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Leading Commercial Solar Provider in the US

Proven energy and income generation for REITs, property managers, and commercial real estate investors.

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Are You Inquiring About A Commercial Solar Project?

Commercial Solar Project Type

Is The Size Of Your Rooftop More Than 10,000 Square Feet?

Is The Size Of Your Parking Lot More Than 12,000 Sq. Ft?

Trusted by Leading REITs & Commercial Partners Nationwide

Maximize Net Operating Income With

Commercial Solar

Plankton Energy partners with commercial property owners throughout the US to deploy solar projects that generate long-term net operating income growth. Whether rooftop, parking canopy, or community solar, our tailored solutions are designed to maximize value across diverse real estate portfolios—unlocking financial performance while accelerating the clean energy transition.

Sports Complex

Manalapan, NJ

Private School

Princeton, NJ

ShopRite Retail

Passaic, NJ

Industrial Facility

Camden, NJ

Retail Outlet Mall

Nashville, TN

Commercial Office Park

Newton, MA

ShopRite Retail

Elmsford, NY

Student Housing

San Diego, CA

26,000+

Commercial Solar panels installed

125+

projects under development

300,000+

Lifetime MWH Produced

Plankton energy

Why Smart Property Owners Choose Commercial Solar

Reduce Energy Costs

Offset rising energy costs and inflation. Our commercial solar company provides lower, fixed energy expenses for 20+ years.

Improve Asset Value

Boost net operating income by reducing onsite electricity costs and generating income through offsite sales and site rentals.

Reach ESG Goals

Our commercial solar installations provide measurable carbon reduction that reach portfolio sustainability goals.

Request Custom Commercial Solar Plan

Google Ads Form

Are You Inquiring About A Commercial Solar Project?

Commercial Solar Project Type

Is The Size Of Your Rooftop More Than 10,000 Sq. Ft?

Is The Size Of Your Parking Lot More Than 10,000 Sq. Ft?

First Name

Last Name

Phone/Mobile

Address

Address Line 1

City

State

Zip Code

Roof Age (estimated, if known)

Please Upload Monthly Energy Bill Information

Drop File Here

Your Message

Federal Program Financial Incentives

30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):
Commercial solar owners can deduct 30% of eligible system costs directly from federal income taxes. Projects that meet wage and apprenticeship standards retain the full 30% rate.

MACRS + Bonus Depreciation:
Under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS), businesses can depreciate 85–100% of solar system costs within 5 years—often writing off 60%+ in year 1.

Direct Pay & Transferability:
Non-taxable entities (places of worship, schools, municipalities, nonprofits) can claim a cash payment in lieu of the ITC. Taxable entities can transfer their credit to other investors to improve cash flow.

California

Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0):
Commercial systems can offset up to 100% of on-site usage, with credits for excess generation at export rates based on grid value.

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP):
Offers rebates for solar-plus-storage installations, enhancing energy resilience and peak-load reduction.

Property Tax Exclusion:
Solar equipment is excluded from property tax reassessment, preserving asset value while lowering long-term costs.

Connecticut

Commercial Renewable Energy Solutions (RES):
Performance-based payments over 20 years for commercial solar systems, with separate tariffs for energy exported to the grid.

Virtual Net Metering:
Allows businesses with multiple facilities to apply generation credits from one site to other locations under the same ownership.

Sales & Property Tax Exemptions:
Solar installations are fully exempt from state sales tax and often property tax, reducing upfront and ongoing expenses.

Delaware

Green Energy Program (Delmarva Power):
Provides upfront grants for commercial solar systems, typically based on installed capacity (up to $10,000–$30,000 depending on system size).

Net Metering:
Commercial customers receive full retail credit for excess solar production applied to subsequent bills.

No Sales Tax on Solar Equipment:
Delaware’s zero-sales-tax environment further improves ROI on solar investments.

Maryland

Commercial Clean Energy Rebate Program:
Offers rebates up to $0.05/W for qualifying solar systems under 250 kW DC.

SREC Market (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates):
Commercial systems generate tradable SRECs that can be sold for additional recurring revenue.

Property Tax Exemption:
Maryland law exempts solar equipment from state and local property taxes, reducing operational costs.

Massachusetts

SMART Program (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target):
Provides fixed per-kWh payments to commercial solar owners for up to 20 years. Incentive value depends on location, system size, and battery pairing.

Net Metering & Value of Solar Credits:
Commercial solar arrays earn credits for energy sent to the grid, offsetting utility bills and providing stable financial returns.

Sales & Property Tax Exemptions:
Both installation and system value are exempt from sales and property tax, boosting overall IRR.

New Jersey

SuSI (Successor Solar Incentive) Program:
Commercial systems earn fixed payments per MWh generated for 15 years, creating a reliable revenue stream.

Net Metering with Annual Rollover:
Businesses can offset 100% of on-site electricity use, with excess credits carried forward.

Sales & Property Tax Exemptions:
Solar projects are exempt from NJ sales tax and from property tax increases due to added system value.

New York

NY-Sun Commercial & Industrial Incentive:
Upfront incentive paid per Watt installed, reducing system payback periods to under 5 years in many cases.

NYC Property Tax Abatement (PTA):
Eligible commercial properties in NYC can claim up to 20% of system cost as a property tax abatement over 4 years.

Net Metering / Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER):
Commercial solar producers earn monetary credits for exported energy based on real-time grid value.

Pennsylvania

SREC Market:
Commercial solar owners earn Solar Renewable Energy Credits for every MWh produced—credits can be sold for cash on the open market.

Net Metering:
Businesses receive full retail credit for solar generation that offsets grid consumption.

Sales Tax Exemption:
All commercial solar equipment is exempt from Pennsylvania’s 6% sales tax.

Rhode Island

Renewable Energy Fund (REF):
Provides competitive grants for commercial-scale solar up to 1 MW, with average incentives around $0.70–$0.80/W.

Net Metering & Virtual Net Metering:
Credits excess solar generation against electric bills; shared credits allowed for multi-site businesses.

Property Tax Exemption:
Solar system value is exempt from local property tax assessment.

Texas

Local Utility Rebate Programs:
Commercial rebates are offered by utilities such as CPS Energy, Oncor, and Austin Energy, often reducing upfront costs by 10–20%.

Property Tax Exemption:
Solar equipment is excluded from property tax valuation, protecting your investment’s ROI.

Net Metering (Municipal / Co-op Programs):
Where available, exported energy credits offset future consumption at retail rates.

Accreditations & Publications

Commercial Solar Financing Options

Plankton Energy structures solar deals around your property, not the other way around. We offer multiple financing paths—including zero upfront cost options—to meet the needs of diverse ownership models, from REITs and nonprofits to manufacturers and mixed-use landlords. Whether you want to lower operating costs, unlock new lease revenue, or maximize tax credits and long-term ROI, our team will design the right path forward using our development and financial structuring expertise.

Power Purchase Agreement (“PPA”)

A PPA is a 15–25 year contract where Plankton sells you clean energy at a price below the utility rate. The PPA allows you to save considerably on your electric bill with zero upfront cost.

Site Lease Agreement

Become a solar landlord. Plankton rents your roof, parking lot, or land, and we take care of everything else. We sell the energy to the utility or to other customers in your community through a Community Solar Program, and you simply receive rent payments—with zero upfront cost.

Direct Purchase

Own your future. Invest directly in a solar system and capture all available incentives—including the 30% Federal ITC and state programs. You benefit from maximum long-term savings, increased property value, and full control over your clean energy asset.

Commercial Solar Panel Installation Options

Rooftop Solar

Rooftop solar is the most cost effective method to install solar, maximizing your savings. Solar panels are installed on the roof of your building and generate electricity onsite. Our rooftop systems are engineered to meet and exceed all building codes, maintain your roof warranty, and to perform optimally for the life of the system.

Parking Canopy Solar

Solar parking canopies provide the dual benefit of covered parking and onsite clean energy generation. Plankton Energy installs the canopies with solar panels over your parking lot. Solar Parking Canopies allow you to make a public statement of your commitment to environmental sustainability.

Community Solar

Community Solar enables households and businesses to subscribe to a shared solar project and receive credits on their electricity bills — without needing panels on their own property. By hosting Community Solar, you support energy access and cost savings for your local community while advancing your own sustainability goals.

Client Testimonials

Our mission is to empower students to thrive as global citizens. Nothing is more global than our environment, and the solar cells and energy made possible through our work with Plankton is a daily reminder to our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors that acting locally has positive global impacts.

Sustainability Coordinator

Cheshire Acadamy

As a premier indoor sports and recreation facility, Sportika was intent on joining the clean energy movement, but it was an endeavor worthy of holding out for the right partner. Plankton Energy's dedication to making clean energy attainable for small businesses and community-based organizations made them the right choice for us. Our facility was built for the youth and families we serve, and our commitment to environmental sustainability is just another way we continue to invest in our community

Director of Finance and Administration

Sportika

Plankton Energy were professional, helpful and constructive all the way through the process. They answered myriad questions from school Board members and staff, patiently and clearly - very important when you are seeking to obtain agreement on such a major project. Plankton worked hard to ensure that the installation was not overly disruptive and we are now delighted to have a beautiful solar array providing us with renewable energy and significant savings.

Sustainability Manager

Princeton Montessori

This project helps demonstrate that converting to green energy isn't just the idealistic thing to do – it's the hardheaded thing to do. We are honored by the opportunity to work with such a pillar in the Solar Community (Plankton Energy). We pride ourselves in empowering our students to serve as leaders in their communities, and it’s exciting to have Plankton's support as our students continue their important work

President

Showa Boston

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Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about solar for your commercial property but not sure where to begin? Our FAQ is designed to give property owners clear, concise answers to the most common questions about going solar with Plankton Energy. From available tax credits and local incentives to financing structures like Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Site Leases, we explain how you can reduce costs and increase your net operating income without any upfront investment.

You’ll also find details on system types—like rooftop and parking canopy installations—along with expected savings, energy production metrics, and long-term maintenance support. Whether you manage a multifamily building in New Jersey, an industrial facility in New York, or a retail center in Massachusetts, our FAQ will help you understand how solar works and how it delivers reliable value.

Plankton Energy is here to simplify your transition to clean energy, providing the guidance and financial clarity you need to make the smartest choice for your portfolio.

1. What does Plankton Energy do and what services are provided?

Plankton Energy is a Turnkey Solar Development Firm. We originate, engineer, interconnect, procure, install, commission, own, and operate commercial solar energy systems to improve property net operating income.

2. How does Plankton Energy customize solar solutions for its clients?

Plankton designs each solar system based upon its clients’ environmental and financial goals. This includes the clients’ income tax liability, shareholder structure, capital allocation, as well as property-specific considerations.

3. What are the benefits of installing a solar energy system?

Commercial solar energy systems drive net operating income growth by reducing a property’s electricity expense or increasing revenue selling electricity off-site. Onsite solar energy generation reduces a building’s carbon emissions. Solar parking lot canopies provide the amenity of covered parking, and clean energy is a differentiator among tenants.

4. What financing options does Plankton Energy offer?

We offer multiple solar deployment strategies:

Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): Electricity is consumed onsite and sold to the client at a fixed discount, reducing electricity expenses over 15 to 20 years.
Solar Site Lease Agreement: Electricity is sold offsite, and the client collects rental payments under a 15 to 20-year lease agreement.
Client Purchase: Clients can purchase the solar system from Plankton, generating value through tax benefits and onsite clean energy generation.

5. How does Plankton Energy maximize solar incentives for its clients?

Plankton Energy has extensive experience with Federal and State solar incentive programs. We design systems to maximize the value of these programs and incorporate market-specific financial incentives into each project’s deployment strategy. We’re constantly monitoring legislative changes on behalf of our clients.

6. What type of properties are suitable for solar energy systems?

Large electricity users that have buildings with large open rooftops are ideal for rooftop solar energy systems. Properties with large parking lots are good candidates as well.

7. Who are Plankton Energy’s clients?

Plankton Energy works with all types of real estate owners. We serve large Real Estate Investment Trusts, Private Equity Firms, and individual property owners to meet their environmental and financial goals. We develop solar energy systems across all real estate asset classes including retail, office, industrial, self-storage, mutli-family, manufacturing, education, and houses of worship.

8. What is the lifespan of a solar energy system?

The components of a solar energy system are warranted for 25-years. Plankton provides operations and maintenance service on each system it builds.

9. Can Plankton Energy install solar on older roofs?

Plankton Energy will not install solar on a roof with less than 20 years of remaining life. However, in some cases we can finance the cost of a roof replacement.

10. How does Plankton Energy’s Solar Systems contribute to environmental sustainability?

All major roof manufactures allow solar and have a standard operating procedure for maintaining the roof warranty. Plankton Energy will not install solar on a roof with less than 20 years of remaining life. In some cases, Plankton can finance the cost of a roof replacement.