58 kW – West Berlin, NJ

Premier Shine Powers Up with Rooftop Solar in West Berlin, NJ

West Berlin, NJ — Premier Shine, a locally owned retail operation in West Berlin, New Jersey, has taken a significant step toward energy independence and operational efficiency with the installation of a 57.6-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system, developed in partnership with Plankton Energy. The newly energized system is expected to generate clean electricity onsite for decades to come—delivering both cost savings and environmental impact through a customer ownership model.

By choosing to own the system outright, Premier Shine will capture the full financial and performance benefits of solar, transforming its rooftop into a long-term energy asset.

Onsite Power, Owned and Operated

The rooftop system at Premier Shine is a behind-the-meter installation, which means the electricity produced is consumed directly by the building—reducing grid reliance and providing insulation from rising utility rates. The system is expected to produce over 65,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, covering a significant portion of the retailer’s daytime energy use.

Unlike leased or third-party-owned systems, Premier Shine’s customer-owned approach ensures that 100% of the utility savings and federal/state incentives remain with the business. This includes potential benefits such as the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), accelerated depreciation (MACRS), and eligibility for New Jersey’s Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, which provides performance-based financial rewards for each kilowatt-hour of solar energy generated.

“We saw solar as an investment in our bottom line and our community,” said a spokesperson from Premier Shine. “With Plankton’s help, we’re lowering our energy costs while reducing our carbon footprint—on our terms, and on our roof.”

Retail Sector Embracing Clean Energy

Retail businesses across the country are turning to solar to enhance their brand, manage energy costs, and align with growing consumer expectations around sustainability. For single-site operators like Premier Shine, solar ownership offers the opportunity to control long-term operating expenses, protect against utility volatility, and make smart use of underutilized space.

By generating its own power, Premier Shine also improves its net operating income (NOI) and positions the building as a forward-looking retail destination that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

“Retailers have thin margins and high utility costs,” noted a spokesperson from Plankton Energy. “Solar can be a game-changer—especially when the customer owns the system and keeps all the value.”

SMART Development, Seamless Execution

Plankton Energy served as the turnkey development partner for the Premier Shine project, handling every phase of execution—from feasibility and engineering to permitting, construction, and interconnection. With experience serving retail, office, nonprofit, and institutional clients, Plankton delivers tailored solar solutions that align with property-specific conditions, local regulations, and financial objectives.

The West Berlin installation features fixed-tilt rooftop racking, optimized to capture sunlight throughout the day without impacting store operations. With Plankton’s streamlined project delivery, the entire process was completed efficiently, minimizing disruption and maximizing long-term return.

Participating in New Jersey’s Solar Incentive Program

The Premier Shine system qualifies for participation in the New Jersey SuSI Program, which provides renewable energy certificates (SREC-IIs) for every megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar electricity produced. These certificates offer additional revenue that shortens the payback period and boosts the total return on investment.

New Jersey remains one of the most supportive solar markets in the country, and small commercial projects like this one are an essential part of the state’s clean energy strategy.

A Model for Small Businesses

As a small business navigating rising costs, Premier Shine’s decision to adopt solar reflects both financial discipline and community-minded leadership. The system reduces utility expenses, enhances environmental performance, and offers a tangible demonstration of the company’s commitment to sustainability.

“We hope our decision encourages other small business owners to explore solar,” said Premier Shine’s spokesperson. “If you’ve got a roof, you’ve got an opportunity.”

Project Snapshot: Premier Shine, West Berlin, NJ

• System Size: 57.6 kW DC
  
  
• Estimated Annual Generation: ~65,000 kWh
  
  
• Building Type: Retail
  
  
• Mounting Type: Rooftop, Fixed-Tilt
  
  
• System Type: Behind-the-Meter
  
  
• Ownership Model: Customer-Owned
  
  
• Incentive Program: NJ SuSI (SREC-II eligible)
  
  
• Key Benefits:
  
  
  • 100% retention of utility savings and incentives
    
    
  • Long-term reduction in energy expenses
    
    
  • Annual carbon reduction equivalent to ~46 metric tons CO₂
    
    
  • Improved NOI and sustainability performance
    
    

About Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a full-service solar energy developer committed to helping small businesses, retailers, nonprofits, and commercial property owners harness the value of renewable energy. By offering customized, turnkey solar solutions, Plankton enables clients to lower costs, meet sustainability goals, and gain energy independence—whether through ownership, leasing, or community solar partnerships.