What Summit Ridge Energy does

Summit Ridge Energy is a privately held, vertically integrated developer, owner, and operator of distributed commercial-scale solar and battery storage assets headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with a regional office in Chicago. Founded in 2017 by Steve Raeder and co-founders Brian Dunn, Jarryd Commerford, and Tyler Holden, the company has grown to manage more than 3 GW of distributed solar and battery storage across 250+ projects in 15+ U.S. states spanning the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and New England, including 540+ MW under active asset management with 97.6% year-to-date availability. It is the largest owner-operator of commercial solar assets in the United States and the leading community solar developer in Illinois with 553+ MW deployed in-state.

The company's product platform is organized around three pillars: (1) Community Solar subscriptions, which deliver 10-20% utility bill credits to residential and small business subscribers, including low-to-moderate income households in Environmental Justice Communities; (2) Commercial solutions including rooftop solar leasing (20-25 year terms for industrial and warehouse owners), ground-mount solar (25-40 year land leases for agricultural landowners, totaling 15,000+ acres developed), and Battery Energy Storage Systems for grid services and demand charge management; and (3) Business energy products including Power Purchase Agreements, Virtual PPAs, and Solar Parking Canopies. Underlying these customer-facing offerings are in-house Project Finance and Project Acquisition capabilities that have executed 350+ financial closings and acquired 50+ portfolios since 2019.

Summit Ridge generates recurring, long-duration revenue through owned asset electricity sales, lease payments from landowners and building owners, community solar subscriber bill credits (monetized through state programs such as Illinois Shines and the Maryland Community Solar Program), and project finance structuring fees. Since 2017, the company has raised over $6 billion in project capital and benefits from dedicated joint ventures with Osaka Gas (established 2019) plus institutional debt and tax equity relationships with Apollo, MUFG, Bank of America, and Crux. Customers include The Libman Company (17.5 MW), Magna (25.9 MW), Digital Realty (5.1 MW), Invesco Real Estate (4.7 MW), LBA Logistics, and Brewster Cheese Company, alongside 60,000+ residential and small business subscribers.

Name

Summit Ridge Energy

Legal name

Summit Ridge Energy LLC

Website

https://srenergy.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Summit Ridge Energy is a privately held developer, owner, and operator of commercial-scale solar and battery storage assets, the largest such owner-operator in the U.S. with 3+ GW across 250+ projects serving commercial property owners, corporate energy buyers, agricultural landowners, and 60,000+ residential community solar subscribers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Solar Power Generation

NAICS

Solar Electric Power Generation (221114), Electric Power Generation (22111)

SIC

Electric Services (4911)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Solar Development & Subscription Management (EUAMAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB), Renewable Distributed Generation (Rooftop/Onsite Solar, Small Wind, Small Hydro) (EUACALAJ), Solar Financing, Leasing & Ownership Platforms (Tax Equity, PPA, Securitization) (EUAMABAJ), Utility-Scale BESS Project Development & Ownership (IPP/Developer) (EUAFAAAA)

Keywords

• Commercial solar development
• Community solar subscriptions
• Battery energy storage
• Solar power purchase agreements
• Rooftop solar leasing

Headquarters

HQ city

Arlington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Rooftop/Lease Revenue: Summit Ridge Energy enters 20-25 year lease agreements with commercial property owners (industrial, warehouse, manufacturing facilities) to install and operate rooftop solar arrays. Property owners receive guaranteed monthly lease payments with annual increases. The company retains ownership of the systems and generates revenue from energy production and utility bill credits over the lease term.
2. Community Solar Subscriptions: Summit Ridge Energy develops, owns, and operates community solar farms that serve residential and commercial subscribers. Subscribers receive utility bill credits (typically 10-20% savings) applied to their electricity bills. Revenue is generated through the volume of kWh credits delivered to subscribers, supported by utility net metering or program credits (e.g., Illinois Shines Adjustable Block Program).
3. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): Summit Ridge Energy enters long-term PPAs with commercial and industrial businesses, offering fixed or hedged electricity rates below utility prices. The company develops or acquires solar projects to fulfill PPA obligations, receiving revenue from electricity sales over contract terms typically spanning 10-25 years.
4. Project Finance Structuring: Summit Ridge Energy structures financing solutions for solar projects across the capital stack, including sponsor equity, tax equity, construction debt, and term debt. The company earns fees by raising and structuring capital for its own projects and for third-party developers acquiring assets.
5. Battery Storage (BESS) Revenue: Summit Ridge Energy develops battery energy storage projects that generate income by storing energy during off-peak hours and discharging during peak demand. Revenue comes from demand charge management, utility bill savings for hosts, capacity payments, and grid services. Projects require minimal land (as little as 10,000 sq ft / less than 0.5 acre) and offer guaranteed lease payments to property owners.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Summit Ridge Energy develops, owns, and operates commercial-scale distributed solar and battery storage assets, generating revenue through long-term rooftop and ground leases, community solar subscriptions, power purchase agreements, and battery storage peak-shaving. The company also provides project financing and project acquisition services to third-party developers across the full capital stack. Its portfolio exceeds 3 GW of operating and in-development capacity across 250+ projects in 15+ U.S. states.

Product overview

Summit Ridge Energy operates a unified platform of distributed solar and energy storage products organized around three core service lines: (1) Community Solar subscriptions enabling residential and commercial customers to access solar bill credits without installing panels; (2) Commercial solutions including Rooftop Leasing for industrial properties, Ground Mount Solar for landowners, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid enhancement; and (3) Business energy products including Power Purchase Agreements (PPA), Solar Parking Canopies, and Virtual PPAs. Supporting these customer-facing offerings are Project Finance and Project Acquisition services that aggregate capital and acquire projects from developers. The platform is anchored by Community Solar and BESS, with rooftop and ground-mount installations providing the underlying assets that feed bill-credit subscriptions and PPA arrangements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Solar Subscription-based service allowing residential and commercial customers to receive utility bill credits (typically 10-20% savings) from locally generated solar power without installing panels on their property. Subscribers are matched to a nearby solar facility through the company's website or aggregator partners and receive monthly credits applied to their electricity bills.
• Commercial Rooftop Solar Leasing Commercial rooftop solar leasing program where Summit Ridge installs, owns, and operates solar arrays on industrial and commercial rooftops. Property owners receive guaranteed long-term rental income over 20-25 years with annual rent increases and no upfront capital expenditure.
• Ground Mount Solar Leasing Ground-mounted community solar installations on leased land that generate electricity for local homes and businesses. Landowners receive predictable lease income for 25-40 years while continuing agricultural or other uses on surrounding acreage. Summit Ridge has transformed 15,000+ acres of surplus land under this program.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10-20% utility bill savings for community solar subscribers with no upfront cost
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and minor.

• LBA LogisticscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 7 May 2026LBA Logistics hosts community solar projects on its industrial rooftops in partnership with Summit Ridge Energy and Black Bear Energy. The decade-long partnership includes 17.5 MW across four Maryland industrial properties and 5.5 MW in Illinois including the 1.62 MW Melrose Park facility. LBA's properties are in Environmental Justice Communities, enabling equitable clean energy access for low-to-moderate income households.
• Black Bear EnergycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 May 2026Black Bear Energy serves as a commercial buyer's representative, specializing in onsite renewable energy and cleantech services. A decade-long partnership with Summit Ridge Energy and LBA Logistics has resulted in over 2,000 clean technology projects across 20+ states. Black Bear helps property owners evaluate and execute solar deals, bringing the vision, portfolio, and commitment to the partnership.
• JIREH Workforce SolutionsstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026Summit Ridge Energy partnered with JIREH Workforce Solutions to open a clean energy workforce training center on Adams Street in Chicago. The initiative, supported by Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity grant funding under the Future Energy Jobs Act and the Mark Raeder Forever Foundation, trains veterans, returning citizens, and young adults from underserved communities for careers in solar design, construction, and maintenance. Summit Ridge creates direct employment pathways within its operations.
• MagnacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2026Magna executed a community solar agreement with Summit Ridge Energy through Trio Advisory's Transform: Auto program (launched with Suppliers Partnership for the Environment). The agreement supports construction of four distributed solar projects near Magna Nascote manufacturing facility in Nashville, Illinois, totaling 25.9 MW. Provides significant long-term energy cost savings and Scope 2 emissions reductions for Magna.
• Trio AdvisoryminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 22 April 2026Trio Advisory is a global sustainability and energy advisory company that launched the Transform: Auto program with Suppliers Partnership for the Environment. Trio facilitated the community solar agreement between Magna and Summit Ridge Energy, serving as an advisor and matchmaker between corporate sustainability buyers and solar developers.
• Trajectory Energy PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2026Trajectory Energy Partners developed the Rock Cut Solar project (35 acres, 6.2 MW Community-Driven Community Solar) in Rockford, IL, built by Illinois union workers. Summit Ridge Energy now operates the project, which delivers projected $4 million in electricity cost savings to local subscribers. The project was developed under the Illinois Shines CDCS program.
• The Libman CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 February 2026Summit Ridge Energy partnered with The Libman Company (fourth-generation, family-owned manufacturer in Illinois since 1896) for a 17.5 MW community solar subscription across seven projects in Illinois. Expected to deliver millions of dollars in lifetime energy cost savings for Libman's manufacturing facility in Arcola. Bridge Energy Services advised Libman on the community solar agreement.
• Bridge Energy ServicesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 February 2026Bridge Energy Services served as community solar advisor to The Libman Company, helping identify the best opportunities in the Illinois market and securing optimal contract terms with Summit Ridge Energy.
• Apex Clean EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 December 2025Apex Clean Energy and Summit Ridge Energy completed the sale of a 20 MWac distributed solar portfolio (Bandyville, Rooks Creek, Swamp Fox, and Cherry Grove projects in Illinois) from Apex to Summit Ridge. This is the third collaboration between the two companies, building on a 2023 sale of a 19 MWac Virginia shared solar portfolio. Projects span Ameren and ComEd territories with commercial operations expected by end of 2026.
• Invesco Real EstatecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Summit Ridge Energy partnered with Invesco Real Estate (USD 83bn global real estate investment business) and Black Bear Energy to complete five rooftop community solar projects (4.7 MW total) in Capitol Heights, Maryland. Hosted on industrial buildings owned by Invesco, the projects generate over 6 million kWh annually, powering 600+ homes and creating local jobs and tax revenue.
• Digital RealtycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2025Summit Ridge Energy partnered with Digital Realty to deliver 5.1 MW of solar energy annually for the data center company's operations. The agreement supports Digital Realty's sustainability objectives, providing both energy cost savings and renewable energy purchase for the cloud- and carrier-neutral data center provider.
• Mark Raeder Forever FoundationminorOthers · 25 March 2025The Mark Raeder Forever Foundation was established in memory of co-founder Mark Raeder (passed March 25, 2025) to honor his legacy of leadership, kindness, and commitment to sustainability. The foundation supports programs that create opportunities for students, empower underserved communities through workforce development, and advance research for aortic disease. Summit Ridge supports the foundation as part of its community commitment.
• Pivot EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Pivot Energy developed Morgan Solar 1 and Morgan Solar 1B (combined 4 MW, 29 acres near Meredosia, IL), operated by Summit Ridge Energy since 2021. The project uses single-axis tracking PV systems and was designed with native prairie seed mix supporting state-listed Illinois chorus frog and regal fritillary butterfly habitat.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Nexamp: Nexamp is one of the largest community solar developers and owners/operators in the US, with a national footprint across MA, NY, IL, MD and other states. It directly competes with Summit Ridge in community solar subscriptions, project development, and asset ownership, and shares a similar IPP business model.
• Pivot Energy: Pivot Energy is a community and distributed solar developer that has partnered with and sold portfolios to Summit Ridge (Morgan Solar 1/1B, Bandyville). It operates as a developer/owner of community solar across multiple states and competes directly for project origination and sponsor capital.
• Standard Solar: Standard Solar develops, owns, and operates community and commercial solar projects across the US, with deep experience in asset management (200+ MW portfolio). It directly competes with Summit Ridge in community solar development, project finance, and asset management services.
• Dimension Energy: Dimension Energy is a community solar developer and IPP focused on LMI subscriber acquisition across the Eastern US. It is a direct peer in community solar project development, financing, and long-term asset ownership, often operating in the same state programs (IL Shines, MD, NY).
• Cypress Creek Renewables: Cypress Creek Renewables is a large-scale solar developer and owner-operator with a national footprint spanning community solar, C&I, and utility-scale projects. It is a direct competitor in distributed solar development, project acquisition, and IPP ownership.
• Apex Clean Energy: Apex Clean Energy is a developer of utility-scale and distributed renewable energy that has sold distributed solar portfolios to Summit Ridge (Bandyville, Rooks Creek, etc.). It is a direct peer as a developer of distributed/community solar projects that also sells into the IPP buyer market.
• ForeFront Power: ForeFront Power is a national commercial and community solar developer that Summit Ridge's new SVP Brian Taylor previously led sales for. It directly competes in C&I and community solar PPAs, on-site installations, and fleet electrification projects.

Broad incumbents

• MN8 Energy: MN8 Energy (formerly Goldman Sachs Renewable Power) is one of the largest US solar IPPs and asset managers, with a broad portfolio spanning C&I, community, and utility-scale solar plus storage. It is a broader incumbent with overlapping capabilities in community solar ownership, asset management, and tax equity deployment.
• Engie North America: Engie is a global utility-scale and distributed renewable energy developer and owner-operator. It is a broader incumbent with overlapping distributed solar and storage capabilities, large balance sheet, and global development pipeline that competes for corporate PPAs and community solar programs.
• NextEra Energy Resources: NextEra Energy Resources is the world's largest generator of renewable energy from wind and solar, with a vast US development pipeline and asset management platform. It is a broader incumbent competing for distributed/community solar project acquisitions, offtake agreements, and grid-scale storage opportunities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/summitridgeenergy
• Xx.com/summitridgeenrg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds5 records

Investors4 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Summit Ridge Energy