SelF Storage
Solar
We help self-storage facilities receive USDA grant money for purchasing solar systems to fully power their operations.
These funds can offset virtually all electrical expenses and allow the storage facility to receive free energy for over 25 years with a system payback in under 1 year.
Advantages for Your Business
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Lower Operating Costs
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Clean Energy Branding
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Avoid Rising Electrical Prices
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Payback Typically < 1 Year
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Your Competitors Are Doing It
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Free Solar Assessment
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Interest Free Loans
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Huge Tax Savings
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25 Year Guarantee
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USA Made Panels
How It Works
6 Steps to Energy Independence
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01 Contact
Give us a call or send us an email and we will answer any questions you have about the program. There are often many things that farmers want to ask and we take the time to ensure you understand the whole process.
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02 Energy Usage
You send us a copy of your latest energy bill so that we can design and size the system. Our technical team will determine if we can install the panels on an existing roof structure or if a ground mounted system is better. We will also determine the number of panels required to power the brewery and tap house.
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03 Financial Plan
Our team will present a technical and financial plan for the project. There is no cost for performing the assessment and delivering the report.
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04 USDA Grant
If you decide to move forward, our grant writers fill out all of the necessary paperwork to ensure you obtain all available state and local benefits. We have a 100% approval rate on the grants we have submitted.
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05 Permitting and Installation
We obtain all necessary permits and schedule the install with a certified solar team.
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06 Free Energy
Your brewery transitions from just producing beer to also producing all of its own energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for powering self-storage facility with solar energy?
Give us a call and we will answer any questions you have about the program. We will ask you send us a copy of your latest energy bill so that we can design and size the system. Our technical team will determine if we can install the panels on an existing roof structure or if a ground mounted system is better. We will also determine the number of panels required to power the facility. Our team will present a technical and financial plan for the project. There is no cost for performing the assessment. If you decide to move forward, our grant writers fill out all of the necessary paperwork to ensure you obtain all available state and local benefits. We have a 100% approval rate on the grants we have submitted. We obtain all permits and schedule the install and when powered on, your facility enjoys free, American Made, energy for over 25 years.
What is the payback period?
The USDA's Infrastructure Reduction Act approved billions of dollars to help rural areas convert to solar power. This federal grant can be coupled with state funds where available and there are also significant accelerated depreciation benefits that allow many clients to fully fund their system. The panels can be fully depreciated over 5 years with over 37% deducted in year one! It is very often the case that the payback period is under one year.
Why are self-storage facilities going solar now?
There are many reasons for any business to go solar, but the owners we speak with most frequently cite their reason as:
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Take advantage of the federal and state incentives before they expire
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Cost savings and lowering operations expenses.
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Protect against rising electricity prices
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Good for my brand image and many of my competitors are already solar powered
This sounds a little too good to be true! What's the catch?
We agree that it sounds great! That is why we create a free, written proposal detailing both the solar design and the financial proposal with all grants, deductions and rebates explained in detail. We encourage all of our clients to share the proposal with their financial and tax advisors so that they can independently validate the program and our financial model with you directly.
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If you would like to learn more about the program directly from a US Government Website, here are some links:
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Rural Development State Energy Coordinators
USDA Rural Development Eligibility Map
Distressed and Disadvantaged Communities Map
7CFR 4280, Subpart B - Program Governance
Title IX of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 - Program Authorization
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How long does the USDA program last?
This program is designed to last until the funds are all spent. There is some urgency in getting your grant submitted before the funds are all allocated and the program ends.
I do not own our building. Can I get solar if my landlord agrees?
You can get solar but you will not qualify for the grant unfortunately.
Are solar panels dangerous?
Nope. There are no gasses or moving parts in a solar panel. It is basically a panel of glass with some electrical components wrapped in an aluminum case. No noise, no health risk to humans or animals, lots of free energy.
How long do the panels last?
Our panels come with a 25 year warranty. No moving parts, no oils, no belts .... by design they are exceptionally stable and durable. The panels we use are made in the USA and qualify for an additional 10% off of the system cost because they are manufactured domestically
What happens at night and on cloudy days?
As part of the install, we swap out your existing power meter with a "net meter". When your system is producing more energy that the facility is using, the meter runs backward. At night when the system is not producing, the meter takes energy off of the grid just like it does today. We typically design the systems so that the facility uses no "net" energy from the power company. You will still need to pay your provider's monthly connection fees, but these are typically nominal.
Does performance degrade over time?
Nominally. It is likely that the system will be producing in the 85% range even when they are 30 years old.
I typically pay very little in taxes. How can the depreciation and tax incentives help me?
This is a very common scenario for a new business that is not yet profitable and fortunately we have a solution. We have cultivated a market of folks who are looking to purchase tax credits to offset liabilities. We can help broker a deal so that you can transfer your unneeded tax credits to an entity that can use them. The purchaser typically pays a discounted rate (around 80%) but this allows your business to immediately monetize the incentives that would otherwise have little value for you.
