Blog Post

What Are The Benefits of Installing Solar In Your Rental Property

Dustin Edwards • Sep 12, 2023

California is becoming more electrified, and as the need for power increases, the price increases along with it. Installing solar in your rental may not be a worthwhile investment at first. However, many tenants are leaning towards renewable energy, and promoting your rental can increase its visibility in the market. Although it is an additional expense, solar power has come a long way in the last decade, and with the increase in the electricity price, solar panels have been shown to pay for themselves far sooner than they did ten years ago.


Below is a short list of benefits you should notice after installing solar power in your rental property.


Tenant Satisfaction

Rental vacancies bring passive income from the unit to a halt. They not only stop you from earning, it's a negative cash flow as it costs money to prepare the unit before listing it again. The best way to avoid this is to keep your current tenants or find tenants looking for a place to live long-term.


As previously mentioned, some tenants gravitate towards renewable energy sources, which can increase the eyes on your rental or be the deciding factor for tenants not to move. Especially if their
electric bill is significantly lower, combining solar panels with other energy-efficient appliances can reduce overall energy consumption even more. This can lead to more comfortable living for your tenants. A happy tenant means a long-term tenant.


Gaining a Competitive Edge

The housing market can vary from year to year, though installing solar panels does give you a competitive edge. There is a growing demand for eco-friendly housing, and you can have your rental stand out by branding your rental as a “Green” rental. This will attract tenants who prioritize sustainability. It's best to add other eco-friendly electrical upgrades, including:


  • Smart Lighting
  • Energy Efficient Appliances
  • Smart Irrigation Systems
  • LED Lighting
  • Drought Resistant Lawn


Tenants looking for “green” housing are aware of their energy consumption. They prefer to stay in one location for long periods to minimize their perceived carbon footprint. If they move into your eco-friendly rental, you’ll likely have found the long-term tenants you sought. Properties with solar panels may also command a higher rental rate when compared to rentals without.


Reduced Operating Costs

Solar panels can significantly lower a property's total operating costs. Granted, this requires additional battery investment to store the power the solar panels collected. As they generate electricity from sunlight, they can reduce utility bills for common areas, shared spaces, and security lights. 


Although installing solar on a rental is a sizable investment, the average time it takes for the panels to pay for themselves is about eight years in California. Due to the great weather we get, maintenance on solar panels is typically low and consists of inspecting batteries (if installed) and wiping down the solar panels once a year. However, it is said that allowing rainwater to rinse them off is enough. 


Increased Property Value

On average, the upfront cost of installing a solar power system is between $12,000 and $16,000 for a 5 kilowatt system. This is enough power to accommodate homes of up to four bedrooms. After the roughly eight-year period where the panels essentially pay for themselves, the investment becomes reflected in your rental property value. If you ever decide to sell in the future, the solar system can be seen as more attractive to potential buyers. 


Installing a solar power system for your rental may seem expensive. However, patients usually pay for themselves. If you’re interested in installing a solar power system in your rental or need help deciding if solar power is correct, 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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