Oct
23
The Green Transition: How Self-Storage Facilities Can Adopt Renewable Energy Solutions

There are many ways to improve quality and value for self-storage facilities, and one of the biggest ones is through a green transition to renewable energy. This will help the owners of these facilities reduce their carbon footprint and move forward with new and better options for keeping energy costs low, as well. But what's the best way to go about this? What kind of renewable sources should be used, and how can they be implemented?

The answer is that it depends on the facility, what options for renewable sources are available to them, the incentives for using one source over the other, and other factors. Each self-storage facility will have to make its own choices about the best opportunities and the ways to make them work. Here are the main areas to consider, so you can move toward a green transition at your self-storage facility.

Solar, Wind, & the Warmth of the Earth

Using green energy options includes considering solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems to generate clean energy for powering your storage facility. All of these options can have big benefits, but some are more practical than others.

Solar panels, for example, are becoming more common in commercial applications, and that means storage facilities are starting to use them, as well. A self-storage facility has a lot of flat roof space, and that can be ideal for setting up banks of solar panels. These systems take up a lot of room, although good options are getting smaller over time.

Wind turbines are also popular options for generating energy. While they take time to construct and have strict requirements, they can offer quite a bit of power. That's especially true in areas of the country that are typically windier than others, as there's more energy generated.

Geothermal options take heat from the ground and use it to generate power. While this is more common for residential applications, it can certainly be used for commercial buildings like storage facilities, as well.

Financial Considerations & Government Incentives

Among the biggest considerations for a green transition at self-storage facilities is the cost. While making the change can save a lot of money in the long term through reduced energy usage, the up-front expenses may stop you from going forward with the project. There are some leasing options, though, which could make it easier for your facility to make the switch.

When a facility makes big changes like this, it could also be a business expense. You may be able to write off some of what you're spending for your green transition, but you need to make sure you're talking with a tax professional about that. It's very important to make sure you can legally claim these expenses, so you don't risk fines and penalties.

Additionally, government incentives in the form of tax credits, bonus depreciation, and other perks can mean getting back a percentage of what you're spending on renewable solutions for your storage facility. The Department of Energy has a lot of information on the federal tax credits and incentives available for businesses, so you can see how much you could save if you choose to install solar panels or other renewable energy options.

Solar systems generally have the biggest credits and perks, because they're much more common than geothermal or wind turbine choices. These systems are also being encouraged by the government, since they reduce stress on the power grid quickly, are relatively easy to have installed, and can last for a long time. It can take around six years for a self-storage facility to make back its initial outlay on the system, and then it becomes a solid investment in a long-term future.

Technological Advancements

When you consider a green transition to renewable energy at your storage facility, make sure you're paying close attention to the technological advancements available. Getting the latest and most up-to-date options isn't necessary for everything in life, but in this case you'll want to get state-of-the-art equipment. Technology moves fast, and you don't want what you get to be obsolete in just a couple of years.

You also want a system that can be upgraded more easily. A solar system that can use newer and better storage batteries, for example, can be a better choice as an investment. You also want to make sure, if you choose a geothermal or wind turbine system, that the components will last for years, and that they can be upgraded with parts that won't end up unavailable due to updates and changes. The right technology can change the game for your storage facility.

Implementing the Changes

Once you've decided what type of system you want for your facility, you have to implement the solution you've settled on. The best way to do that is to work with professional installers who understand the importance of what you're trying to do. It's possible to buy and install solar panels yourself, but you run the risk of damaging them, not hooking everything together correctly, and not getting all the benefits of the new system.

Instead of taking those kinds of risks, contact a company that specifically sells, installs, and maintains the kind of green solution you want to use. You can get your questions answered, make sure that everything has a warranty, and let the professionals set it all up. They'll maintain it for you, as well, so you don't have to learn how to do that on top of operating your facility.

While the choice is up to you when you're looking for renewable and green energy options, make sure you're considering everything about these options carefully. They'll all have pros and cons, and the best course of action is to focus on the right solution for your overall needs. Then you can have renewable sources of power for your storage facility, and the peace of mind that comes with creating a more secure and stable future for your business.

By: Lee Preston
Lee is the Director of Marketing and Promotion for EZstorit.com. When she is not working with our storage facilities partners, she is writing about topics that affect our daily lives.