USAA Real Estate Hedges Against Energy Price Volatility With Solar

USAA (United Services Automobile Association) is a diversified financial services group dedicated to serving current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Renowned for its commitment to integrity, innovation, and member value, USAA provides a wide range of insurance, banking, and investment products designed to support the unique needs of its community. As part of its ongoing mission to deliver exceptional service and long-term value, USAA continues to explore forward-thinking solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support a more sustainable future.

The Challenge

Advancing Sustainability While Managing Operational Costs

As USAA looked to strengthen its commitment to sustainability, the organization faced the challenge of integrating clean energy solutions that would deliver meaningful environmental benefits without increasing operational costs. With energy price volatility and the need for long-term cost predictability, USAA sought a partner who could provide a project structure requiring no upfront capital investment, while also ensuring reliable performance and measurable impact. The goal was to implement a solution that would not only reduce the organization’s carbon footprint but also support its financial objectives and provide lasting value for its members.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Delivering Clean Energy With No Upfront Costs

INSTALLATION TYPE

Rooftop Solar

INSTALLATION SIZE

2.5 MW

LOCATION

Cranbury, NJ

INCENTIVE

New Jersey Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Program

To help USAA achieve its sustainability and financial goals, PowerFlex partnered with Black Bear Energy to deliver a 2.5-megawatt (MW) rooftop solar system at USAA’s Cranbury, New Jersey facility. Black Bear Energy played a key role in facilitating the project and representing USAA’s interests throughout the process. PowerFlex structured the project with no upfront capital required from USAA, instead offering a site lease and power purchase agreement (PPA) that provides fixed annual payments and long-term price stability. This approach allowed USAA to benefit from clean, renewable energy while hedging against future energy price volatility, all without impacting its capital budget. By leveraging the NJ SREC incentive program, the project delivers both immediate and ongoing value, supporting USAA’s commitment to operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

“We have enjoyed working with USAA Real Estate and PowerFlex and are excited to see this project break ground. The New Jersey solar market provides great opportunity for commercial property owners to realize additional value from their existing portfolio, and this project is just one such example.”

Drew Torbin

CEO, Black Bear Energy