Case study: Chestnut Hill North Apartments rooftop and carport solar project
Solar PV projects for multifamily / apartment buildings is often tricky. How will the solar energy be divided among renters and common loads? How will the property owners benefit? Franklin Properties, a leading multifamily residential building owner and developer, has undertaken a significant solar energy project in partnership with SMA America and PurePoint Energy that exemplifies how strategic investments in solar energy can yield substantial economic and environmental benefits.
This Chestnut Hill North apartment case study underscores the transformative potential of solar energy in the real estate sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. Let’s see how they did it.
Chestnut Hill North Apartments solar project
Through its affiliate Franklin Construction, Franklin Properties has a rich history dating back to 1917. Founded by Francesco Tagliatela, the company evolved from a homebuilding business into a multifaceted real estate enterprise under the leadership of Louis Tagliatela Sr. and his family. Today, Franklin Communities, managed by Louis Tagliatela Jr. and his daughter Lauren, comprises over 800 multifamily residences throughout Greater New Haven, Connecticut.
The Chestnut Hill North apartment buildings represent a flagship project in Franklin Properties’ solar energy venture — a project that combines both rooftop and carport arrays.
Established in 2007, PurePoint Energy specializes in customized solar energy installations and storage solutions for various property types. Sharing a similar mission to that of Franklin Properties, the team at PurePoint is dedicated to enhancing communities with environmentally sound and concise solutions. PurePoint Energy’s renewable expertise and reliable post-installation support make them an ideal partner for Franklin’s ambitious solar energy initiatives.
The Chestnut Hill North buildings are now equipped with SMA America’s CORE1 50 kW and 62.5 kW inverters, coupled with the SMA Data Manager M. This optimized design is set up to maximize energy efficiency and streamline energy management.
Master Metering and Submetering
A key feature of this project is the implementation of master metering for common areas and modern submetering for individual units. Connecticut law, regulated by the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), permits submetering when electric power is supplied by a Class 1 renewable energy source like solar. This regulatory framework supports Franklin Properties’ strategy to enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable living.
Electrical Submetering Benefits
The new submetering system provides detailed data on energy consumption for each tenant unit and common areas. This individualized visibility allows building managers to monitor energy efficiency effectively while identifying opportunities for continued improvements. Additionally, automated billing software integrated with the submeters simplifies tenant billing, enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.
Multifamily Revenue Generation
Beyond the intrinsic benefits providing solar to a community offers, investing in a renewable energy source creates a new revenue stream for Franklin Properties. By generating their own electricity, they reduce reliance on the grid which delivers lower operational costs. These savings can be reinvested directly into the community, enhancing amenities, infrastructure and services for residents.
Environmental Benefits
These solar installations significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the Chestnut Hill North apartment buildings. By leveraging renewable energy, Franklin Properties is contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting a greener, more sustainable future for their residents and the greater community.
Solar Inverter Selection
The Sunny Tripower CORE1 inverters from SMA America are central to the project’s success. These inverters are known for their high efficiency, reliability and ease of installation.
“We’ve been using SMA inverters for 15 years,” said Tom Wemyss, CEO of PurePoint Energy. “I’ve always felt that SMA was the gold standard. I like how the inverters can do IV Curve Tracing and give a benchmark at the start of the project. The monitoring platform is also helpful when evaluating the system performance.”
The 50 kW and 62.5 kW models are particularly suited for large-scale residential projects like Chestnut Hill North, ensuring optimal performance and energy yield. The Data Manager M enhances the system’s efficiency by providing real-time data on energy production and consumption. This sophisticated tool enables proactive maintenance and management, helping to ensure the solar installations operate at peak efficiency.
The Power of Partnership
The Chestnut Hill North apartment buildings are now a model of sustainability, demonstrating the viability and advantages of renewable energy within multifamily residential settings.
Through this project, Franklin Properties has reinforced its position as a leader in sustainable development. The integration of advanced solar technologies and energy management systems not only enhances the efficiency and profitability of their properties but also contributes to a cleaner, greener future for the community.
The collaboration with SMA America and PurePoint Energy has empowered Franklin Properties to achieve their sustainability goals, creating a replicable model for other property owners and developers.
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