Liberty Self Storage is installing solar-panel systems at all 12 of its climate-controlled properties in St. Tammany Parish, La. Nine facilities currently have systems that provide 100 percent of each facility’s electrical needs, according to the operator’s website.
“The decision to go solar was made as part of our efforts to streamline operations to run more efficiently in order to reduce waste," Niki Martin, general manager for Liberty Self Storage, told a source. "This seemed like the next logical step. We will be able to save on expenses and use those savings to reinvest into our facilities, all while keeping our rates competitive."
The systems include 1.2 megawatts of photovoltaic cells. The installing company is South Coast Solar, which provides solar-panel installation for residential and commercial customers in Louisiana and South Carolina.
"We are proud to be taking this step in renewable energy. We feel we are doing a service to the environment and helping in a small way to keep this country independent from foreign energy sources," Matt Bennett, a partner at Liberty Self Storage, told a source. "It was a large investment, but one that made good business sense."
The solar power will save an estimated 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to a source. South Coast Solar estimates the environmental impact will be equal to planting 35,000 trees annually.
“The switch to solar power helps the community by keeping our air clean. It also allows us as a company to find alternate places to use our oil and gas,” Bennett said on the company’s website. “We make our decisions not only based on what makes good financial sense, but that they fit our corporate identity and culture.”
Liberty Self Storage is privately owned and locally operated. It has facilities in Covington, Madisonville, Mandeville and Slidell, La.
Sources:
- Liberty Self Storage: Website
- Nola.com: Storage Company Throws a Solar Power Punch
