Plankton Energy
76 kW – Newton, MA
Plankton Energy Powers 199 Wells Avenue with Behind-the-Meter Rooftop Solar System in Newton, MA
Newton, MA — Plankton Energy has completed the installation of a 76.15-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system at 199 Wells Avenue, a commercial office building in Newton, Massachusetts. The fully operational system is structured under a power purchase agreement (PPA), enabling the building to access clean electricity at a rate lower than local utility prices—improving operational efficiency without any upfront investment.
As part of Plankton’s growing network of solar-powered commercial properties, this project exemplifies how behind-the-meter solar can help office owners and tenants cut energy costs, improve ESG performance, and future-proof their assets against rising utility rates.
Clean Energy, No Capital Required
Through the PPA model, the rooftop solar system delivers electricity directly to the building’s electrical infrastructure, offsetting a significant portion of the building’s daytime energy load. Rather than owning the system outright, the property purchases the solar energy produced at a fixed, discounted rate—resulting in immediate savings on electricity bills without the financial or logistical burden of solar ownership.
The building’s tenants benefit from lower operating costs and enhanced sustainability credentials, while the owner sees an improvement in net operating income (NOI) and long-term asset value.
“At 199 Wells, we delivered a simple, low-risk energy upgrade that will generate measurable financial and environmental results from day one,” said a spokesperson for Plankton Energy. “It’s a textbook example of how solar PPAs can work for commercial office buildings—no capex, no hassle, just guaranteed savings.”
Efficient Use of Rooftop Real Estate
The 76.15 kW solar array was installed using fixed-tilt racking on the roof of the office building, optimizing available space to maximize energy production without interfering with operations or leasing activity. The system is expected to generate approximately 90,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually—reducing the property’s grid demand and contributing to Massachusetts’ renewable energy targets.
Rooftop solar not only provides financial value but also aligns the property with growing demand for green leasing, ESG benchmarking, and energy efficiency standards among institutional tenants and investors.
Built with SMART Incentive Support
The 199 Wells project was supported by the Massachusetts SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) Program, the state’s flagship solar incentive initiative. SMART provides performance-based incentives that help lower the cost of solar development and reward systems for every kilowatt-hour they produce over time.
With the support of SMART and Plankton’s turnkey development services, the project was completed without delay, delivering a seamless experience to the building owner from feasibility study to system energization.
Massachusetts continues to be one of the top states in the country for solar deployment, thanks in part to programs like SMART that support commercial-scale projects just like this one.
Turnkey Delivery from Plankton Energy
As a full-service solar energy developer, Plankton Energy managed all aspects of the 199 Wells Avenue project—from site assessment and permitting to construction, interconnection, and ongoing monitoring. The property owner was not required to invest capital, allocate internal resources, or navigate complex utility processes.
Plankton’s PPA model is particularly well-suited for small- to mid-sized office properties, offering predictable utility savings and sustainability impact with zero upfront cost and minimal risk.
“Whether you’re managing a single office building or an entire portfolio, rooftop solar offers a proven way to reduce operating expenses and support carbon reduction goals,” said the Plankton spokesperson. “We take care of everything—so our partners can focus on running their properties while we deliver the energy.”
Project Snapshot: 199 Wells Avenue, Newton, MA
- System Size: 76.15 kW DC
- Estimated Annual Generation: ~90,000 kWh
- Building Type: Office
- System Type: Rooftop, Behind-the-Meter
- Mounting Type: Fixed-Tilt Roof Mount
- Agreement Structure: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
- Program Participation: Massachusetts SMART Program
- Host Benefits: Guaranteed utility savings, no upfront cost, improved NOI
- Environmental Impact: Annual reduction in carbon emissions, aligned with local climate goals
About Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a national turnkey solar developer specializing in customized clean energy solutions for commercial real estate owners, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. Through fully managed solar PPA and community solar models, Plankton helps institutions reduce energy costs, monetize underused space, and advance their environmental goals.