Derby Apartment Complex Solar Project: Cutting Energy Costs by 65% with Clean Power
As energy costs continue to rise, multi-family property owners are turning to solar to stabilize expenses and improve long-term asset value. The Derby Apartment Complex is a prime example of how commercial solar can deliver reliable savings, environmental benefits, and long-term performance. Buffalo Solar partnered with Derby Apartment Complex to design and install a custom solar energy system that offsets a significant portion of annual electricity usage while supporting New York State’s clean energy goals.
Project Overview
The Derby Apartment Complex solar installation offsets 65% of the property’s annual electricity usage, providing immediate and long-term financial benefits. The system is projected to save approximately $42,349 annually, totaling more than $1.5 million in savings over 25 years. With a 5.2-year payback period and an estimated 10% annual return, the project delivers strong cash flow and long-term protection against rising utility rates.
State and federal incentives helped reduce upfront costs, making solar a financially attractive investment for the property owner while ensuring decades of predictable, low-cost energy.
Solar System Specifications
- System Size: 324.9 kW
- Solar Modules: 722 Tier 1 panels
- Inverters: 5
- Racking System: Ballasted racking, designed to protect roof integrity and ensure long-term durability
This custom-engineered system was designed to maximize energy production while meeting the unique needs of a multi-building apartment complex.
Financial Impact and Savings
By installing solar, the Derby Apartment Complex benefits from:
- $3,529 in monthly energy savings
- $42,349 in annual savings
- $1,543,373 in projected savings over 25 years
These savings help improve net operating income (NOI), increase property value, and create more predictable operating expenses for years to come.
Environmental Benefits
In addition to financial returns, the solar installation delivers meaningful environmental impact. Each year, the system offsets emissions equivalent to:
- 326.6 acres of forest preserved annually
- 303,535 pounds of coal avoided each year
- 603 barrels of oil not consumed annually
Over the system’s lifetime, these benefits multiply—supporting a cleaner energy grid and reducing the property’s carbon footprint for decades.
Project Goals
The Derby Apartment Complex solar project was designed to:
- Reduce long-term energy costs
- Protect against rising electricity rates
- Maximize available tax credits and grant incentives
- Provide reliable, sustainable power for the next 25 years
Powering Multi-Family Properties with Solar
This project highlights how commercial and multi-family solar can deliver both financial and environmental returns. Buffalo Solar specializes in custom-engineered solar solutions that help property owners across New York achieve energy independence, long-term savings, and sustainability goals.
If you’re exploring solar for an apartment complex or commercial property, Buffalo Solar can help you determine how much you can save while future-proofing your energy costs.
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