This was done to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California.


Installing solar in your house in Southern California almost feels like an emergency. Why not install them before regulations change and take advantage of the incentives for installing solar panels, which can provide a tax credit that ranges between 26%-30% of the project's total cost when completed?


Property Improvements

If you are already in the process of doing upgrades or maintenance to your rental property, consider a solar system. Installing a solar system on your rental may have hidden requirements depending on the age and condition of the building. Older buildings may need electrical upgrades to keep up with modern technologies, while roofs must be inspected regularly after fifteen years. However, installing said solar system is an excellent time if you are already upgrading the electrical and/or re-doing the roof. This way, everything is installed simultaneously, making it easier to keep track of maintenance and quality of the property. 


Conversely, if you plan on installing a solar panel system, it's a great time to inspect your roof and electrical systems to ensure they can handle the new load.


Building’s Orientation

Solar power can only be collected more efficiently when solar panels have clear access to direct sunlight. This means some older homes aren’t built in an orientation that makes managing solar power easy. If too many obstructions exist, such as other buildings, walls, or trees, your solar panels may never be in direct sunlight long enough to efficiently collect solar power.


The sun moves across the sky, rising from the east and setting in the west. While oversimplified, solar panels angled in these directions typically provide the most direct sunlight. Depending on what side of the roof the panels are installed can change how much power is generated, though this isn’t the only element to consider. For example, installing solar panels angled towards the east provides more sunlight, yet your tenants won’t be home to use a solar battery unless you've established a solar battery. If you install the panels facing west, they’ll be less efficient during the sunniest part of the day, yet more power will be generated when power is most expensive.


If your property’s roof is angled from north to south, you’re not out of luck yet. Panels installed on the south side of a home tend to be most efficient during winter.


Solar panels seem like an expensive investment at first, though on average, they pay for themselves within ten years. If you should install a solar power system or need help managing your properties with solar, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our
Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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