This sounds like a nice idea but I would imagine either their electrical usage is _really_ low already or this is being given more praise than it deserves.

From the article, it seems like they're typically installing 2 - 300-watt solar panels. Most they can install is 800-watt without a certification.

Apartments here in the US, at least where I am, have a typical usage of 300 - 800 kW, which is a lot more than 800 watts.

Perhaps no A/C, using natural light more, fewer appliances attribute to a much lower monthly usage in Europe than they do in the US?

If you can do it, then do it but I don't think it would be as worthwhile here in the US.

*EDIT* I am likely thinking incorrectly on this. I am still skeptical of it being useful but not necessarily for that above.