About Riverhead GMC and Its Energy Upgrade Initiative
Riverhead Ford GMC is a dealership located near major metropolitan areas in New York, preparing for increasing EV demand and regulatory pressure toward zero-emission vehicles by 2035.
To stay ahead of this shift, the dealership needed to upgrade its energy infrastructure while maintaining strong financial returns.
The Energy Cost and Infrastructure Challenge Behind EV Expansion
As EV adoption increased, Riverhead GMC faced a combination of challenges:
- rising and volatile utility costs
- growing exposure to demand charges
- increasing energy complexity from EV charging
- the need to justify upfront capital investment
The dealership was not just evaluating technology — it was evaluating whether the economics of the system would make sense over time.
The Business Goals Driving the Project
Riverhead GMC’s priorities were to:
- prepare the facility for long-term EV adoption
- reduce exposure to energy cost volatility
- create a strong financial return on infrastructure investment
- improve energy resilience and independence
- build a scalable system for future demand
The Integrated Microgrid Solution Designed for the Site
Sprocket Power designed and implemented a connected microgrid system tailored to the dealership’s load profile and long-term needs.
The system included:
- solar PV system (127 kW)
- battery energy storage (250 kW / 500 kWh)
- EV charging infrastructure (Level 2 + DC fast charging)
- microgrid control panel and energy management system
Rather than installing separate components, the system was designed to operate as a fully integrated energy platform.
How the System Improved Control, Resilience, and Financial Performance
The project focused on delivering both operational and financial outcomes.
Sprocket Power:
- created a system capable of reducing dependence on the grid
- used storage and controls to manage demand and optimize energy use
- aligned system design with long-term financial performance
- ensured the solution could scale with future EV demand
This allowed Riverhead GMC to move from a passive energy setup to a controlled and optimized system.
Results Achieved Across Cost Savings and Long-Term Value
Financial Results
- projected 17.6% internal rate of return (IRR)
- projected 85%+ energy cost savings over 25 years
Operational Results
- improved control over energy usage and demand
- reduced exposure to utility price volatility
- increased resilience during outages through battery storage
Strategic Results
- future-ready infrastructure aligned with EV growth
- reduced dependence on external energy supply
- long-term protection against rising energy costs
What This Project Shows for Other Dealerships Preparing for EV
Riverhead GMC’s project highlights a key shift:
Energy infrastructure is no longer just a cost — it’s a strategic asset.
With the right combination of solar, storage, and control systems, dealerships can:
- significantly reduce long-term operating costs
- protect against volatility and regulatory pressure
- build a scalable foundation for electrification
