Solar for Multifamily Properties—Designed for Real Savings, Not Sales Quotas.
Boost Net Operating Income (NOI)
Attract Eco-Conscious Tenants
Increase Property Value
Maximize Available Incentives
Let’s run the numbers—no pressure, no sales pitch. Just expert advice designed around your business.
Built for Multifamily Owners and Investors
Multifamily properties face rising energy costs and growing tenant demand for sustainability. At EIP, we help owners turn solar into a strategic advantage—lowering expenses, boosting NOI, and even becoming their tenants’ utility provider. With customized rooftop, carport, and battery-backed systems, we design solutions that maximize revenue and long-term property value—not sales quotas.
Real Results for Multifamily Properties
Solar isn’t just about cutting costs for multifamily owners anymore—it’s about building new income streams, protecting NOI, and future-proofing your property’s value. At EIP, we help you unlock these advantages through strategic consulting, not sales pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to install solar panels for an apartment complex in San Diego in 2025?
In San Diego, solar installations average $2.34 per watt, placing a 100 kW system before incentives at about $234,000. After the 30% federal tax credit, costs drop to around $163,800. This price reflects current rates of $2.33–2.34/W for residential-scale systems and may scale favorably for large multifamily systems.
What solar incentives are available for multifamily properties in San Diego?
Multifamily properties in San Diego can benefit from the Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing (SOMAH) program, offering direct financial incentives for affordable units and benefits to tenants and property owners. There are also legacy benefits from the MASH program (including virtual net metering tariffs), still available via SDG&E.
How long does it take to install solar on a San Diego multifamily building?
Typically, a solar installation on a multifamily property in San Diego takes 3–6 months, from initial evaluation through permitting and utility approval. Actual installation might span just a few weeks, but administrative steps like permitting and interconnection add time.
What is the typical ROI for multifamily solar installations across California, Nevada, Arizona, and the U.S.?
Multifamily solar systems usually pay for themselves in 5–8 years, depending on energy rates, incentive availability, and system size. High daytime use and shared load benefits often make ROI faster and more predictable—particularly with utility rates as high as SDG&E’s.
Can tenants directly benefit from a building's solar energy system?
Yes. Under California’s programs like SOMAH, solar-generated energy and cost savings can be passed directly to tenants through electricity bill credits. Innovative billing platforms (e.g., Ivy’s Virtual Grid) make splitting solar benefits across units manageable and transparent.
Are there financing or shared-savings options for multifamily solar projects?
Yes. Options include PACE financing (C-PACE), which lets property owners finance installations via property tax assessments; also, nonprofit installers like GRID Alternatives offer subsidized programs for affordable housing projects.
How does solar improve property value and rental appeal for multifamily housing?
Solar adds marketability by offering lower utility costs and modern amenities, appealing to rent-conscious tenants. It also boosts overall property value, reduces turnover, and aligns with sustainable branding.
What maintenance does a multifamily solar system require?
These systems are low-maintenance, generally requiring only annual inspections and occasional cleaning. Monitoring systems can quickly flag performance drops, ensuring long-term reliability across units.
Can solar power both common areas and individual units under one system?
Absolutely. Multifamily systems can be configured to power shared spaces (like laundry rooms, lobbies) and individual units through virtual net metering, ensuring fair distribution of benefits even within one system.
How do federal tax credits and local incentives reduce costs for multifamily property owners?
Owners can stack the 30% federal tax credit (ITC) with SOMAH incentives and potential PACE financing to reduce upfront costs by 40–60% or more—making solar much more financially accessible. Solar added to property is also exempt from property tax increases under California law.