How Much Solar Do I Need For A Multi-Family Housing?

The rise of multi-family housing units—apartments, condominiums, and townhouses—presents a unique opportunity for large-scale solar energy adoption. 

According to the Canadian Centre for Energy Information, multi-family buildings account for a significant portion of residential energy consumption, with an average unit consuming roughly 3,400 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year.

The size and cost of solar installation Calgary for multi-family buildings varies considerably. Many factors dictate the size and the final price, including the amount of usable roof space, your local utility’s solar policies, your budget constraints, and how much you aim to reduce your energy consumption.

Factors Affecting Solar Needs for Multi-Family Housing

Multifamily and commercial solar installations can demonstrate different factors. Project sizes may go from a very small 1.8 kW system to a large-scale 1.6 MW setup. The usual solar power size installed in Western Canada was 55 kW, which cost approximately $110,000 before any financial incentives were applied.

Building Electrical Consumption

• Examine past energy costs for both the entire building and individual units. Analyze monthly and annual kWh consumption to understand peak usage periods.
• Distinguish between common area consumption (lighting, hallways, laundry) and individual unit consumption (appliances, heating/cooling).

Building Type and Size

Residential buildings consume less electricity compared to commercial buildings with higher lighting, ventilation, and equipment loads. Larger buildings with more floor space and occupants naturally have higher electricity demands. The International Energy Agency says building operation is a major driver of global energy demand, consuming 30% of the final energy used worldwide

End-Use Categories

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

These are often the largest power consumers in buildings, responsible for up to 40% of total consumption. Factors like building envelope efficiency, climate control settings, and HVAC type all influence renewable energy solutions.

Lighting

Lighting systems contribute to energy consumption in solar panel installations, especially commercial buildings. Transitioning to LED lighting with higher efficiency and occupancy sensors reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Appliances and Electronics

The type and usage patterns of appliances and electronics in a building impact electricity consumption. Electricity usage of star-rated appliances and responsible user behaviour contribute to lower overall use.

Water Heating

Electric water heaters are a major contributor to electricity consumption, especially in multi-family buildings with centralized hot water systems. Heat pump water heaters offer a more efficient alternative.

Automation Systems

Elevators, security systems, and other miscellaneous equipment all consume power and contribute to a building’s overall electricity consumption.

Roof Suitability and Available Space

Roof Area and Geometry

Measure the south-facing roof area (in square meters) precisely for optimal sunlight exposure for your solar modules. When calculating usable space, account for obstructions like vents, skylights, and parapets. Complex roof shapes require specialized mounting systems to maximize solar panel placement and solar potential.

Solar Irradiance

Analyze the roof’s sun exposure throughout the day using a solar irradiance map or software. Ideally, south-facing roofs with a tilt angle between 30 and 40 degrees offer optimal solar power exposure throughout the day. East and west-facing roofs are viable but with lower efficiency.

Structural Capacity

Ensure the roof structure supports the additional mass of installing solar panels and mounting systems. A qualified engineer or solar contractor may conduct a structural analysis, especially for older buildings, to verify the load-bearing capacity of solar panels. Factors like ceiling material, rafter size, and spacing all influence structural capacity and energy costs.

Dwelling Size

Note: These figures are just estimates, and the actual numbers depend on the energy needs, location, and solar potential.  

Local Climate and Sun Hours

• Calgary boasts an average annual temperature of 5.1°C (41°F). Winters are long and cold, with average January temperatures of -9.5°C (15°F) and frequent snowfall. Summers are relatively warm, with average July temperatures of 17.8°C (64°F) in Western Canada.
• Calgary homeowners receive an average of 5.2 Peak Sun Hours (PSH) per day throughout the year. PSH measures the amount of solar radiation reaching the earth’s surface, expressed as the equivalent number of hours of direct sunlight.
• Sun hours vary significantly throughout the year. Summer boasts longer days, with an average of 16.4 PSH in June, while winter experiences much shorter days, with only 4.3 PSH in December.

Occupancy Rates and Future Growth

A higher occupancy rate leads to greater electricity demand (power bills), requiring a larger solar system. Consider future expansion plans and potential increases in energy needs.

Building Thermal Performance

Implementing energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting reduces overall electricity consumption, lowering the required solar panel capacity to offset energy needs.

A well-insulated building envelope minimizes heat loss/gain, reducing reliance on HVAC systems. Improved thermal performance results in a smaller solar system requirement.

Calculating Estimated Solar Energy Production

Solar panels are rated in watts based on their power output under ideal conditions. A 60-cell monocrystalline panel has a capacity of 320W. The total solar power capacity is the sum of individual panel wattages. Several online solar calculators estimate the annual solar energy production for your multi-family housing complex like:

Upfront Costs of Solar Panel Installation for Multi-Family Housing

System Components

• Solar panels’ cost varies based on efficiency (more efficient = higher upfront cost, potentially higher long-term electricity generation). A typical range for high-efficiency panels in Canada is $1.50 – $2.00 per watt.
• The cost of an inverter depends on the system size and the type of inverter (string vs. microinverters). Expect to pay $0.50 – $1.00 per watt.

Balance of System Costs

• Mounting system cost varies depending on roof type (flat vs. pitched) and complexity. Flat roof systems require additional ballast for stability, thus increasing costs. Budget around $0.30 – $0.75 per watt.
• BOS equipment includes wiring, cabling, junction boxes, and monitoring equipment. Expect to pay $0.25 – $0.50 per watt.
• Permitting and inspection fees are also location-dependent and depend on project size, but they range from $1,000 to $5,000 CAD for multi-family installations.

Solar PV System Cost Benchmarks

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory shared its findings in a report entitled “Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) Photovoltaics (PV) System Cost and Performance Assumptions for Fiscal Year 2024.” This report highlights the Minimum Sustainable Price (MSP) and Modeled Market Price (MMP) benchmarks for solar PV systems.

Unlocking Solar Savings for Your Multi-Family Property

To determine the ideal solar panel system size for your multi-family housing complex requires careful analysis. Make sure to have the right size of solar installation for maximum energy production and solar savings.

Contact MAG Solar today for a free consultation, quality work and exceptional service. Let certified solar installers assess your energy needs, roof space, and budget to design a customized solar setup based on your needs. Discover your housing’s solar potential and maximize return on investment with the right number of solar panels in Calgary.

Reduce your carbon footprint with MAG Solar’s reliable solar panel installation services.