How to Sell the Benefits of Solar Panels to Your Landlord
- Guest Writer
- Apr 8
- 6 min read
As a renter, you may feel powerless to make meaningful environmental or cost-saving changes to your home - but, thankfully, that’s not entirely true. In fact, one of the most impactful upgrades you can initiate is installing solar panels, you just need to convince your landlord first. Luckily, solar has gone mainstream, and many landlords are open to hearing about ways to boost their property value while saving on energy.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are now nearly 4 million solar-powered households across the U.S., and costs have plummeted by nearly 40% over the past decade. With an array of financial incentives and proven benefits, solar panels are no longer a niche or luxury feature - they’re smart property upgrades with staying power.
The Benefits of Solar Panels for Landlords
Installing a photovoltaic (PV) system has numerous benefits for the property owner. It's helpful to understand these before trying to convince your landlord to install solar.
1. Reduce Operating Costs
If the landlord pays for shared or common-area electricity - such as hallway lighting, security systems, or HVAC systems - solar panels can significantly reduce monthly utility bills. This is especially valuable in multifamily buildings or commercial units with high daytime energy consumption; for landlords who include utilities in the rent, solar panels offer a way to stabilize costs and prevent rate hikes, particularly as energy prices continue to climb.
2. Increase Property Value
Solar panels are a premium upgrade. According to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, homes with solar sell for $15,000 more on average - that’s a solid return, especially for landlords interested in increasing long-term asset value. Even if your landlord isn’t planning to sell, a higher property valuation boosts equity and can be leveraged for future loans or renovations.
3. Take Advantage of Solar Tax Incentives
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently allows property owners to deduct 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from federal taxes through 2032 - this benefit alone makes the upfront cost of solar far more manageable.
In addition, landlords may qualify for accelerated depreciation under government solar incentives like the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), allowing them to depreciate the solar installation over five years - this is the kind of thing any savvy landlord will want to know about - and act upon.
4. Improve Tenant Retention and Appeal
Solar energy is increasingly attractive to tenants, with more and more renters considering green energy options when selecting a home or office space - eco-friendly upgrades make rental properties more competitive and can justify a slightly higher rent.
Happy tenants are also more likely to stay long-term, reducing turnover and vacancy rates; ultimately, a landlord’s reputation for sustainability can attract a responsible tenant base while contributing positively to the community.
5. Environmental Benefits
From an environmental perspective, solar panels significantly reduce carbon emissions, air pollutants, and reliance on fossil fuels; each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar-generated electricity offsets greenhouse gases and improves air quality.
For landlords, this translates into a positive brand image, particularly for businesses or commercial properties trying to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
Solar panels paired with battery storage systems also provide energy resilience in the face of blackouts or extreme weather - an increasing concern in many parts of the U.S.
Addressing Common Objections
When speaking about the benefits of solar panels for landlords, you're likely to encounter some concerns.
1. Upfront Costs
The most common concern is cost; even with reduced prices, a solar installation can run from $10,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on system size and location.
Solution: Highlight financing options such as:
Solar leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) where third-party companies install and own the system, and the landlord pays a monthly fee - often lower than the current electricity bill
Solar loans that require no upfront payment and allow the landlord to own the system while using the energy savings to pay off the loan
Federal and state incentives that significantly reduce the effective cost
In cases where there’s confusion or conflict about lease responsibilities or improvement rights, it may be wise to consult with legal resources to clarify positions and expectations - whatever can be done to prevent attorney demand letters from flying around between parties is worth doing
2. Solar Installation Disruption
Your landlord may be concerned about noise, tenant inconvenience, or structural risks during installation.
Solution: Reassure them that most solar installations are completed within 1–3 days, and professional installers handle everything, including solar permitting, inspection, and mounting. Plus, many solar providers also offer warranties on both the solar panels and the roof penetrations.
3. Roof Suitability or Aesthetic Concerns
If your building has limited sun exposure or a complex roof layout, your landlord may worry that solar panels aren’t a good fit, while others may dislike how panels look.
Solution: Offer to contact a local installer for a free solar feasibility assessment, as most companies provide digital mock-ups and simulations. Highlight the availability of all-black panel designs that blend with roofing materials.
Also, ensure proper roofing ventilation is considered to maintain efficiency and prevent overheating. If the roof truly isn’t suitable, propose community solar programs or ground-mounted solar systems (if applicable).
4. Impact of Solar Panel Manufacturing
A valid critique is that producing solar panels requires energy and materials, including rare earth metals, and the recycling infrastructure is still developing.
Solution: Acknowledge this concern, but also point out that the average energy payback time is only 1-4 years, after which panels produce clean energy for decades. Over their lifetime, solar panels more than offset their production footprint, and recycling technologies are rapidly improving.
5. Disputes or Damage from Solar Renovation Projects
In rare cases, disputes can arise between tenants and landlords - especially if damage occurs during renovations or solar installations, or if either party feels their rights have been violated.
Solution: The first step is choosing a reputable solar installer—checking reviews, solar installer certifications, and track record can significantly reduce the risk of roof-related issues from the start. However, if there is property damage after the installation, open communication is key: calmly discussing the problem and reviewing the lease agreement can often lead to a fair resolution.
Failing that, whether you’re a tenant seeking compensation for property damage or a landlord addressing unexpected costs caused by a tenant’s actions, a demand letter from an attorney can be a productive way to formally request reimbursement or resolution; it can also help to avoid escalation and set the tone for a legal resolution if needed.
How to Make the Solar Pitch to Landlords
Following these simple steps can help you articulate the benefits of solar panels for landlords.
Step 1: Prepare Your Research
Start by gathering:
Local solar installer quotes or estimates
Information on federal/state incentives (e.g., ITC, MACRS, net metering)
A breakdown of average energy consumption and savings for similar properties
A list of available financing options
Step 2: Frame It as a Win-Win for Landlords and Tenants
Make it clear this isn’t just for your benefit - it’s an investment opportunity. Frame the pitch around ROI, increased property value, tenant satisfaction, and energy independence.
Step 3: Offer to Help
Your landlord may be overwhelmed by the idea of managing a solar project. Offer to research local installers, gather quotes, or even coordinate the first consultation - the more work you take off their plate, the better.
Step 4: Be Flexible
If your landlord hesitates, suggest smaller steps:
Start with a solar assessment
Look into community solar participation
Consider adding panels when the roof is next replaced
Persistence pays off - plant the seed and check back after a few months if the answer is initially no; it’s not about being a pest - sometimes a change of perspective on these topics takes time to percolate.
Sample Script or Email to Your Landlord
This template is helpful for communicating about the benefits of solar panels for landlords.
Subject: Exploring Solar for [Property Address] – A Win-Win Opportunity
Hi [Landlord's Name],
I hope you're doing well! I’ve been researching solar energy and wanted to share an idea that could really benefit both of us. Have you considered installing solar panels on the building?
With current federal incentives, like the 30% tax credit and possible state/local rebates, the upfront cost is significantly reduced. Many landlords are finding that solar not only increases property value but also reduces operating costs and helps attract and retain tenants who value sustainability.
There are even financing options like solar leases or Power Purchase Agreements, where no money is needed upfront, and you still benefit from reduced electricity costs.
I’d be happy to gather quotes or information from local installers to explore feasibility - many companies actually provide free site assessments and can handle all the permitting and logistics.
Let me know if you’d be open to chatting about this - I really believe it could be a smart investment for the property.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Unit]
[Contact Info]
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Solar Panels for Landlords
The transition to clean energy is happening - and renters can play a vital role in speeding it up. By thoughtfully pitching the benefits of solar to your landlord and offering solutions to common concerns, you position yourself as a proactive, responsible tenant while creating the potential for long-term environmental and financial rewards for everyone involved.
Whether your landlord is motivated by savings, sustainability, or property value, solar checks the boxes. With the right approach, some solid data, and a cooperative mindset, you might just inspire them to take the leap.
Comments