When adding solar panels to a storage facility you should consider cost, design and aesthetics. The design of the system is up to your solar contractor. Solar contractors are trained in designing solar systems that will take advantage of existing buildings to get the best results possible. The size of the solar system is based on energy use and ability to sell the stored energy back to the grid. You facility may require a larger system if you have a live-in onsite manager, climate controlled units or 24-hour lighting systems. These are all factors that will be considered when defining which size solar field is best for your storage facility.
There are a few different design options for your self-storage solar installation which will fit just about every type of building and roofing design. The mounting of the solar panels can be done with a few methods: direct attach, ground mount or ballasted mount. Direct attach solar systems attach directly to the roof of the storage facility. Ballasted systems use weights to keep the panels in place meaning that no holes need to be put of the roof on the facility, lessening the chance of leaks. Finlay ground mounted solar panels are just as you would imagine, mounted on the ground.
The best option for most self-storage facilities is the ballasted mount solar system. Managers who choose to install these systems see a rise in income and a reduction in energy cost- a win win.
