537 kW – Jamaica Plain, MA

Showa Boston Institute Partners with Plankton Energy to Activate 537-kW Rooftop Solar System in Jamaica Plain

Jamaica Plain, MA — In a bold move toward institutional sustainability and cost efficiency, Showa Boston Institute for Language and Culture has partnered with Plankton Energy to install a 537-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system atop its educational campus in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. The project, developed under a power purchase agreement (PPA), is now fully operational—providing clean, low-cost electricity to the school while serving as a high-impact educational resource.

This milestone positions Showa as a forward-thinking institution leveraging its infrastructure to support both financial resilience and climate leadership—all without upfront capital investment.

An Educational Campus Powered by the Sun

The rooftop solar array is expected to generate more than 625,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year—enough to offset a substantial portion of the campus’s electricity consumption. As a behind-the-meter system, the clean power is delivered directly to the school, reducing demand from the utility grid and ensuring consistent energy savings over the life of the system.

“This is more than just a solar project—it’s a commitment to our values,” said a Showa administrator. “We’re improving our environmental footprint, lowering costs, and providing a living example of sustainability for our students.”

By participating in a PPA, Showa purchases solar power from Plankton Energy at a rate below the local utility, securing long-term savings without owning or maintaining the system.

Sustainability as a Learning Tool

Incorporating solar infrastructure directly into the campus enables Showa faculty to connect energy and environmental topics with real-world data and application. Students can track live energy output, discuss energy economics, and explore career pathways in clean technology.

“The system creates powerful learning moments,” said a Plankton spokesperson. “We see students actively engaging with solar data, asking questions about energy markets, and understanding climate responsibility through direct observation.”

Institutional Benefits Beyond Energy

• Predictable Budgeting: The PPA model shields Showa from future electricity rate hikes, making utility costs more predictable over time.
  
  
• Environmental Impact: The system is expected to avoid more than 4,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifespan—equivalent to avoiding over 470,000 gallons of gasoline consumed.
  
  
• Facility Enhancement: Rooftop systems provide passive cooling benefits and support long-term ESG and LEED goals.
  
  

SMART-Enabled and Turnkey Delivered

The project was supported by the Massachusetts SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) Program, which offers performance-based incentives for solar generation. SMART enables schools and nonprofits to benefit from reliable financial modeling while contributing to the Commonwealth’s clean energy targets.

Plankton Energy delivered the system a turnkey system, managing engineering, permitting, interconnection, financing, and ongoing operations. This approach minimizes time and resource strain on the institution, allowing leaders to focus on mission delivery.

“We pride ourselves on removing every barrier—technical, financial, or administrative—that stands between mission-driven institutions and clean energy,” the Plankton spokesperson added.

Project Snapshot: Showa Boston Institute, Jamaica Plain, MA

• System Size: 537 kW DC
  
  
• Estimated Annual Generation: ~625,000 kWh
  
  
• Building Type: Educational
  
  
• System Type: Rooftop, Behind-the-Meter
  
  
• Mounting Type: Fixed-Tilt Roof Mount
  
  
• Agreement Type: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
  
  
• Incentive Program: Massachusetts SMART
  
  
• Host Benefits: Discounted electricity, long-term utility savings, curriculum integration
  
  
• Environmental Impact: ~4,200 metric tons CO₂ avoided over system life
  
  

About Plankton Energy

Plankton Energy is a full-service solar developer specializing in turnkey clean energy solutions for schools, nonprofits, and commercial property owners. With expertise in PPAs and community-solar systems, Plankton helps institutions lower costs, improve resilience, and align operations with sustainability goals.

For More Information
Visit planktonenergy.com or contact info@planktonenergy.com.