Running a multi-family building comes with constant energy demands. From heating and cooling to lighting and plumbing, electricity is essential to keeping everything running smoothly. For two multi-family residential buildings in British Columbia, home to more than 50 units, energy use was significant and with rising utility rates.
Rather than waiting for costs to climb year after year, the property owner decided to take control. Solar energy, paired with a battery energy storage system (BESS), was built into the buildings’ long-term plan. The goal was simple: create a more stable, predictable energy solution while reducing reliance on the grid.
Across both buildings, 100 solar panels were installed, delivering a combined system size of 50.5 kW. To strengthen the system and increase flexibility, 8 battery units were added, providing a total of 108 kWh of energy storage. Together, solar and battery storage now work in tandem to support daily operations and manage energy use more efficiently.
Why Solar Works Better with Battery Storage
Solar energy alone is already an effective way to reduce electricity costs in Canada, but adding battery storage takes those benefits further. A battery energy storage system allows excess solar energy to be stored for later use or charged from the grid during off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower.
That stored energy can then be used during peak demand periods or during unexpected power outages. The result is greater reliability, better control over energy use, and reduced exposure to rising electricity prices. With solar and batteries working together, these buildings now have the flexibility to use power when it makes the most sense. Learn more about how the battery and solar work together.
No Space? No Problem.
Every building comes with its own design challenges, and in this case, space was limited. During the planning phase, our engineering team discovered that the indoor electrical rooms in both apartment buildings did not have enough room to safely accommodate the battery systems and their supporting equipment.
Rather than forcing a compromise, we worked closely with the customer to design a smart alternative. Custom outdoor cabinets were built to house the batteries, providing full weather protection, thermal stability, and security. Just as important, the enclosures were designed to blend seamlessly with the buildings’ exterior, maintaining both performance and appearance without sacrificing safety.
What More? Financial Support That Makes Clean Energy Affordable
To support the transition to clean energy, both the federal government and BC Hydro offer strong incentive programs, including the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit. For these projects, rebates and tax credits covered 67% of the total installation cost, reducing upfront expenses and shortening the payback period to just 6.5 years.
Polaron’s Sunline financing program added another layer of flexibility. With low-interest monthly payments and adaptable terms, the property owner was able to move forward without putting pressure on cash flow.
Today, these multi-family buildings are benefiting from lower electricity bills, greater energy independence, and long-term cost certainty. If you’re considering solar and battery storage for your commercial or multi-family property, our experts are ready to help. A free consultation is just one conversation away.
