Multifamily: New Buildings: Solar Planning

Reach for the sun

Planning for solar + storage from an early stage is always a bright idea. In addition to controlling energy costs, a smart solar design strategy can help reduce installation costs, ensure your systems are compatible and increase the long-term value of your building.

Solar planning incentives

You can earn cash incentives throughout your project, from including a solar trade ally contractor in your early design to installation of solar and battery storage.

Find your fit

Every project team has a variety of goals for their building, from lower long-term costs to resiliency in emergency situations.

Find out more about how solar + storage may support your multifamily project goals

Community Solar

No roof space? No problem. Subscribing to Community Solar may be a good option if a sunny roof isn’t available or if solar isn’t in the budget. We also offer community solar development assistance, which can offset your energy use for Whole Building or Path to Net Zero projects.

Learn more about Community Solar

Solar incentives

With the cost of a solar installation half of what it was a decade ago, and solar panels producing more power per square foot and dollar invested, solar is even more accessible. We offer cash incentives to assist with adding solar or solar plus battery storage (for power backup) to your multifamily project.

Planning	Details*
Solar Early Design Add-On	$500 for including a solar trade ally contractor in your early design meeting Contact an outreach manager
Solar Development Assistance	Up to $2,500 to determine the solar potential of your building Contact a solar trade ally
Battery Storage Development Assistance	Up to $5,000 for a battery storage feasibility study to see how you might pair battery storage with a new or existing solar installation Contact a solar trade ally
Solar-Ready Design	Up to $15,000 to meet Energy Trust’s solar-ready standards if installing solar panels isn’t possible during construction Contact an outreach manager

Installation	Details*
Solar Installation	Up to $15,000 to install a solar electric system. Increased incentive amounts are available for eligible nonprofits, tribes and affordable multifamily housing Contact a solar trade ally
Battery Storage Installation	Up to $15,000 for battery storage, which provides back up for critical equipment during outages Contact a solar trade ally

*Solar program incentive amounts are subject to change.

Contact us to get started

Tell us a little about your ideas, existing project or any questions you have, and an Energy Trust team member will contact you within 1 – 2 business days. 

Industry Type [Select one]

Size (sq. ft.)

Location

What stage are you in?

Name(Required)

First Last

How do you want us to contact you?

Phone

Looking for Forms?

View all application forms

1.877.467.0930

newbuildings@energytrust.org

residential

commercial

multifamily

industrial-agriculture

renewable-energy

communities

about

Solar Planning

Reach for the sun

Solar planning incentives

Find your fit

Community Solar

Solar incentives

Steps

Contact us to get started

Looking for Forms?

Talk to our team of experts

What solutions are right for me?

Are you interested in cash incentives for commercial buildings or multifamily properties?

Do you own or lease your building?

How much longer on your lease?

Does your business provide any of the following specialized services?

We recommend getting started with the following cash incentives:

We recommend getting started with the following cash incentives:

Does your property have a common laundry room?

Visit our small multifamily page for information about properties with 4 or fewer units.

We recommend getting started with the following cash incentives: