Northland Self-Storage, which operates two facilities in Michigan and is building a third, recently unveiled solar panels at its Bay Harbor/Petoskey location and will add them to its new development in Alanson, which is expected to open next year. Owner Dave McBride partnered with solar-energy company Harvest Solar on the effort. The installation at 5945 Charlevoix Ave. in Petoskey is the first to be done on self-storage in the area, according to the source.
To further reduce the company’s carbon footprint, McBride has invested in LED lighting for all three locations and is planning to add an electric vehicle to the company’s fleet.
“This journey of solar energy here at Northland Storage started a long time ago,” McBride said in a video about the project. “When I was a kid, I was interested in solar power, and I read all about it in a little magazine called ‘Mother Earth News.’ Fast forward to more recent times, we upgraded our facilities to all LED lighting, and I thought to myself, we can do more.”
While vacationing in Germany a few years ago, McBride noticed how many buildings were using solar panels. “That’s when it really hit home that each individual business needs to do something to take the lead in being environmentally conscious, as well as reduce our footprint with energy use,” he said.
Founded in 1993, Northland currently operates facilities in Harbor Springs and Petoskey, Mich. It offers traditional and climate-controlled self-storage as well as outdoor vehicle storage.
Sources:
Gaylord Harold Times, Storage Company Adds Solar Installation at Petoskey Location
Vimeo, Northland Self-Storage
