Plankton Energy
303 kW – Burlington, MA
Plankton Energy Delivers Rooftop Solar Ownership to EQR in Burlington, MA with 302.64 kW System
Burlington, MA — Plankton Energy has completed the development and commissioning of a 302.64-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system at a residential apartment building in Burlington, Massachusetts, owned by EQR. Unlike many third-party-owned or power purchase agreement (PPA) projects, this installation was executed under a customer ownership model, allowing EQR to directly own the system and realize the full financial and environmental benefits of solar power.
The system is now fully operational and delivering clean, renewable electricity directly to the building, helping EQR lower its operating expenses while gaining energy independence and boosting its long-term sustainability profile.
The benefit of client ownership
By choosing to own the solar installation outright, EQR will earn a return through greatly reduced utility bills, as well as any available state and federal solar incentives, including tax credits, accelerated depreciation (MACRS), and performance-based incentives through Massachusetts’ SMART Program. The behind-the-meter system is designed to offset a significant portion of the building’s electricity usage—providing predictable, long-term reductions in utility costs.
“Ownership puts EQR in full control of the economic upside of solar,” said a spokesperson for Plankton Energy. “This system is a strategic investment in long-term cost savings, sustainability leadership, and asset performance.”
EQR’s decision to own the system also positions the property for enhanced tenant appeal and potential improvements in ESG ratings—especially important in today’s real estate market where energy efficiency and carbon impact are top of mind for institutional investors and tenants alike.
Generating Clean, Onsite Power
Installed using fixed-tilt rooftop racking, the 302.64 kW system is expected to generate approximately 350,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This generation directly offsets grid consumption at the site, reducing the building’s exposure to utility rate increases and contributing to Massachusetts’ decarbonization goals.
The system’s environmental impact is equivalent to removing nearly 280 metric tons of CO₂ emissions annually—the same as eliminating over 31,000 gallons of gasoline consumed or more than 600,000 miles driven by a gas-powered car each year.
In addition to lowering operating costs and emissions, the project demonstrates how underutilized rooftop space can be transformed into a productive, revenue-saving asset—without interfering with daily business operations or tenant activity.
SMART Program Support
The project was supported by the Massachusetts SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) Program, a performance-based incentive initiative that rewards solar owners for each kilowatt-hour of electricity their system produces over time. Through this program, EQR will earn additional revenue to supplement their utility savings, further accelerating the payback on their investment.
Massachusetts’ SMART Program has become a cornerstone of commercial solar deployment in the state, enabling thousands of buildings like EQR’s Burlington office to transition to clean power without sacrificing financial performance.
Custom Solar Solutions by Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy served as the turnkey development partner for the EQR Burlington project, managing all aspects of project execution—from technical design and permitting to construction oversight, utility interconnection, and SMART Program enrollment. With deep expertise in rooftop solar for commercial properties, Plankton tailors its solutions to match ownership preferences, site conditions, and financial goals.
Whether structuring customer-owned systems, PPAs, or community solar models, Plankton delivers clean energy solutions that align with client strategy and real estate asset planning.
“We work with property owners who want to maximize control, savings, and long-term return,” added the spokesperson. “EQR’s project is a great example of how solar ownership can strengthen a building’s value proposition and its energy independence at the same time.”
Project Snapshot: EQR Burlington, MA
- System Size: 302.64 kW DC
- Estimated Annual Output: ~350,000 kWh
- System Type: Rooftop, Behind-the-Meter
- Mounting Type: Fixed-Tilt Rooftop Racking
- Building Type: Residential
- Location: Burlington, MA
- Ownership Model: Customer-Owned
- Program Participation: Massachusetts SMART Program
- Key Benefits: Utility bill reduction, tax incentives, SMART revenue, full ROI retention
- Environmental Impact: ~280 metric tons CO₂ avoided annually
About Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a national turnkey solar developer helping commercial property owners, real estate investors, and mission-driven institutions unlock the value of solar energy. From site evaluation to long-term monitoring, Plankton delivers tailored, fully managed solutions that reduce costs, generate new revenue, and improve environmental performance across a wide range of asset classes.