It’s no secret that the need for electric power has skyrocketed. This fact, along with the ups and downs of oil prices, and the heightening concern for the environment culminate an interesting argument for the sake of solar electricity. At Trojan Storage, we’re loving the solar life. Currently, our Trojan Storage Elk Grove and Sacramento locations have solar panels lining their roofs.
From a maintenance standpoint, solar is a breeze compared to typical electricity. Once every few months, the facility manager may have to climb up to the roof to make sure that everything is in working order, although solar panels are incredibly durable for the most part. According to Energy Sage, solar panels are made of tempered glass that protects them from intense weather conditions such as rain, hail, snow, and rough winds. Occasional maintenance may include checking on the solar panels and lightly wiping them down. On top of that, most storage facilities provide standard sprawling roofing which is prime for solar installation.
This combination of solar substitution and low maintenance contribute to a reduction cost of facility operations. Although the monthly electricity costs are eliminated, many owners are hesitant for the solar switch due to the myth of high installation costs. The initial payment for the panel installation may be more than you are used to paying for electricity, but according to Inside Self Storage (ISS), city governments and many utility companies are providing incentives to lower these costs. These incentives can include cutting the upfront of your solar cost by 50% by using federal and state tax credits, cash rebates, and more.
The continued success of solar electricity is proof that it is a beneficial expense for storage facilities in sunny states. Many facilities have opened up about the benefits they have experienced since the switch, including a Tennessee facility, Midtown Vault Storage. They installed solar panels on the roof of their building in 2013 and have already seen their facility’s electric costs drop by a third while covering two-thirds of their carbon footprint. It is becoming more and more common to see storage facilities implement this energy alternative. In many cases, facilities create more energy than they consume from their solar panels in the summer, and they can therefore use that leftover energy when the solar panels are less active in the winter (according to the ISS article).
The bottom line is that consumers are becoming more conscientious of environmental products and services. This green stamp of approval with the solar addition can increase public appeal to potential renters on top of all of the other added bonuses that solar panels provide.