Plankton Energy
121 kW – Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA — In a continued push to scale clean energy access across Massachusetts, Plankton Energy has completed the installation of a 121-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system at 7 Canterbury Street, a multi-tenant industrial building in Worcester. The project, now fully operational, is part of a growing network of community solar installations designed to bring low-cost renewable electricity to local households and small businesses—without requiring them to install panels on their own roofs.
Strategically located in Worcester’s industrial corridor, the 7 Canterbury project showcases how underutilized roof space can be transformed into high-performing clean energy infrastructure. The system is expected to generate approximately 135,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable electricity annually. That’s enough to power more than a dozen average Massachusetts homes per year, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting utility costs for subscribers.
A New Revenue Stream for Industrial Real Estate
In addition to delivering clean power to the community, the system provides a new revenue stream for the host property owner through a long-term site lease agreement with Plankton Energy. By monetizing rooftop space that would otherwise sit idle, the building owner increases their net operating income (NOI) while advancing sustainability goals—without any upfront capital investment or operational disruptions.
“Community solar is a win-win for real estate owners and for the local communities they serve,” said a spokesperson from Plankton Energy. “At 7 Canterbury, we’ve taken a roof that wasn’t generating income and turned it into a clean energy asset that pays dividends both financially and environmentally.”
This structure is especially attractive to commercial and industrial property owners who are looking to optimize asset performance, comply with ESG goals, and support statewide decarbonization efforts.
Community Solar: Clean Energy for Everyone
Unlike traditional solar systems that serve a single user, community solar projects allow multiple subscribers—typically renters, homeowners, and small businesses—to share in the benefits of a single solar array. Residents who sign up for the 7 Canterbury project will receive monthly credits on their utility bills, lowering their energy costs without needing to install or maintain any equipment.
This model not only democratizes access to clean energy, but it also supports energy equity, making solar available to households that might otherwise be excluded due to roof conditions, shade, homeownership status, or upfront costs.
The project is part of Plankton Energy’s broader initiative to develop distributed solar systems across Massachusetts, with a focus on community-serving organizations, industrial buildings, and institutional partners.
Supported by Massachusetts SMART Program
The 7 Canterbury system was developed with support from the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program, a state-run initiative that provides performance-based incentives for solar projects that serve residential and community needs. By leveraging SMART incentives, developers like Plankton Energy are able to lower project costs and pass those savings on to both host sites and subscribers.
Massachusetts remains one of the top-performing states in the U.S. for solar deployment, thanks in part to programs like SMART that encourage innovative financing and community-oriented solutions.
A Turnkey Solution from Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a full-service solar energy developer serving commercial, institutional, and nonprofit property owners across the United States. The company specializes in designing and deploying custom solar systems that unlock new value from real estate assets while delivering measurable environmental and financial results.
From site evaluation and permitting to construction, utility interconnection, and subscriber management, Plankton handles every aspect of the project lifecycle—ensuring a seamless, no-cost process for property owners.
By converting rooftop and parking areas into clean energy systems, Plankton empowers its partners to reduce emissions, increase revenue, and contribute to the transition to a more resilient, decentralized energy grid.
“Our goal is to make solar easy and profitable for every property owner,” the spokesperson added. “Projects like 7 Canterbury are proof that industrial buildings can play a pivotal role in the clean energy future.”
Project Snapshot: 7 Canterbury Street, Worcester, MA
- System Size: 120.96 kW DC
- Estimated Annual Output: ~135,000 kWh
- Building Type: Industrial
- System Type: Rooftop, Community Solar
- Mounting Style: Fixed Tilt Roof Mount
- Program Participation: Massachusetts SMART Program
- Host Benefit: Long-term lease payments, increased NOI
- Community Benefit: Discounted solar credits for local househo