Solar for Self-Storage Facilities: Savings, Payback Periods & Real Project Results
Explore real-world solar installations from CubeSmart, Life Storage, and Extra Space Storage, including energy offsets, annual savings, federal incentives, and expected returns on investment.
Turn Unused Rooftop Space into Long-Term Savings
Self-storage facilities are uniquely positioned to benefit from commercial solar. With large rooftop footprints, predictable energy usage, and long-term ownership strategies, solar can transform underutilized roof space into a productive energy asset that reduces operating costs and improves property performance.
Leading operators such as Extra Space Storage, Life Storage, and CubeSmart have invested in rooftop solar to lower utility expenses, offset energy consumption, and support long-term sustainability goals. Colite Technologies has helped self-storage facilities across the Southeast capture these benefits through customized solar solutions designed specifically for storage properties.
Why Self-Storage Facilities Are Ideal for Solar
Self-storage facilities offer some of the strongest solar opportunities in commercial real estate.
Large Rooftop Areas
Extensive roof space provides ample room for solar installations without affecting daily operations or tenant access.
Lower Operating Expenses
Generating on-site electricity reduces reliance on utility providers and helps control rising energy costs.
Improved Property Performance
Solar can improve net operating income (NOI) by reducing recurring utility expenses while increasing long-term asset value.
Reliable, Low-Maintenance Systems
Modern solar systems are designed for common self-storage roofing types, including flat TPO and standing seam metal roofs. Non-penetrating mounting systems help maintain roof integrity while delivering decades of reliable energy production.
Long-Term Energy Stability
Many self-storage facilities can offset a significant portion of their annual electricity consumption, creating predictable energy costs and reducing exposure to future utility rate increases.
Learn More About Financial Incentives That Improve Solar ROI
A variety of financial incentives are available to help self-storage owners reduce project costs and improve the overall economics of a solar investment. These programs can substantially accelerate payback while increasing long-term returns.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Eligible projects can receive a 30% federal tax credit, with additional bonus opportunities available for qualifying projects.
State and Local Incentive Programs
Many states, utilities, and local governments offer rebates, grants, performance-based incentives, or tax benefits that can further improve project economics.
Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS)
Businesses may benefit from accelerated depreciation, creating additional tax savings during the early years of ownership.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs)
In eligible markets, solar systems may generate Solar Renewable Energy Credits that can be sold to create an additional revenue stream alongside energy savings.
Get a Free Consultation
Extra Space Storage Projects
As one of the nation’s largest self-storage operators, Extra Space Storage has adopted rooftop solar across multiple facilities to support its long-term energy strategy.
Potomac Mills – Woodbridge, Virginia
Potomac Mills partnered with Colite Technologies to install a 197-kW rooftop solar system that supports the company’s sustainability objectives while lowering long-term operating expenses.
Project Results
- 197 kW rooftop solar system
- 117% energy offset
- Approximately $22,700 in annual energy savings
- 4,250 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided over 25 years
Briarcliff Road – Atlanta, Georgia
The Briarcliff Road facility features a 282.7-kW rooftop solar system designed to maximize energy production and long-term savings. It also produces more electricity than the site consumes each year.
Project Results
- 282.7 kW rooftop solar system
- 143% energy offset
- Approximately $34,565 in annual energy savings
- 2,443 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided over 25 years
Merrimac Trail – Williamsburg, Virginia
At the Merrimac Trail location, Colite Technologies installed a 100-kW rooftop solar system that helps reduce utility costs while supporting reliable, long-term energy performance.
Project Results
- 100 kW rooftop solar system
- 72.31% energy offset
- Approximately $15,650 in annual energy savings
- Generates nearly 149 MWh of electricity annually
Self-Storage Solar Success Stories
CubeSmart – Stafford, Virginia
CubeSmart partnered with Colite Technologies to install a 203 kW rooftop solar system that supports the company’s sustainability objectives while lowering long-term operating expenses.
Project Results
- 99.71% annual energy offset
- Approximately $32,306 in first-year energy savings
- Approximately $225,500 in federal tax credits and incentives
- 4,418 metric tons of CO₂ emissions avoided over 25 years
This installation demonstrates how a self-storage facility can offset nearly all of its annual electricity usage while generating immediate financial returns.
Life Storage – Midlothian, Virginia
Life Storage is a national self-storage provider with locations across the United States. At its Midlothian, Virginia facility, Colite Technologies designed and installed a 204.6 kW rooftop solar system to help reduce operating costs and support long-term sustainability goals. By generating clean, on-site power, the system helps lower utility expenses while improving overall facility efficiency.
Project Results
- 64% energy offset
- Approximately $25,443 in first-year energy savings
- 4,250 metric tons of CO₂ emissions avoided over 25 years
The project highlights how rooftop solar can deliver meaningful savings and long-term value for self-storage operators.
Clean Energy Projects
Solar PV Projects Installed
Renewable Lighting Installed
$ In yearly energy savings
Our Customers
Get in Touch.
Have a question or just want to chat? We'd love to hear from you.