May 24, 2024

Cleanleaf Energy Secures Largest Contract, Expands Portfolio to 1.8 GW

A landmark agreement with Heelstone Renewable Energy has propelled Cleanleaf Energy to a major industry milestone, expanding its total operations and maintenance (O&M) portfolio to 1.8 GW. The deal adds 350 MW of utility-scale solar projects to Cleanleaf’s management, solidifying its position as a key service provider in the U.S. renewable energy market.

The new five-year contract encompasses five solar photovoltaic sites developed by Heelstone: four located in Georgia and one in Pennsylvania. These projects are scheduled to commence operations within the next 30 to 90 days. The agreement, which includes automatic renewals, reflects a strong vote of confidence in Cleanleaf’s capabilities.

A representative from the Heelstone Renewable Energy leadership team commented on the partnership, stating, “We did our homework, and Cleanleaf stood out with the most advanced and competitive services. We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship on these and future projects.” Heelstone, which was acquired by Qualitas Energy in January 2024, has been a significant developer of utility-scale solar projects across the United States.

Central to managing these new assets will be Cleanleaf’s state-of-the-art Realtime Operations Center (ROC) in Dallas. This facility provides advanced monitoring and support, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for the growing portfolio of large-scale solar installations under its care.

Formerly the O&M division of Borrego, Cleanleaf Energy spun off as an independent company in mid-2022 to specialize in O&M and EPC services. This latest contract underscores the success of that focused strategy.

“This achievement underscores our capabilities and readiness to handle more utility-scale projects,” said Mikael Backman, CEO of Cleanleaf Energy. “The synergies of our large DG footprint in 27 states combined with a growing utility-scale portfolio create an exciting future for effective, high-performing O&M services to the solar industry. We are excited about the future and our role in making the energy transition a permanent reality.”