Solar on 21-Unit Multi Family

[Matthew Tenney]

Recently purchased a 20-unit apartment building. All units are individually metered, plus a common area meter paid by the owner. 
It is in a small rural town (qualifies as a rural community under USDA) definitions in Western Pennsylvania. 

I am exploring making use of the 5,000 sq. ft. roof space for a solar panel array. 

Now, one will be quick to point out - these are individually metered so why would I want this? Yes, that is true, but it is twofold - which I'll skip the debates or comments that don't see an intrinsic value to renewable energy. 

On a business side, given the area, I can actually offer some of these apartments with utilities included to maximize my section-8 market rent rate and there is ample demand in the area to support. Also, common areas include washers/dryers, electric heating, and lighting - in theory even a small array would cover these to net-zero with a surplus being net-metered back to the grid. 

Given the ITC, and likely multiple other incentive programs at the federal/state level (if you know of some let me know) - I can't see a downside other than upfront costs. 

Looking for a general discussion and thoughts at this point. 

[Chris Seveney]

Quote from @Matthew Tenney:

Recently purchased a 20-unit apartment building. All units are individually metered, plus a common area meter paid by the owner. 
It is in a small rural town (qualifies as a rural community under USDA) definitions in Western Pennsylvania. 

I am exploring making use of the 5,000 sq. ft. roof space for a solar panel array. 

Now, one will be quick to point out - these are individually metered so why would I want this? Yes, that is true, but it is twofold - which I'll skip the debates or comments that don't see an intrinsic value to renewable energy. 

On a business side, given the area, I can actually offer some of these apartments with utilities included to maximize my section-8 market rent rate and there is ample demand in the area to support. Also, common areas include washers/dryers, electric heating, and lighting - in theory even a small array would cover these to net-zero with a surplus being net-metered back to the grid. 

Given the ITC, and likely multiple other incentive programs at the federal/state level (if you know of some let me know) - I can't see a downside other than upfront costs. 

Looking for a general discussion and thoughts at this point. 

Understand your SREC;s and run an analysis. A solar company can run a proforma for you bsed on what they expect to be produced and the benefits. I would have 2-3 companies take a look at the proposal. I have someone who is a consultant that reviews these proposals and assists on these types of projects. 
Just make sure you get some ROI on it.