Conrad Watson, the owner of Storage Plus in Massachusetts, has not only invested in environmentally friendly vehicles (three Toyota Prius hybrids), he's about to drop $45k on a solar-panel energy system at his facility. Granted, he'll save $5k per year on energy costs in the long run, and he got a $19,240 rebate from the state toward this effort, but I say Watson sets a fantastic example for the storage community in particular and the business community in general.
He says its mainly for economic reasons and because of pressure from his family, especially his daughter, who's an activist. (At least that's what he told The Daily News Tribune last week.) This is one of those ends-justify-the-means kinds of things. Or the means justify the ends? In any case, Watson's panels will generate 6,900 watts of power per hour once installed at the end of May. So whatever his personal motivation, the result is good for this company and the world at large.
Watson's enterprising drive doesn't just stop at the green depot, either. He's pushed forward with extensive add-on services at his storage site as well. The 23-year-old company offers self-storage, moving, mobile storage and records storage. It also provides pickup, inventory and delivery services.
Can you invest in environmental upgrades at your own site, getting a financial kickback from your state? Watson's rebate came via the Commonwealth Solar Energy Program offered by the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust. I don't know which other states offer similar programs; I'd welcome feedback from any readers with info on this. You can click on the "Leave Comment" link below or send me a message at [email protected]. I'll be happy to transmit your insights to fellow operators.