SunVest Solar
SunVest Solar is a vertically integrated distributed-generation solar developer and owner-operator serving commercial and industrial customers and community solar subscribers across 18 U.S. states, with 600+ MW developed and a 300 MW asset portfolio targeted by end of 2026.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersPewaukee, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What SunVest Solar does
SunVest Solar, LLC is a privately held, vertically integrated distributed-generation solar developer and independent power producer headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 2009 in Wisconsin and relocated to Chicago's West Loop in 2023, the company operates across 18 states with a 2.5+ gigawatt development pipeline, a cumulative 600+ MW of developed capacity, and a target of 300 MW of assets under management by the end of 2026. Its platform spans greenfield development, engineering, procurement, construction, financing, and long-term operations, all managed in-house, with technical deployments including bifacial solar modules and ATI DuraTrack HZ single-axis trackers, plus agrivoltaic land restoration practices.
The company serves two primary markets: commercial and industrial customers through behind-the-meter solar, power purchase agreements (typically 20-35 years, with 5-20% reductions in volumetric electricity rates), and design/build services for facilities with 50,000+ sq. ft. of roof area; and community solar subscribers (residential and commercial) who receive bill credits in Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, and New Mexico without installing panels on their own property. Revenue streams are predominantly recurring in nature, including long-term PPA cash flows, community solar subscription bill credits, and a growing tax credit transfer business. One-time revenue comes from project acquisitions from other developers and equipment-financing arrangements.
SunVest has raised over $500 million in cumulative debt, tax equity, construction financing, and tax credit transfers since 2022, including a $240 million senior and construction debt facility in 2025 and a $67 million capital raise in April 2026 combining a $47 million ITC transfer and a $20 million equipment loan. Named enterprise customers include Charter Steel, Radio Flyer, ATI Forged Products, Prologis, Olivet Nazarene University, Forest County Potawatomi Community, and Dane County, alongside rural electric utility and educational institution clients. The company has been recognized on Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50 list in both 2025 and 2026 as the only clean energy firm on the ranking.
SunVest Solar firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SunVest Solar
- Legal name
- SunVest Solar, LLC
- Website
- https://sunvest.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- SunVest Solar is a vertically integrated distributed-generation solar developer and owner-operator serving commercial and industrial customers and community solar subscribers across 18 U.S. states, with 600+ MW developed and a 300 MW asset portfolio targeted by end of 2026.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SunVest Solar industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Distributed Solar Energy Development and Installation Services
- NAICS
- Solar Electric Power Generation (221114)
- SIC
- Cogeneration Services & Small Power Producers (4991)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System) (EUAMABAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Community Solar Development & Subscription Management (EUAMAJAA), Solar Financing, Leasing & Ownership Platforms (Tax Equity, PPA, Securitization) (EUAMABAJ), Solar Plant Components Supply & Manufacturing (Modules, Cells, Wafers, Mirrors, Heliostats) (EUACAGAK), Solar Roofing & Roof-Mounted PV Systems (IMADAFAO)
Keywords
Where SunVest Solar is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pewaukee
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
SunVest Solar business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Long-term Asset Ownership and Operations: SunVest develops, builds, owns and operates distributed generation solar projects. The company generates recurring revenue from operating assets under long-term ownership, with a portfolio expected to reach 300 MW of assets under management by end of 2026.
- Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs): SunVest offers PPAs to commercial and industrial building owners who pay a predetermined cost per kWh for power generated, typically 5-20% reduction of their current electricity bill's volumetric rate. Most PPAs last between 20-35 years.
- Community Solar Subscriptions: Community members subscribe to a portion of a solar array and receive energy credits on their electric bill. Subscribers save 5-30% on standard energy costs. SunVest has projects operational across Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, and New Mexico.
- Project Acquisitions: SunVest acquires solar projects from other developers at all stages of the project lifecycle, bringing them through energization to maximize value-creation.
- Tax Credit Transfer: SunVest transfers Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) associated with completed solar projects to corporate buyers, generating upfront capital. Recent transfer of $47M ITC to a global insurance brokerage company.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Community Solar Subscription - Standard |
| Subscription | Monthly | Community Solar Subscription - Low-Income |
| Subscription | Monthly | Commercial/Industrial PPA |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Design/Build Services |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
SunVest Solar product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SunVest Solar is a vertically integrated distributed generation solar developer and independent power producer. The company designs, develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates community solar gardens and behind-the-meter commercial and industrial solar projects across 18 U.S. states. Its commercial offerings include design/build services and long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), while its community solar offerings allow residential and commercial subscribers to receive energy bill credits without installing panels on their own property.
Product overview
SunVest Solar is a vertically integrated distributed generation platform offering a comprehensive suite of solar energy products and services. The core offerings include Community Solar Gardens (subscription-based solar arrays providing bill credits to subscribers), Commercial and Industrial Solar Solutions (tailored solar and battery storage for large energy consumers via design/build services and PPAs), Landowner Partnership Program (property leasing for ground-mount solar), and Project Acquisitions (purchasing and developing solar projects from other developers). Solar-Plus-Storage Solutions are offered as an add-on module to improve power reliability. All services span development, financing, construction, and operations managed through the company's in-house platform.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Community Solar Gardens Solar arrays that allow community members to subscribe for a share of the energy produced, receiving credits on their electricity bills. SunVest designs, builds, owns, and operates these projects, providing subscription opportunities for residential and commercial subscribers (including income-qualified households) without requiring panel installation on their own property. Available across Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, and New Mexico.
- Commercial and Industrial Solar Solutions
Quantifiable outcome
- Subscribers save 5-30% on annual energy bills through community solar subscriptions
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use SunVest Solar
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
SunVest Solar technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
SunVest Solar partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- PrologisflagshipSunVest designed rooftop community solar installation for Prologis logistics center in Franklin Park. Prologis owns and operates 1.56 MW project. 45 installations planned across Illinois totaling 82 MW - largest rooftop community solar portfolio in northern Illinois.
- Charter SteelflagshipSunVest designed and constructed 19.5 MW solar array at Charter Steel's facility. Project is Wisconsin's largest behind-the-meter solar installation and helps Charter Steel produce steel using clean, local electricity.
- Independent Illinois DevelopercoreAcquisition of 60 MW portfolio of late-stage community solar projects in Illinois (ComEd and Ameren territories) from independent developer.
- Independent Developer (Joint Venture)coreJoint Venture Development Agreement for portfolio of community solar projects in Illinois and Maine totaling over 50 MWdc, including projects in Ameren territory.
- ComEdcorePartnership with ComEd on community solar projects in northern Illinois. SunVest and ComEd play leading roles in growth of community solar, with 80+ projects in ComEd region.
- Rethink ElectriccoreGeneral contractor for DeKalb solar projects. Largest projects in company history with skilled, diverse workforce.
- Osceola EnergyminorLocal partners in New Mexico for 30+ MW capacity awarded in community solar RFP.
- We EnergiescorePartnership on ATI Forged Products brownfield solar project. We Energies supports the community solar integration.
- Elkhorn Rural Public Power DistrictcoreERPPD enlisted SunVest to build, own, and operate three community solar gardens with combined capacity of 6.5 MW.
- Dane CountyflagshipPartnership with Dane County to construct the Yahara Solar Project, SunVest's largest project in Wisconsin. The project enables Dane County to operate all facilities on 100% renewable energy.
- Alliant EnergyflagshipPartnership with Alliant Energy and Dane County on Yahara Solar Project. Alliant Energy supports the renewable energy integration for the county.
- Natural Resource ServicesminorPartnership for native plant restoration at solar project sites. Work to eliminate vegetation that needs fertilization by encouraging native grasses and perennial wildflowers.
Scale indicators15 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SunVest Solar competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Summit Ridge Energy: Summit Ridge Energy is the largest community solar owner-operator in the United States with hundreds of megawatts under management, directly competing with SunVest in Illinois, New York, and other community solar markets with a similar developer-to-owner business model.
- Soltage: Soltage is a distributed generation solar developer and independent power producer focused on commercial, industrial, and community solar projects, with a similar vertically integrated model and overlapping C&I and community solar customer base to SunVest.
- Cypress Creek Renewables: Cypress Creek is one of the largest US solar developers, focused on utility-scale and C&I solar with project acquisition, development, and ownership capabilities — a closely comparable competitor in C&I behind-the-meter projects and community solar.
- ForeFront Power: ForeFront Power develops, finances, owns, and operates solar and storage projects for C&I customers, schools, and municipalities with strong community solar exposure in Illinois and other Northeast markets, directly comparable to SunVest's C&I and community solar offerings.
- Nautilus Solar Energy: Nautilus Solar is a community solar developer and owner-operator with operations across multiple US states including community solar subscription programs in Illinois-adjacent markets, competing with SunVest for both subscribers and project pipelines.
Broad incumbents
- SoCore Energy (ENGIE): SoCore Energy, now part of ENGIE, is a major commercial and industrial solar developer with deep roots in the Chicago and Midwest markets — directly comparable to SunVest's C&I focus but operating as part of a much larger global utility and renewables portfolio.
- Clearway Energy: Clearway Energy is a publicly traded renewable energy owner-operator with utility-scale and distributed solar assets, providing a comparable owner-operator business model at much greater scale than SunVest and competing for institutional capital and tax credit counterparties.
- Lightsource bp: Lightsource bp is a global solar developer and owner-operator with US community solar and utility-scale operations, providing a well-capitalized incumbent competitor to SunVest in the community solar subscription and C&I behind-the-meter markets.
Others
- Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital: Hannon Armstrong is a publicly traded infrastructure financier specializing in climate solutions including behind-the-meter solar and community solar, frequently serving as a capital provider and tax equity partner to developers like SunVest rather than a direct operating competitor.
- Array Technologies: Array Technologies is a leading manufacturer of solar trackers (including the ATI DuraTrack HZ used by SunVest at the Yahara project), making it a key equipment supplier and adjacent ecosystem player rather than a direct peer, but reflecting the broader solar supply chain SunVest relies on.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
SunVest Solar social profiles
Digital presenceSunVest Solar financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SunVest Solar leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
SunVest Solar funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SunVest Solar M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SunVest Solar
What does SunVest Solar do?
SunVest Solar is a vertically integrated distributed generation solar developer and independent power producer. The company designs, develops, finances, constructs, owns, and operates community solar gardens and behind-the-meter commercial and industrial solar projects across 18 U.S. states. Its commercial offerings include design/build services and long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), while its community solar offerings allow residential and commercial subscribers to receive energy bill credits without installing panels on their own property.
Is SunVest Solar a public or private company?
SunVest Solar is a private company. It is classified as management employee owned and is currently operating.
When was SunVest Solar founded?
SunVest Solar was founded in 2009. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is SunVest Solar based?
SunVest Solar is headquartered in Pewaukee, United States, in the North America region.
How does SunVest Solar make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Long-term Asset Ownership and Operations are the primary driver. The others are power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), community Solar Subscriptions, project Acquisitions and tax Credit Transfer.
Who are SunVest Solar's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Summit Ridge Energy, Soltage, Cypress Creek Renewables, ForeFront Power and Nautilus Solar Energy. Broad incumbents are SoCore Energy (ENGIE), Clearway Energy and Lightsource bp. Others are Hannon Armstrong Sustainable Infrastructure Capital and Array Technologies.
Does SunVest Solar have an API?
No public API is recorded for SunVest Solar.
What industry is SunVest Solar in?
SunVest Solar's product category is Distributed Solar Energy Development and Installation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAMABAB, Solar EPC & Construction (Utility-Scale, Rooftop, Balance of System), with a secondary code of EUAMAJAA, Community Solar Development & Subscription Management. Its NAICS code is 221114 and its SIC code is 4991.