Public Storage recently doubled down on its commitment to the environment with the launch of the first rooftop community solar project which will bring affordable renewable energy to historically overlooked communities.

This unique initiative with New Jersey-based Solar Landscape will allow low- and moderate-income residents to subscribe to nearby solar installations located on Public Storage’s rooftops in Maryland, New Jersey, and Illinois.

By subscribing, residents in these states will receive discounted electricity, bringing savings to their energy bills. This means underserved customers can benefit from renewable energy without the need to install solar panels on their property. It also removes the barrier of costs associated to these projects.

Public Storage is not only focused on helping customer with storage solutions, but also on making a positive impact on the environment and society, said John Sambuco, the company’s President of Asset Management.

“From our CEO and CFO to everyone throughout the organization, all are really onboard with these efforts,” Sambuco shared.

Making Solar Energy Accessible

The solar initiative will cover more than 4,500,000 square feet of Public Storage facility rooftops.

In partnership with Solar Landscape, the leading commercial and industrial rooftop solar developer, Public Storage facilities will house more than 130 community solar installations in Maryland, New Jersey, and Illinois. This will bring power to over 10,000 homes.

“We are excited to join with Public Storage on this nation-leading partnership, which will especially benefit low-income families by providing them affordable solar energy,” said Solar Landscape CEO Shaun Keegan in a statement.

In Illinois, up to 44 properties will have community solar projects, including 21 projects which will serve nearly 1,500 households. This 21-project partnership was recently approved by the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) as part of its Community-Driven Community Solar tranche of the Illinois Shines program.

In addition, the company plans to install community solar rooftop projects in up to 32 properties in New Jersey.

Public Storage projects in Maryland will provide power to nearly 2,600 homes, many of them low-income residents. In all, the company will have 53 solar installations as part of Maryland Community Solar Pilot Program’s LMI subcategory.

This will save Maryland residents nearly $1,000,000 per year on their energy bills.

Committing to Sustainability

This initiative is just one part of Public Storage’s larger commitment to sustainability.

We achieved a 22% cumulative energy consumption reduction over the past four years, as well as achieved 29% cumulative carbon emissions reduction over the past four years. This news was released in our annual Sustainability Report.

We’ve also committed to installing solar panels to over 1,000 properties by 2025. More than 200 properties already have solar panels installed (like the main image above). Our new partnership with Solar Landscape will represent 13% of the company’s overall goal.

The company and Solar Landscape worked in close collaboration on site selection, solar system design, financing options, and state program applications to maximize the effectiveness of the company’s rooftops.

With Public Storage’s rooftop projects, the benefits of solar power will become accessible to a broader audience.

Residents interested in learning more about community solar can visit www.solarlandscape.com.