641 kW – Elmsford, NY

Plankton Energy Installs 641 kW Rooftop Solar System for ShopRite in Elmsford

Elmsford, NY — Plankton Energy deployed a 641.41 kW DC rooftop solar system at the ShopRite supermarket in Elmsford, New York, converting unused rooftop space into a productive renewable energy asset. The installation enables the grocery retailer to generate clean electricity directly onsite while lowering long-term energy costs and strengthening the store’s sustainability profile.

Designed as a behind-the-meter solar system, the installation produces more than 775,300 kWh of electricity annually, supplying a significant portion of the store’s operational power demand. Over the life of the system, the project is expected to save ShopRite of Elmsford more than $1.8 million in electricity costs while reducing carbon emissions by over 6,100 metric tons.

Large-Scale Rooftop Solar for Retail Operations

The solar array spans the rooftop of the Elmsford supermarket and utilizes more than 1,280 high-efficiency solar modules designed to maximize energy production across the facility’s roof footprint.

Retail grocery stores are particularly strong candidates for rooftop solar due to their consistent electricity demand driven by refrigeration systems, lighting, and climate control. By generating power onsite, the system helps offset a substantial share of the store’s grid electricity consumption while improving the building’s long-term operating efficiency.

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Structure

The project is structured through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), allowing the store to purchase electricity generated by the solar system at a predetermined rate below local utility pricing.

Under this model, Plankton Energy finances, installs, and maintains the solar infrastructure while the property benefits from immediate electricity savings and predictable energy pricing. This structure enables commercial businesses to adopt renewable energy without the need for upfront capital investment.

Supported by New York’s NY-Sun Incentive Program

The installation was supported by New York’s NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program, a statewide initiative designed to accelerate solar adoption by providing financial incentives for distributed solar energy projects.

Programs such as NY-Sun play a critical role in expanding renewable energy infrastructure across the state by improving project economics for commercial property owners while advancing New York’s clean energy and carbon reduction goals.

Strengthening Sustainability in Grocery Retail

The solar installation demonstrates how large retail grocery facilities can integrate renewable energy directly into their operational infrastructure.

By producing hundreds of thousands of kilowatt-hours of clean electricity each year, the ShopRite of Elmsford significantly reduces its environmental footprint while stabilizing long-term electricity costs. Projects like this highlight how solar energy can strengthen both the economic and sustainability performance of high-energy retail properties.

Project Snapshot

Client: ShopRite of Elmsford
Location: Elmsford, NY
System Size: 641.41 kW DC
Building Type: Retail (Grocery Store)
Mounting Type: Rooftop
Agreement Type: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
System Type: Behind-the-Meter Solar Generation
Incentives: New York NY-Sun Megawatt Block Program

About Plankton Energy

Plankton Energy is a turnkey solar developer specializing in customized renewable energy solutions for commercial, industrial, and institutional properties across the United States. By designing solar systems tailored to each client’s energy profile and financial goals, Plankton helps organizations reduce electricity costs, strengthen asset performance, and contribute to the transition toward distributed clean energy.