Plankton Energy Powers Retail Property in Manalapan, NJ with 606 kW Rooftop Solar Installation

Manalapan Township, NJ — Plankton Energy has energized a 606.39-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system at an indoor sports facility in Manalapan Township, New Jersey. Delivered through a behind-the-meter power purchase agreement (PPA), the project demonstrates how indoor sports facilities can leverage underutilized rooftop space to reduce operating expenses, increase net operating income, and demonstrate environmental stewardship.

A Capital-Efficient PPA Structure

The system was developed under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement, in which electricity produced onsite is sold directly to the building at a rate below utility tariffs. This structure enables operating expense reductions with no upfront capital. The purchaser secures a fixed price for the life of the agreement hedging against energy rate volatility. while securing predictable energy pricing for the life of the agreement.

Converting Rooftop Space into an Income-Generating Asset

Large properties often have expansive, rooftops that are ideal for solar deployment. At this indoor sports facility, the rooftop has been transformed into a productive energy-generating surface, hosting more than 1,500 modules across the building.

This approach demonstrates how owners can monetize underutilized space, turning idle square footage into a value-add infrastructure investment. The project illustrates a broader trend in commercial real estate: aligning property improvements with capital strategies to increase both cash flow and asset valuation.

Financial Performance and ESG Alignment

By producing an estimated 750,000 kWh annually, the installation offsets a nearly 100% of the building’s electricity consumption. The result is consistent NOI improvement supported by predictable operating expenses.

The system also advances the property’s ESG profile, reducing lifecycle carbon emissions by thousands of metric tons. For institutional investors and portfolio managers, ESG performance is increasingly linked to asset valuation and tenant demand. Integrating solar strengthens both financial and non-financial performance indicators, positioning the property for long-term competitiveness.

New Jersey’s Policy and Incentive Landscape

The project also underscores the favorable policy environment for commercial solar in New Jersey. Programs such as the state’s successor solar incentive framework (SuSI) provide performance-based payments that support project economics across system types.

When paired with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and accelerated depreciation under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), retail property owners in New Jersey can receive the benefits of solar without upfront investment. These mechanisms make the state one of the most attractive markets for commercial solar nationwide.

Plankton Energy’s Turnkey Delivery Model

Plankton Energy delivered a turnkey system to the indoor sports facility. Its services included feasibility analysis, structural review, system design, permitting, interconnection, and construction management. Post-construction, Plankton performs monitoring, operations, and maintenance of the system, ensuring long-term reliability.

“This project illustrates our approach to unlocking hidden value in commercial real estate,” said a Plankton spokesperson. “By aligning system design with ownership strategy, load profile, and incentive opportunities, we deliver solutions that improve asset performance while supporting broader market adoption of clean energy.”

Project Snapshot: Sportika, Manalapan Township, NJ

• System Size: 606.39 kW DC
  
  
• Building Type: Retail
  
  
• Mounting Type: Rooftop
  
  
• Agreement Type: Behind-the-Meter PPA
  
  
• Location: Manalapan Township, NJ
  
  
• Estimated Annual Generation: ~750,000 kWh
  
  
• Host Benefits: Discounted onsite electricity, NOI improvement, predictable cost structure, ESG alignment
  
  
• Community Benefits: Grid demand reduction, contribution to state-level climate goals
  
  

About Plankton Energy

Plankton Energy is a national turnkey solar developer specializing in tailored renewable energy solutions for commercial real estate owners, mission-driven institutions, and community stakeholders. By combining advanced financial modeling with zero-upfront-cost structures, Plankton enables properties to reduce operating expenses, unlock predictable revenue, and optimize long-term asset value.