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Plankton Energy

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.
financing

PLANKTON ENERGY

Incentives

Plankton Energy helps property owners maximize solar savings through a suite of incentives—each tailored to your ownership model and project location. Whether you’re investing directly or leasing your roof, our team ensures you capture every dollar available through local, state, and federal programs.

    • 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): System owners can claim a 30% credit on eligible project costs, significantly reducing the upfront capital burden.

       

    • MACRS + Bonus Depreciation: Businesses can further accelerate payback by deducting a large portion of the system value in year one through bonus depreciation, followed by MACRS over five years.

       

    • State Incentive Programs: From Massachusetts’s SMART program to New Jersey’s SuSI program, New York’s NY-Sun, and California’s NEM 3.0, states offer meaningful adders — like per-kWh payments, renewable energy certificates, net metering, and rebate programs — that boost ROI.
What should commercial property owners look for in a Massachusetts solar developer?
When evaluating developers in Massachusetts, look beyond price to assess project experience and mastery of state-specific programs like SMART and Net Metering. A top-tier partner should offer aligned financing and a proven track record of managing complex utility interconnections. Plankton Energy is a Massachusetts-based developer with deep experience across retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties. To ensure the project fits your specific financial background, we offer three flexible models: PPAs, site leases, and turnkey ownership.
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Why does commercial solar deliver strong returns for New York property owners?
New York's combination of high electricity rates, strong incentive programs, and aggressive clean energy mandates makes commercial solar one of the most compelling capital investments available to property owners in the state. The NY-Sun Megawatt Block program, combined with the federal ITC and MACRS depreciation, significantly reduces net project cost. For commercial properties in NYC and surrounding metro areas—where Con Edison rates are among the highest in the nation—rooftop solar can generate returns that rival other asset classes. Plankton Energy structures NY commercial solar projects to maximize both incentives and long-term cash flow.
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What financial returns can commercial property owners expect from a solar investment?
Unlevered project IRRs for well-structured commercial solar investments typically range from 8–25%, with simple payback periods of 3–9 years depending on location and utility rates. This strong financial profile is driven by a combination of long-term utility savings, MACRS accelerated depreciation, and the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). However, timing is critical: the current federal ITC is set to expire on July 4th, 2026. Acting now allows Plankton Energy to "safe-harbor" these credits through 2029, locking in the highest possible financial returns before the incentive window closes. We model the full economics for every project to ensure owners maximize their risk-adjusted returns while the most favorable incentives are still available.
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How should commercial property owners evaluate and select a solar development company?
Choosing the right commercial solar company starts with verifying their experience with projects similar to yours in scale, property type, and geography. Key questions to ask: Do they have in-house engineering, or do they subcontract design? How do they manage utility interconnection and permitting? What financing structures do they offer—PPA, lease, or direct purchase? And what does their post-commissioning support look like? Plankton Energy is a full-service commercial solar developer with deep expertise in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. We handle every phase in-house, from feasibility through asset management.
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