Retro meets renewable: Net Zero energy goal for a 1950s building

Net-zero energy was the goal for this commercial building, and installing rooftop solar was the key step towards achieving it. This Northern California installer had a vision for its 1950s-era headquarters: to demonstrate that raising the building’s energy efficiency was better than simply razing the building. Strategic building electrification—through efficient equipment upgrades and a rooftop solar installation—was the path forward.

The Cinnamon Energy Systems (CES) team took on a top-to-bottom renovation of the building, adding new heat pump HVAC units, LED lighting upgrades, electric vehicle charging stations, storage for essential loads, and a 50kW rooftop solar system. This office/warehouse space will retain its historic charm externally, while integrating modern energy upgrades throughout.

CES is a recognized leader in the solar industry. They have made a significant impact in their local community, and the company—led by CEO Barry Cinnamon—has been paving the way in the renewable energy industry for decades. They continue to lead with quality products and services.

Cinnamon explains, "All experienced solar installers know that things break and need to be replaced. The fact that Enphase has a fully distributed architecture means there is no single point of failure. Enphase microinverter systems have delivered the best overall reliability for my customers since 2009."

This commercial project is a prime example of pairing optimized solar production using Enphase microinverters, with targeted energy-efficiency upgrades. At current electric rates, CES expects to save approximately $26,000 per year. However, they note utility rates in this location are historically rising 8–10% per year, so those savings are likely to grow over time.