Commercial rooftops are an ideal canvas for solar energy. Large, flat, and often underutilized, these spaces—typically found on warehouses, factories, and retail giants like Walmart—offer a prime opportunity to generate clean power without consuming valuable land. Solar Landscape, a New Jersey-based developer, has leased 40 million square feet of rooftop space in 2024 alone, enough to power roughly 80,000 homes. Their partnership with SolarEdge, a leader in solar inverters and energy management, will deploy U.S.-manufactured solar technology across more than 500 sites, with installations slated for 2025 and 2026.
The scale is staggering. Environment America estimates that the 100,000 big-box stores in the U.S. could generate 84 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power 8 million homes or offset the emissions of 11.3 million gas-powered cars. This project, while covering only a fraction of that potential, is a significant leap. By focusing on commercial and industrial buildings, SolarEdge and Solar Landscape are tapping into what Shaun Keegan, CEO of Solar Landscape, calls “America’s most shovel-ready energy option.” The deal aligns with growing demand for distributed energy, driven by AI data centers and electrification trends, which require rapid, scalable solutions.
Why U.S.-Made Solar Matters
The decision to use SolarEdge’s U.S.-made solar technology is strategic. Domestic manufacturing meets the requirements for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which offers incentives for projects using American-made equipment. Although the 30% federal solar tax credit is set to expire in 2025, projects like this one can still benefit from remaining IRA provisions, making them financially viable. SolarEdge’s panels, produced in facilities like its Minnesota plant, ensure reliability and performance, critical for large-scale deployments. This move also supports U.S. jobs—First Solar, another domestic manufacturer, supported 16,245 jobs in 2023, and SolarEdge’s expansion is likely to add to that economic impact.
The focus on domestic production comes at a critical time. Recent policy shifts, including the Trump administration’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” have accelerated the phase-out of some renewable energy incentives, raising concerns about the solar industry’s growth. However, the economics of rooftop solar remain compelling. By generating power directly where it’s needed, these projects reduce transmission losses and grid strain, offering businesses lower energy costs and communities cleaner air. For example, a similar project at Beauflor’s factory in Georgia, with nearly 2,000 panels, covers 10% of its electricity needs and cuts 920 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
Benefits for Businesses and Communities
The partnership delivers a win-win for property owners and local residents. Businesses leasing their rooftops to Solar Landscape receive steady rental income without upfront costs, as Solar Landscape handles development, installation, and maintenance. For instance, Walmart’s 74 rooftop projects in Maryland and Illinois, totaling 43 MW, demonstrate how retailers can monetize unused space while contributing to local grids. Community solar models, like those used by Solar Landscape, allow nearby households and businesses to access discounted clean energy, even if they can’t install panels themselves. In Maryland, Public Storage’s 57 rooftop projects save residents nearly $1 million annually on energy bills, with a focus on low-income families.
Beyond cost savings, these installations bolster grid resilience. Rooftop solar generates power close to where it’s consumed, reducing reliance on distant fossil fuel plants. A National Renewable Energy Laboratory study found that rooftop solar could meet 25% of U.S. electricity needs, and industrial buildings alone could power up to 35% of manufacturing sectors. With energy demand surging—driven by AI, electric vehicles, and data centers—distributed solar offers a faster alternative to large-scale projects, which can take years to permit and build.
Challenges in Scaling Up
Despite the promise, rooftop solar faces hurdles. Permitting and interconnection processes remain a bottleneck, often delaying projects by weeks or months. In the U.S., solar installations cost $2.50-$5.80 per watt, compared to just $0.55 per watt in Australia, where streamlined permitting has driven adoption to seven times that of the U.S. The impending expiration of the 30% tax credit adds pressure, potentially increasing costs for future projects. Additionally, some big-box roofs require ballasted or glued systems to avoid membrane penetration, and frequent roof replacements every 5-10 years complicate long-term planning.
Policy uncertainty is another concern. The Trump administration’s push to curb renewable incentives, including halting offshore wind projects, has rattled investors. Sunrun, a major residential solar provider, saw its stock drop 40% after the tax credit phase-out was announced. Yet, commercial projects like SolarEdge and Solar Landscape’s are less vulnerable, as their scale and community benefits attract private financing—evidenced by Solar Landscape’s $847 million raise in 2024 for 200 projects.
The Road Ahead for Rooftop Solar
The SolarEdge-Solar Landscape partnership is part of a broader wave. Prologis aims for 1 GW of solar and storage by 2025, while National Storage Affiliates Trust is deploying 100 MW across 8.5 million square feet of self-storage rooftops. These efforts align with global trends: a University of Sussex study found that covering all suitable roofs worldwide could supply two-thirds of global electricity, eliminating fossil fuel generation. In the U.S., with 16.4 billion square feet of warehouse rooftops alone, the potential is vast.
For businesses, the math is clear: rooftop solar cuts costs, boosts sustainability, and generates revenue. For communities, it means cheaper, cleaner energy and fewer emissions. As SolarEdge and Solar Landscape roll out their 500+ projects, they’re proving that big-box rooftops aren’t just wasted space—they’re a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future. The challenge now is to cut red tape, secure financing, and keep the momentum going.
