Catalyze Acquires 48 MW of Community Solar Projects in New York from hep solar to Advance Clean Energy Goals and Expand Renewable Access
Catalyze, a leading integrated developer and Independent Power Producer (IPP) of distributed renewable energy assets across the United States, has officially announced the acquisition of a major portfolio of community solar projects in New York. The transaction involves 48 megawatts of direct current (MWdc) capacity spread across eight projects, all of which were fully developed by hep solar, a prominent solar development and investment company headquartered in Germany. With a global footprint in renewable energy, hep solar has been actively expanding its presence in the U.S. market in recent years, and this deal marks a significant milestone in its North American operations.
The acquired projects are situated within National Grid’s Load Zone A in upstate New York, a region with increasing demand for renewable power and strong policy support for solar adoption. These eight community solar installations are expected to begin construction shortly and are projected to reach commercial operation by 2026. Once operational, the combined output of the portfolio will supply clean, affordable electricity to thousands of local residents while contributing to the state’s ambitious climate and energy targets.
According to Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze, this acquisition represents a major step forward in the company’s ongoing efforts to democratize access to renewable energy through innovative distributed generation models. “These projects represent a significant step forward in our mission to expand access to renewable energy in New York,” Haines said in a statement. “Community solar empowers residents – including renters and those without access to rooftop solar – to participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition. We’re excited to build on our momentum in New York and bring these impactful projects to life.”
Community solar programs offer an innovative solution to one of the major barriers to solar adoption: access. Unlike traditional rooftop solar, which is limited to property owners with suitable roofs and financial means, community solar allows individuals to subscribe to a share of a nearby solar project. In return, they receive credits on their utility bills for the energy produced by their share of the system, typically resulting in noticeable savings. These programs are particularly beneficial for renters, low-to-moderate income households, and small businesses – groups that have historically been underserved by the renewable energy market.
The eight projects acquired by Catalyze span multiple towns in western New York and are distributed as follows:
- Ashville, NY – Two projects totaling 11.78 MWdc
- Corfu, NY – Two projects totaling 13.32 MWdc
- Brockport, NY – One project with a capacity of 5.96 MWdc
- Portland, NY – Two projects totaling 10.41 MWdc
- Dunkirk, NY – One project with a capacity of 6.24 MWdc
All of these projects are expected to participate in the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) NY-Sun MW Block Program, which is designed to accelerate the adoption of solar energy across the state. This program provides financial incentives to solar developers, helping to reduce costs and increase deployment. By leveraging these incentives, Catalyze aims to ensure that the solar projects are not only financially viable but also offer direct savings to local consumers.
The NY-Sun initiative is a cornerstone of New York’s broader Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), which mandates a 70% renewable electricity share by 2030 and a zero-emissions electricity sector by 2040. Community solar plays an essential role in meeting these goals, especially in regions where large-scale solar farms or rooftop systems are impractical. Through acquisitions like this one, Catalyze is positioning itself as a key player in supporting New York’s transition to a cleaner, more equitable energy system.
On the seller side, hep solar expressed pride in their role as originator and developer of the projects. According to Georg von Eichendorff Strachwitz, Executive Board Member of hep solar, the transaction reflects both the value created by their development efforts and the alignment of vision between hep and Catalyze.
“We’re proud to contribute to New York’s clean energy supply through our U.S. project development,” said Strachwitz. “This transaction shows on the one hand the value created by hep solar and on the other hand ensures the successful delivery of these community solar projects by a strong and experienced partner like Catalyze. At hep solar, we’re focused on developing and investing in renewable energy projects that create meaningful impact, and Catalyze shares that vision. We look forward to seeing these projects support local communities and contribute to New York’s clean energy future.”
This acquisition is not just a transactional milestone—it also signals a broader strategic shift as Catalyze looks to deepen its roots in New York and potentially across other states with similar programs and solar-friendly regulations. The company’s growing footprint in the community solar space reflects a wider industry trend: a move toward more decentralized, consumer-centric models of clean energy delivery.
In addition to expanding access to renewable power, community solar projects bring significant benefits to the grid and local communities. By generating electricity closer to where it is used, these systems reduce transmission losses and alleviate stress on aging grid infrastructure. They also support local job creation during construction and operations, offer predictable long-term land leases for landowners, and contribute to tax revenues for municipalities.
Moreover, Catalyze’s approach integrates energy storage and advanced software to optimize project performance, grid integration, and customer value. The company’s technology-driven model allows it to streamline development, financing, and management of renewable assets across the country, enhancing both environmental and economic returns.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Catalyze and hep solar may extend beyond this initial portfolio. Both companies have expressed interest in exploring future opportunities together, leveraging their complementary strengths in project development, financing, and long-term operation. As the demand for community solar continues to grow, partnerships like this will play a critical role in scaling solutions that address both the climate crisis and energy inequities.
For now, the 48 MW of new capacity adds to Catalyze’s growing pipeline and underscores its commitment to making solar power more accessible and impactful. As construction begins and the projects come online over the next year and a half, thousands of residents in upstate New York will soon have a new way to engage in the clean energy transition—without needing to install a single panel on their rooftops.
With this acquisition, Catalyze reinforces its position as a national leader in distributed renewable energy, while hep solar further demonstrates its capability to develop high-quality, impactful solar assets in key U.S. markets. Together, their work is helping shape a more inclusive and resilient energy future—one community at a time.
