The Sports Complex Powers Up with 606-kW Rooftop Solar System from Plankton Energy in Manalapan Township, NJ
Manalapan Township, NJ — The Sports Complex, one of New Jersey’s premier indoor sports complexes, has partnered with Plankton Energy to activate a 606.39-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar system atop its facility in Manalapan Township. The new solar array, installed under a power purchase agreement (PPA), is now fully operational—delivering clean, low-cost electricity to the building while reinforcing the facility’s commitment to sustainability, cost-efficiency, and community leadership.
This system marks one of the largest behind-the-meter solar installations in the region for a recreational retail venue, positioning The Sports Complex as a model for clean energy adoption in the sports and wellness sector.
Clean Energy for High-Performance Operations
Designed to support the energy needs of a high-traffic sports facility, the 606 kW rooftop system is expected to generate over 715,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. That’s enough to offset a nearly one-hundred-percent of The Sports Complex’s electricity consumption—including lighting, HVAC, and indoor training systems—while stabilizing electricity costs and insulating the business from any future utility rate volatility.
Through a PPA structure, The Sports Complex will purchase the solar energy from Plankton at a fixed, discounted rate—resulting in immediate and long-term savings with no upfront capital required.
“We’re proud to take this step toward sustainable operations,” said a spokesperson from The Sports Complex. “This system allows us to reduce costs while setting a strong example for the athletes and families we serve.”
A Turnkey Energy Solution for Commercial Properties
Plankton Energy managed the project from end to end, delivering a fully turnkey solution that included feasibility analysis, permitting, design, utility coordination, construction, and PPA financing. With no burden on internal staff or capital budgets, The Sports Complex was able to achieve its energy goals while staying focused on operations.
The rooftop array uses flush mount to optimize solar capture throughout the day, with system performance monitored in real time to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.
Financial and Environmental Impact
- Estimated Annual Energy Production: ~715,000 kWh
- Projected Energy Cost Savings (20 years): $900,000+
- Carbon Offset: Over 5,100 metric tons of CO₂ over the system’s lifetime
(Equivalent to eliminating more than 11 million vehicle miles driven)
These benefits translate into improved net operating income (NOI), enhanced property value, and a stronger alignment with The Sports Complex’s mission to support health, wellness, and community development.
Backed by New Jersey’s SuSI Program
The project is supported by the New Jersey Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program, a state initiative that offers performance-based payments for clean energy production. SuSI reduces the cost of solar for developers and customers alike—ensuring projects like The Sports Complex’s are both environmentally impactful and financially viable.
New Jersey continues to lead the nation in solar adoption, with robust incentive programs enabling retail, nonprofit, and institutional buildings to transition to clean energy at scale.
Project Snapshot: The Sports Complex, Manalapan Township, NJ
- System Size: 606.39 kW DC
- Estimated Annual Generation: ~715,000 kWh
- System Type: Rooftop, Behind-the-Meter
- Building Type: Retail / Sports & Recreation
- Mounting Type: Flush Mount Roof
- Agreement Type: Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
- Incentive Program: New Jersey SuSI
- Host Benefits: Immediate utility savings, no capex, long-term energy cost control
- Environmental Impact: ~5,100 metric tons CO₂ offset over system life
About Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a national turnkey solar developer serving commercial real estate, schools, nonprofits, and community institutions. With deep experience in policy-backed PPAs and zero-upfront-cost models, Plankton helps organizations unlock the full value of their rooftops while achieving long-term sustainability and financial performance.