Metro Self Storage has joined forces with Wunder, a leader in commercial energy solutions, to integrate solar power into its growing portfolio of self-storage facilities. This collaboration marks a significant step in Metro’s journey toward sustainability and energy efficiency. The first six solar installations, totaling over 710 kW, are now operational across locations in Illinois and New Jersey. These systems are expected to generate over 1,040,000 kWh of clean energy in their first year, offsetting 1,606,371 pounds of CO2 emissions.
Advancing Sustainability Goals
The addition of solar energy to Metro’s facilities demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability without compromising financial viability. These projects required no upfront investment from Metro, making them a cost-effective way to achieve environmental objectives.
Nick Gerou, Chief Investment Officer at Metro, highlighted the transformative impact of the initiative. “Deploying solar across our portfolio has been an incredible step forward for our business,” he said. “Not only are we unlocking new revenue, but we’re also powering our facilities with clean energy and achieving our sustainability objectives. The team at Wunder has been an outstanding partner, guiding us seamlessly through the process and ensuring success every step of the way.”
Benefits of Solar Integration
The six solar-powered facilities span over 380,000 square feet and offer a range of premium amenities, including climate-controlled units, advanced security systems, elevator access, drive-up loading bays, and professional on-site staff. By transitioning to renewable energy, Metro is reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.
The economic and environmental benefits are substantial. Solar energy significantly reduces operational costs by lowering electricity bills, allowing Metro to allocate resources toward other business areas. Additionally, the use of renewable energy strengthens Metro’s appeal to eco-conscious customers, further enhancing its competitive edge in the self-storage market.
Wunder’s Expertise in Commercial Energy Solutions
Wunder’s partnership with Metro underscores the company’s expertise in delivering energy solutions tailored to commercial real estate needs. Wunder specializes in creating scalable, enterprise-grade solar projects for businesses across the U.S., including major real estate firms and Fortune 500 companies.
Dave Riess, CEO of Wunder, emphasized the value of the collaboration. “We’re proud to partner with Metro. Their team has been fantastic, and we’re excited to continue expanding on this relationship and bring more projects online,” he said. “Solar unlocks a lot of value for self-storage firms like Metro, and at Wunder, we’ve developed a winning formula for seamlessly deploying these types of solutions at any scale.”
A Model for Sustainable Growth
Metro’s solar initiative sets a precedent for self-storage companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining profitability. The project demonstrates how renewable energy can be effectively integrated into commercial real estate, offering both financial and environmental advantages.
By leveraging Wunder’s expertise, Metro has streamlined the transition to solar power, achieving a sustainable energy model without incurring additional financial burdens. This partnership reflects a growing trend in the commercial real estate sector, where businesses are increasingly turning to renewable energy to meet their sustainability goals and enhance long-term value.
The success of these initial solar projects signals the potential for future expansion. Metro and Wunder are poised to build on this momentum, with plans to deploy solar energy across additional facilities. This ongoing collaboration highlights the scalability and adaptability of solar solutions, paving the way for broader adoption across the self-storage industry and beyond.
As more companies prioritize sustainability, Metro’s initiative serves as an example of how businesses can align environmental responsibility with financial growth. By investing in renewable energy, Metro Self Storage not only enhances its operational efficiency but also strengthens its role as a leader in sustainable commercial real estate.
