A nearly-300 unit apartment complex became the first multi-family housing group in the United States with a shared solar energy system.
According to as press release from Allume Energy, RENU Communities, and esaSolar, on Tuesday, June 28, the Canopy Apartment Villas located in east Orlando annoujnced the successful commissioning of Orlando’s first behind-the-meter, shared solar system in a multi-family building.
The shared solar system will generate clean, renewable electricity for the 296 units that comprise the apartment complex, which is located at 5762 Folkstone Lane. Residents of the community will be able to subscribe to a portion of the solar energy produced, offsetting the cost of their individual electricity bills. SolShare is the world’s only hardware for sharing rooftop solar with multiple apartments in the same building, according to the release.
The Orlando Utilities Commission worked in conjunction with project leaders Allume, RENU and esaSolar to review and ensure the system met its interconnection and safety requirements. Officials believe the system has the potential to significantly contribute to the City of Orlando’s net-zero goals.
“Because Orlando is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida, it needs to develop affordable housing solutions that also prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Morgan Brawner, esaSolar’s Vice President of Business Development. The installation of SolShare’s system required no change to the existing electricity supply and metering infrastructure. It sits entirely “behind the meter,” according to the release.
“We are thrilled to see the SolShare in this milestone project unlocking a crucial part of offering carbon-neutral living in Florida. We look forward to expanding solar access to as many Floridian tenants while contributing to OUC’s net-zero energy goals,” said Mel Bergsneider, Allume’s Executive Account Manager.
The Australian-made SolShare currently provides solar access to apartment residents in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.