Like many local businesses on Cape Cod, Chatham Sun Self Storage was feeling the impact of rising electricity costs. With Massachusetts energy rates being higher than the national average, they were looking for a way to take control of their electric bills and plan for the future.
Chatham Sun Self Storage partnered with My Generation Energy for a custom commercial solar installation. Today, their business is producing clean electricity on-site, helping them save approximately $13,760 per year and strengthening their commitment to sustainability.
Project Overview
- Business: Chatham Sun Self Storage
- Location: Chatham, MA
- System Size: 32.68 kW, 76 panels
- Estimated Annual Electricity Savings: $12,322
- Annual Renewable Energy Certificate Revenue: $1,438
- Estimated Payback Period: 3 years, including tax incentives and energy bill savings
The Challenge: High Operating Costs and a Focus on Sustainability
Chatham Sun Self Storage requires 24/7 lighting and active security to keep their property protected, making energy a significant operating expense.
They wanted a solution that would:
- Lower long-term electric costs
- Hedge against increasing electric rates
- Reflect their commitment to environmental responsibility
- Make use of their existing roof space
“Solar power aligns with our company goals on several fronts,” explained Molly MacGregor, co-owner of Chatham Sun Self Storage. “While we appreciate the reduced electricity bills, we also believe in reducing our environmental impact. It is in our name, Chatham Sun Self Storage, and it’s on our roofs.”
The Solution: High-Efficiency Commercial Solar
In order to meet their goals, Chatham Sun needed an experienced commercial solar partner familiar with Cape Cod. To maximize production on the available roof area, our team designed a 32.68 kW rooftop solar array using 76 high-efficiency modules and microinverter technology.
Key design highlights include:
- High‑efficiency modules to generate more power per square foot, making the most of the facility’s roof space
- Microinverters convert power from each panel individually, rather than batching all 76 panels together, so the system can keep performing even when some panels are partially shaded
- Commercial‑grade racking and electrical work designed for Cape Cod weather conditions and local code requirements
- Incentive‑aware design, making sure the system qualified for available commercial solar incentives to accelerate payback
The Result: Lower Bills and a Fast Payback Period
With the system in place, Chatham Sun Self Storage expects to save about $13,760 per year on electricity. Based on current electric rates and the project’s incentive structure, the business is on track to recover its investment in under three years.
Today, solar supports both the company’s bottom line and its brand promise. They already had “Sun” in their name. Now it’s on their roofs as well!
“My Generation Energy has been a great partner in this solar installation project and we plan to work with them again,” added MacGregor.
Thinking About Solar for Your Massachusetts Business?
Chatham Sun Self Storage chose My Generation Energy because of our combination of local expertise and high-performance commercial design.
We have been installing commercial solar systems across Cape Cod, the South Shore, the South Coast, and Greater Boston since 2008, with projects ranging from small businesses to large industrial arrays.
