Solar for Multifamily & Mixed-Use Buildings
Lower your operating costs and demonstrate your commitment to ESG principles, while enhancing your sustainable building portfolio.
Solar Solutions for Your Next Project
Electric rates are rapidly rising, making solar a great investment to save on electric bills for 30+ years by reducing operating costs in non-revenue spaces (lobbies, corridors, common spaces, etc.). Incentives like the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit for solar and accelerated depreciation make taking strides toward your climate goals with solar even more affordable.
On top of that, installing solar can help you gain a market advantage in the crowded multifamily sector by attracting residents who value sustainability. Add resale value to the property while having a visible way to show your community and other stakeholders your commitment to sustainability and clean energy.
Southern Energy Management can help you reach your ESG, sustainability, and market differentiation goals with these solar services:
- Solar Analysis
- Solar System Design & Installation
- Solar Project Management
- Project Consulting
- Solar Incentive Analysis (Utility/Tax)
- Net Zero Community Program
Get a Free Solar Analysis
Ready to see if solar is a fit for your project? Whether your project is still in design or construction is already complete, fill out the form for a free solar consultation.
Solar Services for Commercial Projects
Whether your project is industrial or multifamily, has a flat roof or sloped roof, or anything in-between, we can help find the right solar solutions for your project.
Sloped Roof Solar
Traditional shingled roofs feature a racking system that anchors to the roof rafters. Penetrations are covered by our workmanship warrant. For metal roofing, panels are attached using clamps, reducing penetrations.
Flat Roof Solar
On a flat roof, panels are installed using a ballasted system with a ballast tray that is weighted down with slip pads to protect the roof membrane. For a flat metal roof, we install the panels with a clamp system.
Aesthetic Structures
Partnering with Spotlight Solar to offer solar tree and solar powered shelters. Coupling an aesthetic solar structure with a rooftop solar system reminds residents of the property’s environmental commitment.
Solar Feasibility & Project Management
For projects outside of our installation service area, we can provide a solar feasibility study, solar incentive analysis, and project management support.
Marketing & Sales Support
Virtual or onsite sales team training, signage, data and talking points to share your sustainability story, and more!
Curious about solar?
Getting started is easy! Schedule a free site evaluation with Mike, our commercial solar educator, to learn if your project is a good fit for solar.
Why Solar for Multifamily & Commercial Properties?
Save Money
Producing your own solar energy saves money on your electricity bill each month by reducing operating costs in common areas.
Avoid Rising Energy Bills
As utility rates rise over time, your solar savings will become even more valuable, protecting you from higher electric bills.
Solar Incentives
Organizations can save 30% on the cost of a solar system with the Federal Tax Credit for solar. Additional incentives may apply.
Support Your ESG Goals
Generating renewable solar energy reduces pollution, supports your community, and helps demonstrate your commitment to caring for our environment.
Our Multifamily Solar Process
We can fit solar into your project at any stage, whether you’re in the design phase or have already completed construction. Our process is designed to educate and empower you so you can make a smart solar decision.
01. Review Your Project Goals
We kick off your project with a discovery call where you walk through your project and goals with our solar educator, Mike. He'll answer your questions and collect all the necessary info we need to provide your solar analysis. Fill out a free solar assessment request form to get started.
02. Determine Your Energy Needs
Next, we determine how much common space electric consumption can be offset by installing solar modules.
- New build projects: We analyze construction plans, and work with our Multifamily & Commercial Sustainability Services team to create an energy model that will determine the kWh consumption of the common spaces and shared amenities.
- Existing build projects: We'll need at least one electric bill to get a sense of the amount of energy we need to offset based on your building's usage.
03. Designing Your System
Our Solar Team determines the location and number of modules we can fit on the roof after accounting for fire code setbacks and shading. The result is a solar design which provides expectations for annual kWh production which we compare to kWh consumption estimates from our energy model to determine your solar offset percentage!
04. Solar Installation
Our in-house project management and installation teams handle the entire install from permitting to final inspections. For new construction builds, we'll coordinate with your project teams to make sure our solar install process fits within your construction timelines.
05. See Your Savings!
We wrap up your solar project with a system orientation so your operations team understands how your system works. Our team can also provide marketing and sales team support so you have all the talking points, pretty pictures, and collateral to share your solar story!
Ready to Get Started?
Request a free solar evaluation today.
Recent Multifamily & Mixed-Use Solar Project Samples
NOVEL University Place
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Programs: NGBS Silver, Fitwel, Solar
- Solar PV: 58.05 kW
- Developer: Crescent Communities
- Architect: Cline Design
- Contractor: Crescent Communities
Joinery (Phase I)
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Programs: Solar
- Solar PV: 20.16 kW
- Developer: SpaceCraft
The Lawson of Knightdale
- Location: Knightdale, NC
- Programs: NGBS Bronze, Solar
- Solar PV: 143.76 kW
- Developer: WDT Development, LLC
- Architect: Ross/Deckard Architects
- Contractor: Innovative Green Builders Inc.
Providence Row Apartments
- Location: Charlotte, NC
- Programs: Solar
- Solar PV: 36.2 kW
- Developer: Northwood Ravin Partners
The Range on Oleander
- Location: Wilmington, NC
- Programs: Solar
- Solar PV: 7.48 kW
- Architect: Planworx Architecture
FAQs and Resources
Questions? Our solar & building performance experts are here to help!
Schedule a meeting →
- All solar projects are currently eligible for a 30% US Federal Tax Credit (aka Solar Investment Tax Credit)
- The 45L has an increased tax credit for projects that pursue DOE ZERH, which requires being PV Ready
The project’s electric utility does matter when it comes to installing solar on a multifamily building. Different utilities have different policies around how you are compensated for the solar energy you generate. When you compare those policies to the utility’s electric rates, the value of solar can be more or less depending on how solar-friendly the utility’s policies are.
Solar installed on multifamily buildings most often offsets common spaces and shared amenities only (leasing office/ clubhouse, elevators, hallways, pool, etc.).
Solar does not often lead to tenant bill savings at their residence since solar on multifamily buildings is typically used to offset the energy use of common areas.
Usually none for new construction, some renovations require minor upgrades.
Everything!
Most important is maximizing the available unshaded roof space:
- We are limited by fire code setbacks (typically 4 feet) for rooftop obstacles
- Grouping air handlers, vents, etc. closely together increases the amount of solar modules we can fit on the roof
- It’s also helpful to locate obstacles in shaded areas, or near the northern edge of the roof
Your Solar & Building Performance Partner Since 2001
Based out of Raleigh, NC, Southern Energy Management is North Carolina’s oldest local solar company. With over 20 years of experience installing solar since 2001, our team of 180+ solar and building performance professionals have the experience and expertise to find the best solar and building performance solution for any scenario.
Green Building Starter Guide
This quick start PDF guide covers everything you need to know to get started with green building on your next multifamily project!
PDF Guide
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a free assessment to learn more about solar power for your project.
About Us
North Carolina’s solar power and building performance expert. Founded in 2001, we’ve worked for 20+ years to improve the way people make and use energy.
