Glendale-based Public Storage and New Jersey-based Solar Landscape have begun construction on the first of what will become 133 rooftop community solar developments across Maryland, New Jersey and Illinois.
Together, the solar installations, totaling nearly 88 megawatts of affordable clean energy, will power more than 10,000 homes of low- to moderate-income residents.
The program – which is designated for those unable to install personal solar panels for reasons such as high costs, lack of roof access or insufficient sunlight – will allow people to subscribe to nearby solar installations located atop Public Storage rooftops.
Subscribers will receive discounted electricity, as well as additional savings for low- to moderate-income households, which, in return, will save residents millions of dollars per year on electricity costs.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with a forward-thinking company like Public Storage on this nation-leading partnership to expand solar accessibility to underserved communities, particularly low-income families,” Shaun Keegan, Solar Landscape’s chief executive and co-founder, said in a statement.
Of the 133 installations, 57 in Maryland will serve nearly 2,600 homes, the majority of which belong to low- to moderate-income families.The remaining installations will be carried out in Illinois and New Jersey.