Rob Simon, a dedicated property manager and investor, has long been a champion of solar energy—not just in business, but in his personal life as well. Before joining the Sugar Hollow Solar team, Rob’s passion for sustainability led him to install a solar system on his own home. Now, as both a customer and a team member, he’s helping others make the switch to clean energy.

This case study is an update from Local Landlord Goes Solar, published in March 2022, when Rob was just beginning his solar journey with Sugar Hollow. At that time, he had taken the first steps toward incorporating solar into his rental business. Fast-forward to today, and he has partnered with Sugar Hollow Solar on five projects—soon to be six—across his properties.

"I was beyond excited to join the Sugar Hollow Team in June of 2024," says Rob. "Being part of a company that is putting solar into our community on a daily basis is energizing and rewarding."

His journey started with solar panel installations on his rental homes, but he has since expanded his commitment by adding battery storage systems. "We have completed five projects and are working on our sixth," he explains. "This will be our second installation that includes solar panels and a backup battery. I was thrilled to receive a check from Duke for $9,000 as part of the virtual power plant program, and I love getting $50 off each bill. One month, the entire bill was a credit for $38!"

Through these projects, Rob has seen firsthand how solar installations create long-term financial benefits, attract and retain tenants, and positively impact the environment. "The solar panels that we have previously installed have really delivered in all of the ways I had hoped they would. This has really helped to build trust in the process for myself and the other investors."

Solar-powered neighbors! The property on the left was getting its solar system installed on the day this photo was taken. Both homes are managed by Rob Simon, helping bring more clean energy to the community!

Solar Array Information

Rob Simon currently manages five properties with solar arrays, collectively contributing to significant environmental benefits. Here's a concise summary:

Total Stats:

Total System Size: 41.72 kW

Total Panels: 102 panels

Total Lifetime Production: 142.68 MWh

Total CO2 Avoided: 224,947 lbs (equivalent to planting approximately 1,710 trees)

Property #1 (Primary Residence): 7.6 kW system, 19 panels, SolarEdge inverter, installed June 2021. Lifetime production: 40.69 MWh, avoiding 63,020 lbs of CO2 (equivalent to planting 481 trees).
Property #2 (Rental Home): 8.16 kW system, 24 panels, SolarEdge inverter, installed September 2021. Lifetime production: 34.3 MWh, avoiding 53,065 lbs of CO2 (equivalent to planting 401 trees).
Property #3 (Rental Home): 8.16 kW system, 24 panels, SolarEdge inverter, installed September 2021. Lifetime production: 33.5 MWh, avoiding 51,928 lbs of CO2 (equivalent to planting 392 trees).
Property #4 (Rental Apartment Duplex): 7.6 kW system, 11 panels, SolarEdge inverter, installed September 2021. Lifetime production: 31.1 MWh, avoiding 52,082 lbs of CO2 (equivalent to planting 394 trees).
Property #5 (Rental Home): 10.2 kW system, 24 panels, Tesla Powerwall 3, installed November 2024. Lifetime production: 3.09 MWh, avoiding 4,852 lbs of CO2 (equivalent to planting 42 trees).

The Financial and Tenant Benefits of Solar

Beyond the environmental advantages, Rob has found that solar power brings financial stability and appeal to his rental properties. "Financially, we have been able to turn the savings on the electricity bills into a consistent passive income stream that will pay back in about ten years and then continue to produce revenue for at least another 15 years."

*Telsa Powerwall 3, Property #5 (Rental Home)*

When advertising a home with solar for rent, Rob feels like he is offering people the opportunity to participate in the clean energy revolution. "This really helps a home stand out. With solar and a battery, an energy-conscious tenant can produce the majority of their total energy needs from the panels on their roof. I see this as a win for the tenant, a win for the property owner, and a win for the climate."

Rob has also noticed that tenants appreciate the lower energy costs and the sustainability factor. "One of the trickier questions to answer is whether having solar will make tenants happier and keep them around longer. Will properties with solar rent faster? Will tenants take better care of homes with solar? In my experience, the answer to all of these questions is—yes! Happy tenants are key to successful property management. I have gotten feedback from tenants on how they appreciate having solar in their life and enjoy seeing the solar panels on their roof every day."

Understanding Solar Depreciation and Tax Benefits

One of the financial aspects of solar that often confuses property owners is depreciation. "I have always thought about depreciation as something that happens to cars. A car is new and beautiful, and then someone drives it for a while, and it’s less new and worth less than it was originally—depreciation. But with solar, it’s different. As an incentive for owners of non-residential properties to make improvements, tax rules allow some of those costs to be recovered over a five-year period, usually in the neighborhood of about 25-30% of the project cost."

Thinking Solar?

Rob’s journey to solar advocacy has been shaped by a diverse and meaningful career. He served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal, worked as a soil conservationist with the USDA, earned his MBA, and contributed to the field of microfinance. He’s also spent time living in Central America, where he became conversational in Spanish. Outside of work, Rob enjoys e-biking, paddle boarding, gardening, cooking, and caring for his family pets. He recently became the proud owner of his first electric vehicle and is an active member of the Blue Ridge EV group, where he loves sharing his experience of charging his car with solar power.

If you’re a landlord considering solar for your rental properties, Rob is happy to share his experiences and lessons learned. From choosing the right roof type to deciding whether to keep the electric bill in your name or the tenant’s, he’s been through it all. “If you’re a landlord looking to make your investment shine with solar, I’d be happy to share more about my experiences,” Rob adds.

Contact Sugar Hollow Solar today to get started on your solar journey and brighten your investment with sustainable energy solutions!