Contact
Home / About us

Plankton energy

Our Mission

Plankton Energy is on a mission to democratize access to and participation in the clean energy economy. We develop commercial and community solar energy systems that generate both economic and environmental returns, enhancing property net operating income while advancing sustainability goals. By leveraging the built environment, we tailor solutions to the distinct needs of each client—whether a REIT, nonprofit, industrial operator, or retail property owner.

85 Wells

We understand that not all real estate ownership structures are the same. Employing our development and financial structuring expertise, we craft portfolio-wide strategies that unlock long-term value through solar. When ownership isn’t the right fit, Plankton deploys capital from its impact-driven investment fund, Plankton-Gratitude Yield Co. LP, to own and operate systems on behalf of our clients. No matter the structure, we remain a long-term partner, providing operations and maintenance on every system we build.

Founded in 2018 by industry experts, our team brings deep experience across project development, engineering, construction, and finance. Together, we’ve developed over a gigawatt of clean energy projects—and we’re just getting started.

What Does a Commercial Solar Developer Do and Why It Matters
A commercial solar developer manages the full project lifecycle—design, permitting, construction, and operations—while structuring financing to match ownership and tax strategy. Firms like Plankton Energy handle the complexity so property owners can capture incentives and long-term savings without direct involvement.
Click Here
Developer vs. Contractor: Key Difference
A full-service commercial solar developer manages development, construction, and long-term operations—including permitting, interconnection, and financing. Contractors typically handle installation only. Firms like Plankton Energy oversee the entire lifecycle, reducing risk, streamlining execution, and ensuring accountability from feasibility through performance.
Click Here
Why Solar Asset Management Matters
Solar asset management covers monitoring, maintenance, and performance tracking over a system’s 25–35 year lifespan. It ensures energy output aligns with projections, protecting both revenue and savings. Firms like Plankton Energy provide these services to maintain performance and maximize long-term asset value.
Click Here
Why is solar asset management critical to protecting a commercial solar investment?
Solar asset management encompasses the ongoing monitoring, performance analysis, preventive maintenance, and financial reporting required to protect a commercial solar investment over its 25–35 year operational life. For commercial property owners and investors, effective asset management ensures that actual energy production tracks closely to projected output—protecting both PPA revenue streams and utility savings assumptions. Key functions include real-time production monitoring, inverter and module fault detection, roof and racking inspections, and annual performance benchmarking. Plankton Energy provides asset management services to help clients maximize the lifetime value of their solar portfolios.
Click Here
What is the difference between a commercial solar developer and a solar contractor?
A full-service commercial solar developer provides services across three phases: development (site assessment, energy modeling, permitting, utility interconnection applications, and financing structuring), construction (engineering, procurement, and installation), and operations (monitoring, maintenance, and asset management). The distinction between a developer and a contractor matters—contractors typically handle only the installation phase, while a developer like Plankton Energy manages the entire project lifecycle. For commercial property owners, working with a single developer-led team reduces risk, simplifies communication, and ensures accountability from feasibility through long-term performance.
Click Here
What does a commercial solar developer do, and why does it matter who you choose?
A commercial solar developer manages every phase of a solar project on behalf of a property owner or business—from initial feasibility analysis and engineering design to permitting, utility interconnection, construction, and ongoing asset management. Experienced developers like Plankton Energy also structure project financing, whether through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), solar site lease, or direct ownership, ensuring the economics work for each client's specific tax and investment situation. The right development partner takes on the full complexity of the process—so property owners capture the complete value of federal tax incentives and long-term energy savings without managing the development themselves.
Click Here