Global Partners LP Turns Unused Land Into Revenue Generator With Community Solar Project

Global Partners LP is one of the Northeast’s largest independent owners, suppliers, and operators of gasoline stations and convenience stores, with approximately 1,700 locations across the region. The company also owns, controls, or has access to an extensive terminal network with strategic rail, pipeline, and marine assets spanning from Maine to Florida and into the Gulf. Through this network, Global Partners distributes gasoline, distillates, residual oil, and renewable fuels to wholesalers, retailers, and commercial customers.

The Challenge

Monetize Underutilized Land With Minimal Risk

Global Partners sought to transform an unused brownfield in Albany, NY into a productive asset without disrupting its operations. The company wanted a solar energy solution that would deliver steady, low-risk revenue from the site while also managing upfront costs. Global Partners was also in need of a partner that could help take advantage of savings through established New York State incentive programs.

PowerFlex’s Solution

A Community Solar Site Lease Backed by Strong State Incentives

INSTALLATION TYPE

Ground-Mounted Solar (Fixed-Tilt)

INSTALLATION SIZE

2.6 MW

LOCATION

Albany, NY

ANNUAL ENERGY PRODUCTION

3,208,607 kWh

INCENTIVES

NY-Sun • Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) Tariff • Inclusive Community Solar Adder (ICSA)

PowerFlex developed a 2.6-megawatt (MW) ground-mounted community solar project on Global Partners’ Albany property, delivering an estimated 3,208,607 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually through more than 4,800 solar modules. The project is structured as a solar site lease in which Global Partners serves as the community solar host and site lessor, while Citizens Energy acts as the lessee and sole offtaker, claiming the use of all solar energy produced by the system. This arrangement provides Global Partners with predictable lease revenue and minimal operational burden, effectively converting idle land into a reliable, money-generating asset.

To optimize project economics and expand community impact, PowerFlex leveraged New York State’s flagship incentive frameworks, including NYSERDA’s NY-Sun and the Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) tariff. The project also qualified for the Inclusive Community Solar Adder (ICSA), which supports community solar serving low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers. By stacking NY-Sun, VDER, and ICSA, PowerFlex enhanced financial viability, stabilized long-term value streams, and ensured that a significant portion of the project’s benefits flow to priority customer segments.