8.5 million sqft of rooftop space in US to host 100 MW of solar power

National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA), a leading entity in the self-storage industry, has embarked on a groundbreaking partnership with community solar developer Solar Landscape to transform 8.5 million square feet of NSA’s rooftop space into a renewable energy powerhouse.

This ambitious project will deploy 100 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity across approximately 1,000 self-storage properties that NSA owns and operates across 42 states and Puerto Rico.

These vast rooftop solar installations will do more than just power NSA’s own facilities. The energy generated will also be channeled to local homes and businesses, offering clean energy at a reduced cost. By adopting the community solar model, this initiative is poised to produce energy directly where it’s needed, reducing the load on the grid and significantly lowering energy expenses for local residents and businesses.

According to NSA, the transition to solar comes without any initial financial burden. Solar Landscape, which has been collaborating with NSA since 2022, is taking on the full responsibility for the development, ownership, and operation of these solar systems.

In return, NSA will receive monthly lease payments, creating a steady revenue stream without any upfront investment. With the first sites already under development, this partnership marks a significant milestone in NSA’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy .

Community solar: Powering people and planet

The collaboration between NSA and Solar Landscape not only highlights the potential of rooftop solar but also showcases the broader benefits of community solar.

As Shaun Keegan, CEO and cofounder of Solar Landscape, stated in the press release, “Community solar is a win-win-win: It reduces the carbon footprint for communities, offers clean energy at a discount for residents, and creates revenue for property owners.”

Solar Landscape is also making strides in workforce development, particularly in communities that have historically been underrepresented in the clean energy sector. Through its nationally-recognized STEP-UP (Solar Training and Education Partnerships for Underserved Populations) program, Solar Landscape partners with dozens of organizations across the country to provide training and education in solar energy.

To date, more than 2,500 individuals have been trained, many of whom hail from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Just last month in Chicago, Solar Landscape, in collaboration with the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), provided hands-on solar training to community members. This initiative builds on a program launched in 2023 and underscores Solar Landscape’s commitment to creating a clean energy workforce that is as diverse as it is skilled.

NSA and Solar Landscape

National Storage Affiliates Trust, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, has long been a dominant player in the self-storage industry. The company focuses on acquiring, owning, and operating properties in the top 100 metropolitan areas across the United States.

As of June 30, 2024, NSA owned and operated 1,052 self-storage properties. These properties cover approximately 68.8 million rentable square feet, making NSA one of the largest owners and operators of self-storage facilities in the country.

The partnership with Solar Landscape represents a significant step forward for NSA in integrating sustainable practices into its operations. By leveraging Solar Landscape’s expertise, NSA is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also contributing to the broader goal of making clean energy accessible and affordable to more Americans.

Solar Landscape, recognized as the leading commercial and community solar developer in the United States, has a proven track record. The company partners with some of the world’s largest real estate companies to install and operate solar projects on commercial and industrial rooftops.

With over 500 MW of renewable energy projects already deployed and more than $1 billion in capital investment, Solar Landscape has solidified its position as a key player in the renewable energy sector.