Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Solar Energy Partner in Massachusetts
Founded in 2009, Renewable Energy Massachusetts (REM) has established itself as a leader in large-scale solar energy development across Massachusetts. Our mission centers on creating mutually beneficial partnerships that enable municipalities, businesses, and landowners to harness clean solar energy without upfront capital costs. Through strategic collaboration with partners and leveraging federal and state incentives, we deliver long-term energy savings while transforming underutilized spaces into productive renewable energy assets. With decades of combined experience in project development, policy advocacy, and sustainable finance, our team has successfully developed multiple megawatt-scale solar facilities.We prioritize transparency, environmental stewardship, and economic viability, ensuring our projects align with both community needs and market demands. Our expertise spans site acquisition, permitting, utility negotiations, and project financing, supported by active participation in regional clean energy policy development. As members of the Northeast Clean Energy Council, we remain committed to advancing solar technology adoption while maintaining rigorous standards of operational excellence and client partnership integrity.
Services
Solar Energy Development
Site Acquisition
Project Development
Utility Partnerships
Renewable Incentives Consulting
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of executive experience in renewable energy development
- We create partnerships with no capital costs for host site landowners
- Our projects provide 25-30 years of predictable energy savings
- We specialize in transforming underutilized spaces into solar energy assets
- Active participants in Massachusetts DOER and DPU solar policy development
Services
Solar Energy Development
We develop utility-scale solar energy facilities through strategic partnerships. Our expertise includes site selection, permitting, and project financing. We deliver clean energy solutions that convert underutilized spaces into productive assets while providing long-term cost savings for municipalities and landowners.
Site Acquisition
Our team identifies and secures optimal locations for solar installations. We evaluate sites based on grading, orientation, and grid connectivity to maximize energy production. We handle lease negotiations and ensure compliance with local regulations while maintaining landowners' property tax stability.
Project Development
We manage all aspects of solar project development from concept to completion. Our services include engineering design, regulatory compliance, and utility interconnection. We ensure projects meet technical requirements while delivering economic and environmental benefits to partners.
Utility Partnerships
We establish strategic relationships with utility providers to facilitate solar energy integration. Our team negotiates power purchase agreements and manages grid connectivity requirements. We ensure seamless energy distribution while maintaining compliance with regional transmission standards.
Renewable Incentives Consulting
We help partners maximize financial benefits through federal and state renewable energy incentives. Our expertise includes tax credits, rebates, and performance-based compensation programs. We ensure compliance with regulatory requirements while optimizing project economics.
People
Robert M. Knowles
Partner & Co-Founder
Co-founded REM in 2009 with 25+ years of business experience. Previously held executive roles in non-profits and consumer goods startups. Focuses on strategic direction, business development, and project acquisition. BA from Ohio Wesleyan University.
Brian Kopperl
Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Co-founder with 30+ years in project development and finance. Former co-Chief Investment Officer at Pegasus Investments. Expertise in legal, financial, and strategic consulting. JD from UCLA Law School and MPA from Harvard Kennedy School.
Thomas Schieber
Business Development Director
Leads new business generation and utility relationships. 20+ years in global marketing roles at Black & Decker and Diageo. MBA from Columbia Business School. Specializes in solar project development and strategic partnerships.
Steve Barrett
Advisor
20+ years in environmental policy and renewable energy. Consultant to ICAO and major airports on solar integration. Co-authored FAA Solar Guide. Expertise in regulatory compliance and sustainable development projects.
Ed Brakeman
Advisor
Managing Director at Bain Capital with 30+ years in investment management. Provides strategic guidance to REM. Stanford MBA. Active in philanthropy with organizations including Tenacity and African Leadership Academy.
Questions
What types of solar projects does REM develop?
We specialize in utility-scale solar projects ranging from 2MW to multi-megawatt installations for municipalities, businesses, and landowners.
How does REM's partnership model work?
We offer lease agreements or land purchases with no upfront costs to partners, providing long-term energy savings while maintaining property tax stability.
What site requirements are needed for solar development?
Ideal sites are flat, south-facing, unshaded, and near the electric grid. A 2MW system typically requires 8 acres of land.
What areas does REM serve?
We focus on Massachusetts with expertise in local regulations, though our advisory team has national and international renewable energy experience.
How does REM handle project permitting?
Our team manages all aspects of permitting, regulatory compliance, and utility interconnection for solar energy facilities.
What financial incentives are available?
We help partners access federal tax credits, state rebates, and performance-based compensation programs to maximize project economics.
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