Property managers are motivated to switch to solar power to improve their operations, respond to rising prices, and comply with new regulations. In states with programs designed to move utility providers toward a more sustainable future, the property managers of multi-unit facilities are community leaders whose actions can set powerful examples.
While the benefits of solar are better known for single-family homes, multi-unit facilities can also reduce energy costs by switching to solar power. This guide reviews the benefits of local solar installations for multi-unit facilities and the financing options available to facility owners.
The Applications of Solar Power in Multi-Unit Facilities
For facility owners, solar installations can improve energy efficiency and reduce monthly energy costs. However, the distribution of these cost savings will depend on the facility’s layout and the installation’s deployment.
For example, installing solar power in common areas of multi-unit facilities can help owners offset monthly costs without affecting each unit’s infrastructure. By lowering these properties’ power bills, owners can reduce their individual bills and lower periodic assessments and fees charged to tenants. Common areas include elevators, hallways, pools, lobbies, clubhouses, service rooms, and more, including the utilities required to operate them, such as general lighting and HVAC systems.
Alternatively, facility owners could invest in solar for each of their family housing units. In this model, the unit owners typically assume system ownership responsibilities. This approach can reduce the facility owner’s responsibilities but may create oversight challenges, especially when multiple units share a single roof.
Each facility is different, so a solar installer’s first task will be to assess the roof space and condition and compare the building’s needs to the owner’s budget. Calculating return on investment begins with finding a qualified local solar provider who can perform an accurate on-site assessment and select the project model that makes the most sense.
How to Find a Qualified Local Solar Provider
While nationwide chains offer brand recognition, the efficiency of a solar array often depends on how well it is customized to a specific region’s climate and conditions. For owners of multi-unit facilities, power efficiency and material costs can significantly affect their break-even timeline, making the choice of provider even more important.
Consider these factors when choosing a local provider to handle your solar installation process:
- Certifications and Licenses: Reputable providers can offer proof of compliance, safety reports, or local service licenses to certify their work.
- Reputation and Experience: Look for providers with experience managing solar arrays for multi-unit facilities, with a strong online reputation and transparent testimonials. Prioritize locally run and operated installers to make sure they’re familiar with local permitting requirements, regulations, and environmental conditions.
- Insurance: Experienced solar installers provide insurance to protect the property owner from liability for property damage, worker injuries, or other incidents during installation.
- Subcontractor Use: Some solar providers hire subcontractors to do some or all of the installation work. If this is the case, inquire about their credentials and experience to make sure that those doing the work are qualified.
- Transparency: None of the information needed to make an informed decision about a provider should be difficult to find. Experienced local providers should be forthcoming with their licenses and records to assure new clients that they are qualified to handle their solar arrays from inspection to installation.
The Essential Takeaway: Local providers bring experience in a specific area, relationships with local subcontractors, and transparent, in-person communication to make upgrading a multi-unit facility to solar power as easy as possible.
How to Deploy Solar Installations in Multi-Unit Facilities
Rising energy costs pose a significant risk to the owners of multi-family facilities. If electricity costs for cooling and heating increase, landlords must decide whether the extra costs come out of their operating income or their tenants’ utility bills. The real choice in that scenario is between lower profits and a higher risk of vacancy, either of which will only strain the facility’s energy crisis further.
Local solar installers help multi-facility owners plan their solar arrays based on their facility layouts and long-term energy savings goals. With experienced support, solar can be installed and deployed even in large facilities without compromising operating budgets or tenant retention rates.
Act Now to Save on Your Power Bills
Every day, material and installation costs rise due to inflation and transportation costs. The sooner your multi-unit facility is equipped with solar power, the easier it will be to recoup rising upfront costs with lower energy bills. At Energy Select, our experienced local installers provide transparent communication, upfront estimates, and detailed site assessments to give you the data you need to make an informed decision for your facility.
Contact our team to start saving with customized solar power solutions for multi-unit facilities. We offer local on-site assessments and instant price estimates to help facility owners make the right decision quickly.