Solar Finally Makes Sense for Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) Properties
Who Can Benefit?
Property
Owners
Net Zero
Builders
REITS
Tax Credit
Investors
Low Income
Housing
Authorities
For years, solar installation for Apartments and Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) properties has been a huge challenge. Tenant “churn” impacts usage predictability and optimization of system size, making financing these projects nearly impossible. And sizing of systems would have to be very small to limit excess PV generation.
Therefore, what’s in it for the property owner? If it’s not economically feasible and there’s little or no return, why install solar?
Holu Hou Energy’s HoluPower xP Energy Storage System with EnergyShare Technology is the answer. It is the smart solution for Apartment and Multi-Dwelling Unit owners.
HoluPower xP Energy Storage System with EnergyShare Technology is the only technology that allows direct energy sharing between Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) residences.
Holu Hou Energy has completely changed the game for solar installation on MDU properties. We have solved a major technical challenge by creating a non-export system that maximizes generation with little or no loss to the grid. Unlike Community Solar or Virtual Net Metering programs, the HoluPower xP Storage System with EnergyShare Technology does not rely on a Utility or other 3rd Party intermediary to make it economically robust.
Lithium Ion Batteries
Energy Sharing System
Case Study
PV Installation
Type: 164 Unit MDU Apartment Complex
Location: Sunnyvale, California
A productivity powerhouse for MDU’s
EnergyShare
Basically, EnergyShare enables surplus PV generation from a particular residential unit in a sharing “cluster” to be utilized in real time by other units in the “cluster” that have less PV energy than is required to support their energy demand. Even with a cluster of 4 to 6 units, between 35 – 75% of the total generated energy across all units is consumed by other units. That’s energy that would otherwise go out to the grid for very low net-metering compensation, or be curtailed in non-export locations. EnergyShare supercharges the efficiency of the generation.
How EnergyShare Works
6-Cluster example showing in real time the generated solar power imported from and exported to the other units in the Cluster during a 1-hour period
One Month of Real-World Data for a 6-Home Cluster
| MDU Unit ID | PV Generation | Customer Load | HHE Supplied | Utility Suplied | EnergyShare Export to Other Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cluster Unit #1 | 242.6821 | 84.6528 | 79.76 | 19.965 | 317.8645 |
| Cluster Unit #2 | 402.5061 | 562.6679 | 442.9169 | 136.4946 | 177.7972 |
| Cluster Unit #3 | 262.3838 | 463.6491 | 428.7804 | 49.5015 | 147.7826 |
| Cluster Unit #4 | 384.6003 | 422.5233 | 378.347 | 47.7495 | 268.6674 |
| Cluster Unit #5 | 304.3997 | 173.9907 | 123.4177 | 55.5595 | 235.3862 |
| Cluster Unit #6 | 397.1016 | 199.7998 | 170.0176 | 30.683 | 322.6528 |
| Grand Total | 1993.6736 | 1907.2836 | 1620.2396 | 339.9531 | 1470.1507 |
Configuration for Each Residence:
- 3x HHE 16.4kWh ESS per Cluster
- 1x 3.5kW PV per Home
- Non-Export Permit
| kWh | % of Total Customer Load | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Shared kWh from EnergyShare | 1485.18 | 77.9% |
| Total kWh from Utility | 339.95 | 17.8% |
| kWh Energy Exported to Utility | 0.00 | 0.00% |
| Total PV kWh Not Lost to Export @ $0.10/kWh | 1485.18 | 74% |
Very low-usage residences would have been impossible to economically configure for solar only or solar + storage without EnergyShare.
An incredible 78% of total energy for the units in the cluster is supplied by other units in the cluster with EnergyShare.
74% of the PV for the residences in the cluster would have been lost to utility ”curtailment” without EnergyShare.
Bankable and in Commercial Operation for 2 Years
HoluPower with EnergyShare has been in commercial operation for 2 Years for Multi-Dwelling Unit properties.
FAQ's
Are there incentives available for multifamily solar projects?
Many apartment owners may qualify for federal, state, local, or utility-based incentives depending on project eligibility and location.
Can tenants benefit from a solar installation?
Depending on the property’s setup, tenants may benefit through lower utility costs, shared energy programs, or sustainability initiatives!
What types of apartment buildings are suitable for solar?
Solar can be installed on a wide range of multifamily properties, including garden-style apartments, townhome communities, and mid-rise buildings.
How long does a commercial-scale apartment solar project take?
Timelines vary based on project size, permitting requirements, and utility approvals, but a detailed schedule is provided during project planning.