Apartment community solar energy installations are just plain cool. Literally! We consulted and implemented on a project over in Decatur Georgia. This property was built in 1969. We highlight that because we want our readers to not think that the age of an asset precludes the options of increasing efficiency.

Conversion Saved Money And Energy

There were two key components on this project. Solar panel installation and a total replacement of hallway and external fixtures from incandescent, quartz and HPS (high pressure sodium) to LED fixtures.

Solar energy options are becoming much more affordable everyday. Back in 1977 the price per watt was over $76.00!!!! As of 2015 it was down to $0.57/watt and it continues to drop. Not only have the costs dropped but the efficiency and output of solar products has improved dramatically.

Real estate & property management professionals interests in solar solutions continue to be on the rise. With the upward trend of “going green” continuing to be a consumer direction, real estate assets are continuing to rethink their development projects. A full retrofit can be extremely costly which is why reviewing conversion options with existing hardware becomes very appealing.
The same financial awareness trend can be said of LED technology. With the initial cost being much lower than its inception into the marketplace and the quicker ROI availability on the investment, a real estate asset can now realistically review sustainable options.

Solar Energy Solutions & LED Conversion

Let’s shift gears back to this particular project. This apartment community needed higher quality lighting for its mailroom area and for its signage at the entrance of the apartment community. Both of those items were satisfied with solar energy solutions. Stairwell and hallway lighting needed to move from an incandescent fixture to a LED. Lighting on the exterior of the building also needed to be converted into sustainable cost effective solution.

In total there were 513 fixtures converted from incandescent, quartz and HPS to LED fixtures. The mail area and front entrance signage were converted to a solar solution. With all of the calculations the apartment community reduced its energy costs by 76%.  Be sure to check out our more comprehensive post on LED.

Achieving those types of costs reductions do not come by conventional means. This is where our expertise comes into play. We are the point of contact to secure those kinds of results and to make available to the asset our purchasing power, warranties and rebates.

Looking to perform a retrofit on your asset?  Be sure to connect with us for a consultation.