Two Multi-Phase, Solar-Powered Apartment Complexes

This Pro Tour featured two, large-scale net zero multifamily projects, giving attendees the opportunity to tour one occupied site and one still-under-construction site. The event, hosted by Black Mountain Architecture, began at the NetZero Village, occupied since September 2016. NetZero Village was the first large-scale, net zero apartment complex in New York State. It includes 156 units in 13 buildings plus a clubhouse. Attendees then traveled together by bus to tour the second project, Solara, which will feature 248 units in 11 buildings. Construction for Solara was begun in June 2018.

Site 1: Net Zero Village features:

• 13 apartment buildings, 156 units total plus clubhouse with fitness center and common space.
• Very energy and cost efficient building and mechanical design with 0.6 ACH @ 50Pa field-tested air tightness.
• Passive solar building design with exterior solar shades.
• Solar thermal on the roof of each building supplies most of the buildings’ hot water.
• Solar photovoltaic system mounted on carports in front of each buildings provide the buildings' electricity.  Total project PV installation is around 900 kW.
• 25 EV charging stations for use by tenants at no cost to them.
• Each building uses roughly 56,000 kilowatt hours per year including heat and hot water; all utilities are included in rent.
• eGauge energy monitoring system with usage displayed in the lobby of each building.
• NYSERDA Low-rise Residential New Construction Program Tier III, EPA ENERGY STAR Homes,  Indoor airPLUS.

Site 2: Solara features:

• 11 apartment buildings, to be built in 3 phases with 248 units total including a clubhouse.
• Buildings include elevators and double loaded corridors.
• 3 buildings under construction now; will be able to observe buildings in various stages of construction.
• Very energy and cost efficient building and mechanical design with 0.6 ACH @ 50Pa tested air tightness target.
• Passive solar building design with exterior solar shades.
• Solar thermal system with backup air-to-water heat pump.
• Solar photovoltaic system mounted on carports.
• EV charging stations.
• Master building controller to include smart ventilation strategies.
• NYSERDA Low-rise Residential New Construction Program Tier III, EPA ENERGY STAR Homes v3.1.

Schedule

If you have questions about this event, you can contact Florence at fmacgregor@nesea.org or 413-774-6051 x10.