Boston, February 18, 2026
Perch Energy’s acquisition of Solstice marks a significant milestone for Boston in the renewable energy sector. This merger enhances Perch Energy’s capabilities as a leading community solar servicer and aims to expand access to clean energy across the nation. With over 3 GW of solar capacity under management, the combined effort reflects the entrepreneurial spirit driving economic growth within Massachusetts and strengthens Boston’s reputation as a cleantech hub.
Boston Cleantech Powers Up: Perch Energy Acquires Solstice for National Solar Expansion
A significant acquisition in the cleantech sector is poised to amplify Boston’s role as a hub for renewable energy innovation. Boston-based Perch Energy, a prominent community solar servicer, has announced its acquisition of Solstice, a Cambridge power developer specializing in community solar customer acquisition and management. This strategic move aims to substantially expand Perch Energy’s national footprint, underscoring the dynamic entrepreneurial spirit thriving within the Massachusetts clean energy landscape. Such private sector growth exemplifies how focused innovation and strategic mergers can drive economic progress and extend access to clean energy across the nation.
This expansion highlights the vital role of local Massachusetts entrepreneurs in shaping national markets and driving economic growth. The merger of these two local entities demonstrates a commitment to scaling solutions that benefit consumers and businesses alike, offering a compelling case for the power of market-driven solutions in the energy transition. Boston continues to solidify its reputation as a fertile ground for businesses that are not only innovative but also focused on delivering tangible value to communities.
Driving Community Solar Expansion Across the U.S.
The acquisition positions Perch Energy as a significant community solar acquisition and management servicing platform in the United States. Community solar programs enable households, renters, and businesses to subscribe to local solar projects and receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced, without needing rooftop installations or upfront costs. This model is particularly beneficial for the 77% of American households unable to support a rooftop system due to various structural, contractual, or financial barriers.
Following this acquisition, Perch Energy will manage over 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity across more than 1,000 solar projects in 16 states, serving over 430,000 residential customer equivalents using proprietary software technology and automation. Solstice contributes a portfolio of contracted solar projects representing 500 megawatts (MW) of capacity. This expansion reflects a growing demand for accessible clean energy solutions and Perch Energy’s strategy to serve as a scalable community solar partner. The combined entity will serve over 86 solar project owners in both established and emerging community solar markets nationwide.
The Entrepreneurial Journey: Perch Energy and Solstice
Perch Energy, launched in 2022 as an independent company spun off from BlueWave Solar, has focused on accelerating customer access to community solar and renewable energy. The company has established itself as an industry leader in community solar, offering a suite of services to solar farm developers and owners, including customer acquisition, onboarding, lifecycle management, billing, and regulatory and policy expertise. Perch Energy has already saved an estimated $100 million for its customers.
Cambridge-based Solstice, founded in 2015, specializes in connecting households and businesses with community solar farms, providing bill reductions without upfront costs. Solstice’s offerings include customer solutions for the community solar industry, enrolling households and local organizations in shared projects, and providing a subscriber management software platform. It also developed the EnergyScore, a proprietary customer qualification metric that expands participation in community solar projects beyond traditional credit scores. Solstice was formerly owned by MyPower, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsui & Co.. This acquisition brings skilled technology, sales, and operational talent, along with additional financial investment, into Perch Energy.
Boston’s Cleantech Ecosystem and Economic Growth
Boston is recognized as a global hub for cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship, housing significant cleantech incubators and numerous venture capital firms specializing in cleantech investments. Massachusetts leads the U.S. in cleantech companies per capita and has been consistently named the most energy-efficient state. The clean energy sector in Boston MA business has seen its job numbers nearly double over the past decade. Over the last three years, more than $2.8 billion in venture capital has been invested in Boston cleantech startups. This vibrant ecosystem, supported by world-class universities and a skilled workforce, fosters an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and growth.
The continuous cycle of innovation, research, and commercialization solidifies Boston’s position as a global leader in technology and innovation. The city’s diversified economy spans sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology, providing a stable foundation for businesses and making it an attractive destination for long-term investment. This acquisition further strengthens the cleantech sector, contributing to job creation and economic vitality within Boston small business communities and beyond.
The Role of Private Investment in Renewable Energy
Private investment plays a crucial role in the growth and scalability of renewable energy projects. Deploying clean energy solutions requires substantial capital, and private investors contribute by providing funding, expertise, and innovation. The economic fundamentals of renewable energy technologies are improving, with costs for solar power and battery storage systems declining significantly over the last decade. Government policies and corporate initiatives also create a favorable environment for investors in the transition to a low-carbon economy.
This private funding helps accelerate the development of new and improved renewable energy technologies, making them more efficient, reliable, and affordable. Private investors are often willing to take on the risk associated with early-stage technologies that have the potential to disrupt the energy market. Such investments contribute to job growth, reduce energy costs, and foster technological innovation, benefiting local economies. By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, companies like Perch Energy and Solstice are not only pursuing business growth but also actively participating in the broader societal goal of expanding access to clean energy and promoting environmental sustainability.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The expansion of community solar directly benefits consumers and businesses by offering utility bill savings, a critical factor given that retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022 and are expected to continue rising. Community solar helps make clean energy accessible to individuals who cannot install rooftop solar, promoting energy equity.
By investing in solar, communities can support their local economy, drive environmental improvements, and protect public health. Every dollar invested in solar can generate $1.20 in benefits for the local economy. Solar energy creates over four times more jobs than other energy sources, with these jobs and their economic benefits remaining in Massachusetts. The clean energy sector in Massachusetts employs over 109,000 workers, with a significant portion earning above $50,000 annually. This acquisition by Perch Energy is a testament to the thriving Massachusetts entrepreneurs and their ability to foster economic growth while advancing sustainable practices. Supporting local businesses that champion such innovative solutions ensures a robust and resilient economic future for Boston MA business and its communities.
Conclusion
The acquisition of Solstice by Perch Energy marks a significant milestone for Boston MA business and the national cleantech landscape. It underscores the strength of Boston small business innovation and the positive impact of strategic private investments in fostering economic growth and expanding access to clean energy. This collaboration demonstrates how entrepreneurial vision, coupled with a commitment to community benefits, can lead to substantial advancements in the renewable energy sector.
We encourage our readers to continue supporting local businesses and stay informed about the ongoing developments in Boston’s dynamic economic environment. Engaging with and backing innovative companies helps reinforce Boston’s position as a leader in sustainability and a hub for economic opportunity for all.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is community solar?
- Community solar is an innovative model for shared solar energy that allows homeowners, renters, and businesses to enroll in a local project and receive credits on their electricity bills for their share of the power produced, without needing to install solar panels on their own property.
- Who are Perch Energy and Solstice?
- Perch Energy is a Boston-based clean energy technology and services company that specializes in community solar servicing, including customer acquisition, management, and billing. Solstice, originally based in Cambridge, MA, is a service provider focused on customer acquisition and management for community solar development.
- What does Perch Energy’s acquisition of Solstice mean for the community solar market?
- The acquisition solidifies Perch Energy as a significant community solar acquisition and management servicing platform in the U.S.. It expands Perch Energy’s national footprint, enabling it to manage over 3 GW of solar capacity across more than 1,000 projects in 16 states, serving over 430,000 residential customer equivalents.
- What benefits does this acquisition bring to Boston’s economy?
- This acquisition highlights Boston’s role as a cleantech innovation hub, fosters entrepreneurial growth, and contributes to job creation within the clean energy sector. It also demonstrates how private investment and strategic business expansion can drive local and national economic vitality.
- How does community solar benefit consumers and businesses?
- Community solar provides utility bill savings and expands access to clean energy for individuals and businesses who cannot install rooftop solar, including renters or those without suitable properties. It helps reduce carbon emissions and can protect against rising electricity prices.
Key Features of the Perch Energy and Solstice Acquisition
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Acquiring Company | Perch Energy (Boston-based) | Local |
| Acquired Company | Solstice (Cambridge-based) | Local |
| Primary Business of Perch Energy | Community solar servicer specializing in customer acquisition, management, and billing | Nationwide |
| Primary Business of Solstice | Customer acquisition and management for community solar development | Nationwide |
| Combined Solar Capacity Under Management | Over 3 GW across 1,000+ solar projects | Nationwide |
| States Served | 16 states | Nationwide |
| Residential Customer Equivalents Served | Over 430,000 | Nationwide |
| Solstice’s Contribution to Capacity | 500 MW of contracted solar projects | Nationwide |
| Estimated Customer Savings by Perch Energy (to date) | $100 million | Nationwide |
| Key Innovation from Solstice | EnergyScore (proprietary customer qualification metric) | Nationwide |
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