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 specifically 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.

Public Storage and Solar Landscape worked together on site-selection, system design, financing options and state program applications to ensure maximum effectiveness.  

In 2021, Public Storage announced plans to add solar panels by 2025 to 1,000 of the more than 2,600 locations it has nationwide. The project, which reaches 13% of that goal, is just one effort of the company’s greater commitment to sustainability, focusing on creating long-term resilience, growth and value for the company’s communities, customers, employees and additional stakeholders.