CleanCapital Market Research Report

Background

Overview

CleanCapital, established in 2015, is a leading clean energy investment platform specializing in distributed generation (DG) solar and energy storage projects. The company is dedicated to accelerating the transition to renewable energy by providing affordable and accessible clean energy solutions to businesses, schools, non-profits, and municipalities across the United States.

Mission and Vision

CleanCapital's mission is to mitigate the climate crisis by facilitating the flow of institutional capital into the middle-market solar sector. The company envisions a future where clean energy is ubiquitous, supporting a sustainable and resilient energy infrastructure nationwide.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on distributed generation solar and energy storage projects, particularly within the middle-market segment. This includes commercial, industrial, and community solar installations, as well as energy storage solutions that enhance grid reliability and support renewable energy integration.

Industry Significance

CleanCapital holds a significant position in the renewable energy sector, being recognized as one of the top ten commercial solar asset owners in the United States. Its extensive portfolio and strategic investments contribute to the nation's clean energy transition and energy independence.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Accelerate Capital Deployment: Streamline the investment process to deploy capital efficiently into renewable energy projects.

• Expand Project Portfolio: Increase the number of operating and development-stage solar and energy storage projects across diverse markets.

• Enhance Grid Integration: Support the integration of renewable energy into the grid through energy storage solutions that improve reliability and resilience.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Distributed Generation Solar: Focus on small to mid-scale solar installations that serve local energy needs.

• Energy Storage Solutions: Implement storage technologies that complement renewable energy sources and stabilize energy supply.

• Brownfield and Landfill Development: Develop renewable energy projects on previously used or contaminated lands, contributing to environmental remediation.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Deploy advanced PV technologies for efficient energy conversion.

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Utilize lithium-ion and other battery technologies to store excess energy for later use.

• Energy Management Software: Implement software solutions for real-time monitoring and optimization of energy production and storage.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Commercial and Industrial Sectors: Provide tailored energy solutions to businesses seeking sustainable and cost-effective energy options.

• Municipalities and Government Entities: Partner with local governments to implement community solar and energy storage projects.

• Emerging Markets: Expand into underserved regions, including rural and remote areas, to promote energy access and equity.

Financials and Funding

Total Funds Raised

As of February 2026, CleanCapital has secured over $1.5 billion in investments, supporting the development and acquisition of renewable energy projects across the United States.

Recent Funding Rounds

• May 2022: Closed a $200 million credit facility with Rabobank to support its pipeline of distributed solar and energy storage projects.

• December 2024: Secured an additional $145 million in equity investment from Manulife Investment Management and other institutional investors, reinforcing its position as a leading developer and owner-operator of DG solar and energy storage assets.

Notable Investors

• Manulife Investment Management: Provided significant equity investments, including a $300 million commitment in 2021 and an additional $145 million in 2024.

• BlackRock: Partnered with CleanCapital to fund various renewable energy projects, contributing to the company's growth and market presence.

• CarVal Investors: Collaborated on a $250 million investment vehicle, facilitating the acquisition of a 75.2 megawatt solar portfolio in New Jersey.

Intended Utilization of Capital

• Project Acquisition and Development: Expand the portfolio of operating and development-stage solar and energy storage projects.

• Technological Advancements: Invest in innovative technologies to enhance energy efficiency and storage capabilities.

• Market Expansion: Enter new geographic markets and underserved regions to broaden the impact of renewable energy solutions.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

• Howard County, Maryland Solar Portfolio: A 29 MW portfolio of ten solar projects, expected to provide at least 60% of the county government's electricity usage upon completion.

• Warrior Solar Project: A 6.4 MW solar project located at a closed landfill in Frankfort, New York, generating over 7.6 million kilowatt-hours annually.

• BQ Energy Acquisition: Acquired in 2022, BQ Energy is a national leader in landfill and brownfield renewable energy development, with a pipeline totaling more than 1 GW.

Stages of Development

• Early-Stage Development: Identifying and securing sites for new solar and energy storage projects.

• Construction: Building and commissioning new projects, including the Howard County and Warrior Solar projects.

• Operations: Managing and optimizing performance of over 350 operating projects totaling 450 MW across 27 states and U.S. territories.

Target Conditions

• Commercial and Industrial Facilities: Deploying solar and storage solutions to meet energy needs and sustainability goals.

• Municipal Buildings and Infrastructure: Implementing community solar projects to provide affordable clean energy to local residents.

• Underserved Regions: Expanding access to reliable and renewable energy in rural and remote areas.

Anticipated Milestones

• 2025: Complete construction and commissioning of the Howard County, Maryland solar portfolio.

• 2026: Achieve operational status for the Warrior Solar Project and integrate BQ Energy's pipeline into CleanCapital's portfolio.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Investment Platform: A proprietary technology platform that streamlines the evaluation, acquisition, and management of clean energy assets, enhancing efficiency and scalability.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced data analytics to assess project viability, optimize performance, and inform investment decisions.

• Energy Modeling: Employing sophisticated modeling techniques to predict energy production and storage capabilities under various conditions.

AI-Driven Capabilities

• Predictive Maintenance: Implementing AI algorithms to predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs.

• Performance Optimization: Using machine learning to analyze performance data and adjust operations for maximum efficiency.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

• Thomas Byrne: Co-founder and CEO, with a background in clean energy finance and development.

• Julia F. Bell: Chief Investment Officer, responsible for overseeing investment strategies and portfolio management.

• Zoe Berkery: Chief Operating Officer, managing day-to-day operations and project execution.

Professional Backgrounds

• Thomas Byrne: Extensive experience in renewable energy investment and development, having led multiple successful projects prior to founding CleanCapital.

• Julia F. Bell: Background in energy finance, with a focus on structuring and managing investments in renewable energy assets.

• Zoe Berkery: Expertise in operations management, with a track record of delivering complex projects on time and within budget.

Key Contributions

• Thomas Byrne: Instrumental in establishing CleanCapital's strategic vision and securing initial funding.

• Julia F. Bell: Developed and executed investment strategies that have expanded CleanCapital's portfolio significantly.

• Zoe Berkery: Streamlined operational processes, enhancing project delivery and operational efficiency.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, with global investments exceeding $300 billion in 2024. This expansion has intensified competition among clean energy investment platforms, particularly in the distributed generation solar and energy storage market segments.

[Note: The competitor profile information was truncated and thus omitted here, as the original report did not provide additional details on competitors.]