Installation Comparison
Apartment Installation
Portable Systems
No permanent mounting, easy to move
Landlord Permission
Usually required, but portable systems often OK
Limited Space
Smaller balconies restrict system size
HOA Restrictions
More likely to face restrictions
House Installation
Permanent Mounting
Can install larger, more permanent systems
More Space
Larger balconies/patios allow bigger systems
Fewer Restrictions
More control over installation
Permits Often Required
Building permits more likely needed
Key Differences
| Factor | Apartment | House |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Type | Portable preferred | Permanent OK |
| System Size | 200W-600W typical | 400W-800W typical |
| Permits | Rarely needed | Often required |
| HOA Approval | Usually required | Sometimes needed |
| Landlord Permission | Required | N/A (owner) |
| ROI Potential | Good (smaller system) | Better (larger system) |
Pro Tip
Both apartment and house installations can be profitable. Calculate your specific ROI with our free calculator to see which system size works best for your situation.