CleanCapital Accelerates Growth in Clean Energy Sector with Strategic Acquisition of 27 MW Solar and 25 MWh Storage Portfolio Across Massachusetts and California
CleanCapital, a prominent independent power producer (IPP) specializing in distributed clean energy, has announced the acquisition of a significant portfolio of distributed generation assets. The newly acquired portfolio includes more than 27 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic capacity and 25 megawatt-hours (MWh) of battery energy storage systems (BESS). Located across two of the most energy-progressive states in the U.S. — Massachusetts and California — this acquisition signifies a major step forward in CleanCapital’s strategic growth plan.
The portfolio was purchased from Pacifico Energy, a renewable energy firm recognized for developing high-quality distributed generation projects. The assets include two projects developed under the Massachusetts SMART (Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target) Program and four behind-the-meter (BTM) solar and energy storage systems located in California. These BTM assets are designed to operate directly on the consumer side of the meter, providing clean power and grid services to commercial and institutional facilities.
The energy produced by these distributed systems is delivered to a range of customers under Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). These customers include municipal, university, school, and hospital (MUSH) sector entities as well as commercial and industrial (C&I) clients. This structure ensures predictable, long-term revenues while helping public institutions and corporations meet their sustainability and energy cost-saving goals.
According to CleanCapital’s Chief Investment Officer, Julia Bell, the acquisition reinforces the company’s long-standing mission to expand its footprint in pivotal U.S. markets while deepening its capabilities in energy storage deployment. “The acquisition of this portfolio marks a significant milestone for CleanCapital as we continue to expand our footprint in key U.S. markets and deepen our investment into middle market distributed generation,” said Bell. “This not only strengthens our presence in Massachusetts and California, but also further diversifies our assets while deepening our capabilities in managing energy storage – a critical grid-stabilizing asset to achieving energy security.”
Strategic Importance of the Acquisition
This acquisition is not just a numerical addition to CleanCapital’s operating portfolio—it is a strategic move that aligns with broader energy and economic trends in the United States. The demand for electricity is expected to surge significantly, with estimates projecting a 25% increase in consumption by 2030. This rise is driven by multiple macroeconomic and technological factors, including:
- Electrification of transportation (such as electric vehicles),
- Data center growth, fueled by cloud computing, 5G, and digital transformation, and
- The rise of energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
By investing in solar-plus-storage infrastructure, CleanCapital is well-positioned to meet this growing demand while supporting national and regional goals of achieving decarbonization and grid resilience.
The addition of 25 MWh of storage capacity further enhances CleanCapital’s ability to deliver reliable, dispatchable energy to the grid. Battery energy storage is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the clean energy economy. It enables solar energy generated during peak daylight hours to be stored and dispatched when demand is highest, such as during evening hours or grid stress events.
This capability is vital in both Massachusetts and California — states that have been pioneers in renewable energy integration and grid modernization. In California, the emphasis on distributed energy resources (DERs) and behind-the-meter solutions is growing rapidly in response to wildfire-related outages and ambitious clean energy mandates. Meanwhile, Massachusetts’ SMART Program continues to drive investment in solar and storage deployment with clear incentives and long-term regulatory support.
Pacifico Energy’s Role and Vision
Pacifico Energy, the seller of the portfolio, is known for its ability to develop, finance, and sell turnkey renewable energy assets. In a statement accompanying the announcement, Leon Persaud, Managing Director at Pacifico Energy Group, emphasized the strategic alignment between the two companies and the broader energy transition agenda.
“This transaction highlights Pacifico Energy’s focus on creating and monetizing high-quality distributed generation assets that align with the growing demand for scalable, resilient infrastructure,” said Persaud. “The portfolio’s strong fundamentals demonstrate the value of distributed energy as a compelling asset class for investors seeking long-term exposure to the energy transition.”
Pacifico’s strategy of building co-located solar and storage assets enhances the value proposition for off-takers and aligns with increasing investor interest in DERs that offer both environmental and financial returns. These assets not only reduce grid congestion and emissions but also offer demand flexibility and local energy resilience, especially in regions facing climate risks or power supply vulnerabilities.
The Broader Implications for Energy Transition
CleanCapital’s acquisition comes at a time when the global energy landscape is undergoing a historic transformation. With the U.S. federal government and individual states prioritizing energy independence, decarbonization, and technological innovation, investments in distributed solar and battery storage are seen as foundational to the new energy economy.
Distributed generation—solar and storage systems located close to end-users—plays a critical role in:
- Reducing transmission losses,
- Enhancing reliability at the grid edge,
- Lowering energy costs through peak shaving and demand response,
- Supporting job creation and economic growth in local communities,
- Enabling decarbonization in hard-to-reach segments of the power sector.
CleanCapital’s continued emphasis on acquiring and managing middle-market clean energy assets reflects a broader shift in investor priorities. Institutional and private capital is increasingly flowing toward infrastructure projects that balance profitability with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. By targeting distributed assets with strong offtake agreements and predictable performance, CleanCapital delivers financial returns alongside measurable climate impact.
Financial and Transactional Details
The sale process for the portfolio was advised by Marathon Capital, a leading investment bank focused on the global energy transition. Marathon Capital’s advisory role helped structure and execute the transaction between Pacifico Energy and CleanCapital, ensuring that the portfolio met the performance expectations, regulatory requirements, and due diligence standards necessary for institutional-grade energy investments.
While financial details of the acquisition were not publicly disclosed, industry analysts note that the value of distributed solar-plus-storage portfolios is rising, particularly in high-demand markets like California and Massachusetts, where policy support, grid constraints, and energy costs create favorable conditions.
CleanCapital’s Growing Track Record
CleanCapital has rapidly emerged as one of the key players in the distributed renewable energy investment space. Since its inception, the company has acquired and managed over 200 projects totaling more than 400 MW of solar capacity across the U.S. It specializes in the acquisition and management of smaller-scale but high-impact assets, often overlooked by traditional utilities or large-scale developers.
The firm combines strong technical capabilities with financial acumen, enabling it to identify high-performing clean energy assets, optimize their operation, and deliver value for investors, customers, and communities. With the growing importance of flexibility, resiliency, and decarbonization, CleanCapital’s role in the clean energy ecosystem is only expected to grow.
