Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing Microgrid Transformation

Location: Syracuse, New York

Background and Challenge

Springfield Gardens is a 310-unit affordable housing complex consisting of 27 buildings undergoing a transformation into a Net-Zero energy community. Originally constructed with individual utility meters and a centralized distribution system owned by Mohawk Niagara (National Grid), the property faced structural inefficiencies in energy use and rising utility costs.

The redevelopment introduces a holistic energy system redesign focused on electrification, solar deployment, and intelligent energy storage. The project aims to transition from traditional infrastructure to a modern, grid-interactive microgrid that improves performance, enhances resilience, and drives down costs while supporting the electrification of heating and hot water systems via ground-source heat pumps.

Project Scope and Solution

To meet Net-Zero goals, Dynamic Grid provided a comprehensive microgrid design and optimization strategy to transform the affordable housing complex that includes:

  • Conversion to a Single Point of Common Coupling (PCC): The site’s electrical infrastructure is reconfigured to a single meter and underground distribution network.
  • Distributed Solar Generation: A total of 2.9 MW of solar PV, including a 1.5 MWdc ground-mounted array and additional rooftop and carport arrays.
  • Energy Storage System (ESS): 4 MWh of lithium titanate energy storage to support load shifting, grid resilience, and optimization of solar energy usage.
  • Microgrid Controllers and Smart Inverters: Real-time control using Dynamic Grid’s FlexDR™ intelligent microgrid controllers leveraging machine learning for optimal dispatch and load coordination.
  • Remote Monitoring: A complete monitoring system for performance optimization, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance.

System Components

  • 1.2 MWac Ground-Mounted Solar Array (1.5 MWdc)
  • 936 kW Rooftop Solar
  • 760 kW Carport-Mounted Solar
  • 4 MWh Lithium Titanate Oxide ESS with 2000 kW of DC/AC Inversion
  • Oztek/Trystar 480V 3-Phase Inverters
  • Dynamic Grid FlexDR™ Microgrid Controller
  • Remote Monitoring and Management Software
  • Underground Distribution and New Substation

Technical Objectives

  • Enable centralized and decentralized energy storage to balance grid imports and onsite solar generation.
  • Reduce utility demand charges through intelligent load management and peak shaving.
  • Provide resilience and backup capability for all critical building loads.
  • Integrate high-efficiency electrification strategies to reduce operational emissions.
  • Support future scalability and additional electrification measures (EV charging, heat pumps, etc.).

Results and Impact

The Springfield Gardens Microgrid transformation is designed to exceed 100% of the community’s annual energy needs through coordinated solar and storage. Benefits include:

  • Net-Zero Energy Operation: Reduces reliance on grid imports and fossil fuel-based generation.
  • Resilience and Reliability: Provides energy backup and supports critical operations during outages.
  • Economic Optimization: Minimizes peak demand charges and maximizes solar self-consumption.
  • Future-Ready Design: Scalable architecture aligned with community electrification and climate goals.

About Dynamic Grid

Dynamic Grid provides expert microgrid consulting and technologies that unlock the value of distributed energy resources. Our custom-built energy storage systems and FlexDR™ software platform enable utilities, developers, and building owners to manage energy with precision and intelligence. We build safe, long-lasting, and scalable energy systems designed for the transition to a decarbonized and resilient future.