Here Comes the Sun: Solar Power Opportunities for Industrial Real Estate

With a record 662 million sq. ft. under construction and continued strong occupier demand, the U.S. industrial real estate sector can play a major role in meeting carbon-reduction and energy-efficiency goals by using solar energy.

The industrial sector has consumed 79% more energy than the commercial sector over the past 10 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).¹ CBRE’s 2022 U.S. Industrial & Logistics Occupier Survey found that power supply is among the three most important site-selection criteria for industrial occupiers, reflecting the large amount of electricity they use and the attractiveness of renewable energy sources.

Figure 1: Energy Consumption by Sector

*Includes facilities and equipment used for producing, processing or assembling goods.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, October 2022.

The Biden administration has set a national goal for 100% carbon-emission-free electricity by 2035. One opportunity for industrial real estate to help achieve this is by utilizing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which are becoming increasingly more affordable. Solar power reduces the need to burn fossil fuels for electricity, which account for one-quarter of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Nearly 40% of CBRE occupier survey respondents said they are using alternative energies on-site, including solar panels, to meet their own carbon-reduction targets.

Large industrial facilities (100,000+ sq. ft.) are ideal for solar-panel installations, particularly in markets with high amounts of new construction like Dallas, Phoenix, Chicago, Atlanta and California’s Inland Empire. Many of these markets offer state incentives to lower the up-front building costs.

Solar systems can reduce a building’s reliance on grid-supplied electricity by as much as 80% and in many cases reduce electric bills by up to 95%, according to a recent CBRE Viewpoint. Furthermore, in populated areas, excess clean energy generated by a solar PV system can be sold to a public utility, generating revenue for building owners.

Figure 2: Ways Occupiers are Meeting Net Zero Carbon Targets

Note: Respondents could select more than one answer. Percentages calculated as a proportion of total responses and therefore do not add up to 100%.
Source: 2022 U.S. Industrial & Logistics Occupier Survey, November 2022.

More than 70% of respondents to CBRE’s occupier survey said they are willing to pay a higher rent for buildings powered by green energy, particularly if it is offset by operational cost savings.

Figure 3: What rent premium are occupiers willing to pay for buildings powered by green energy?

Source: 2022 U.S. Industrial & Logistics Occupier Survey, November 2022.

As the U.S. sets aggressive carbon reduction goals, utilizing solar energy to power modern bulk industrial buildings also has the potential to increase operational efficiency and profitability for building owners.

¹ Industrial sector as defined by EIA includes facilities and equipment used for producing, processing or assembling goods. Commercial sector refers to service-providing facilities and equipment of businesses; federal, state, and local governments; and other private and public entities, such as religious, social or fraternal groups.