Path-Q Solar

How should a landlord handle solar sizing when tenants have separate and changing electricity habits?

Answer

Use measured whole-building and tenant-level data where available, model tenant loads as ranges, and distinguish landlord-controlled common loads from tenant-controlled consumption. The design should reflect the ownership, metering, and billing arrangement rather than assuming all tenant demand will remain constant or be served by the same system.

Key points

  • Analyze each tenant type and common-area load separately.
  • Use multiple years or representative periods when tenant turnover is significant.
  • Model occupancy, vacancy, lease changes, and likely future loads.
  • Confirm how solar production is allocated among meters and account holders.

What it depends on

  • Number and type of tenant meters
  • Common-area electricity use
  • Tenant turnover and lease structure
  • Submetering and billing arrangements
  • Ownership and allocation of solar output

Risks and trade-offs

  • A system sized for current tenants may underperform after turnover or vacancy.
  • A larger system may produce output that cannot be allocated or valued as intended.
  • Tenant privacy, consent, metering, and contractual issues may affect data collection and allocation.

Information you may need

  • Utility and submeter records
  • Common-area load profile
  • Tenant categories and occupancy history
  • Lease and billing arrangements
  • Expected building changes and solar ownership structure

Your next step

What to do next

Assemble meter-level consumption and occupancy data, then request a design that shows production allocation and sensitivity to tenant turnover.

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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

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