Solar panel trend at self-storage sites really picking up
With the rising popularity of self-storage facilities, it’s also become important for owners to make them more sustainable. One way to achieve this is through solar panels.
Why solar panels for your self-storage facility?
From the wildfires ravaging California to the unstoppable floods in Germany and China, it’s clear that climate change is here to stay. Unsurprisingly, businesses and homeowners alike have been doing everything they can to minimise their carbon footprint.
A very practical solution for both homeowners and commercial facility owners looking to do the same with their self storage space is to install solar panels.
Before you install them, however, there may be a few upsides and downsides you may want to consider:
The upside of installing solar panels in self-storage spaces
Solar panels are a very environmentally-friendly option. You’ve got renewable energy as long as there’s adequate UV rays throughout the day, helping you convert them to usable energy, and minimising your environmental impact as a result.
Financial incentives and subsidies; the UK government’s Feed-In Tariff program has now been replaced by the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) program. It’s aimed at small energy generators which means businesses can ‘sell off’ the energy/electricity they generate through renewable sources.
If you can manage to sell enough energy to suppliers, you can easily generate a separate revenue stream, although you do have to choose a tariff that works for you. Energy suppliers will often offer different rates and payment structures, so you must read up on those carefully, and then choose the one that helps you generate the most revenue.
A form of eco-marketing; solar power, naturally, has some very positive impacts on the environment, which means the more sustainable you make your self-storage facility, the more marketable it can be. Home buyers and business property buyers today are increasingly becoming aware of their environmental impact, and looking for ways to reduce it.
By making solar panels along with other sustainable practices a central part of your brand marketing, you can attract more eco-conscious people/businesses to buy or rent your space.
The downside of installing solar panels in self-storage spaces
More insurance payable on solar appliances. While installing solar panels does allow you to generate revenue via the SEG program and helps you save money – there’s a good chance that you will deal with higher insurance costs which are not covered under your current self-storage facility’s plan.
Therefore, always ask your insurance company about any hidden or extra costs. If not, you may be looking at higher insurance costs and overall loss after installing solar panels.
Overall suitability; is your facility suited to solar panel installation? For example, is the roof old or prone to damage? Will you be living or working out of the facility for a while only? If you’re not planning to stay long or if your roof cannot accommodate solar panels, then you may not be able to reap the full rewards of installing them.
At Woodpecker, we supply only the best-quality self-storage containers, all of which can easily accommodate a wide variety of solar panels. Call us now to learn more: 0808 281 3333.