358 Waltham (313 kW)

Plankton Energy Expands Massachusetts Community Solar Portfolio with 313 kW Rooftop System in Waltham

Waltham, MA — Plankton Energy has completed a 313-kilowatt (kW) rooftop community solar installation at a commercial office building in Waltham, supporting Massachusetts’ ongoing expansion of accessible clean energy through its community solar framework. The system delivers renewable electricity to residential subscribers, providing utility bill savings while transforming unused commercial rooftop space into a long-term clean energy asset.

As part of a growing cluster of Waltham-area community solar installations, this project demonstrates how commercial real estate can support statewide renewable energy goals while benefiting local households that cannot host solar on their own properties.

A Community Solar System Designed for Regional Impact

Unlike behind-the-meter installations that serve a single building, the electricity from the 358 Waltham array flows into the community solar program, where it is allocated to subscribing households across the region. Participants receive monthly bill credits that lower their utility costs while contributing to the state’s clean-energy transition.

This model allows commercial property owners to participate in solar markets without altering their on-site energy infrastructure or tenant operations. At the same time, it expands renewable access for residents who face barriers to installing rooftop solar.

Transforming Commercial Rooftops into Public Clean-Energy Assets

The 358 Waltham system demonstrates the value of leveraging underutilized commercial rooftops to support grid stability, increase renewable penetration, and create community-wide financial benefits. The project supports:

• Increased clean-energy access for residents
• Improved grid resilience
•  Long-term, low-carbon capacity for the region
  
• More equitable participation in renewable energy programs

The property owner benefits from a predictable long-term lease or incentive revenue stream, depending on program design, without any disruption to building operations.

Aligned with Massachusetts’ Clean-Energy Leadership

Massachusetts has become a national leader in community solar adoption through incentive frameworks that encourage both developers and property owners to participate. Projects like 358 Waltham help meet statewide renewable energy targets and expand solar availability beyond traditional commercial and residential pathways.

Plankton’s Fully Managed Community Solar Approach

Plankton Energy delivered the 358 Waltham system as a fully managed community solar project, overseeing everything from engineering and permitting to construction, utility coordination, interconnection, and subscriber program management. This comprehensive approach allows property owners to participate in community solar without managing program complexities or administrative requirements.

“This project shows how commercial buildings can support clean-energy expansion while creating financial benefits for local households,” said a Plankton Energy spokesperson. “Community solar continues to open doors for thousands of residents who lack the ability to install rooftop systems of their own.”

Project Snapshot: 358 Waltham, MA
Total System Size: 313 kW DC
System Type: Rooftop (Community Solar)
Mounting Type: Rooftop Fixed-Tilt System
Building Type: Office
Community Benefit: Monthly utility bill credits for residential subscribers
Location: Waltham, Massachusetts.

About Plankton Energy
Plankton Energy is a national turnkey solar developer specializing in custom renewable energy solutions for commercial buildings, schools, institutions, and community solar markets. Through fully managed, capital-efficient project delivery, Plankton enables property owners and communities to benefit from lower energy costs, improved sustainability performance, and the long-term advantages of decentralized clean energy.