Midtown Vault Self Storage in Memphis Completes Solar Installation
Absolute Storage Management (ASM) recently completed installation of a 117-module, 28-kW solar array atop its Midtown Vault Self Storage location in Memphis. The addition of the solar panels will help offset a portion of the building’s monthly operating costs, with an expected return on investment of less than seven years.
ASM took advantage of several incentive programs to help finance the panels, including a 30 percent federal tax credit and a 12-cent-per-kWh energy buyback incentive from TVA. ASM used several Tennessee vendors for the installation, including LightWave Solar as its general contractor. Customer rental rates did not increase as a result of this project.
“We’ve wanted go solar at Midtown Vault since purchasing the property six years ago. Based on available incentives and decreasing material costs, this year it made economic sense for us to take that step,” said Michael Haugh, managing member/partner for Midtown Vault and president of ASM. “Along with the expected monetary savings, we’re looking forward to cutting down on our carbon footprint.”
The new solar array takes up about one-third of Midtown Vault’s roof, allowing for future expansion. The facility is ASM’s second property to employ solar power. East Nashville Self Storage features a similarly sized array.
Founded and based in Memphis since 2003, ASM manages 70 self-storage facilities across the Southeast, encompassing more than 3.5 million square feet. Properties are in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.
Original link: http://www.insideselfstorage.com/news/2012/12/midtown-vault-self-storage-in-memphis-completes-solar-installation.aspx