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Nelnet Renewable Energy Sharpens Focus on Commercial Solar

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Nelnet Renewable Energy shifts focus to commercial solar market, discontinues residential operations due to challenging conditions. Company aims to become a leading commercial solar EPC contractor.
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The strategic pivot by Nelnet Renewable Energy to concentrate solely on the commercial solar market reflects a calculated response to the current energy landscape. This sector has demonstrated significant expansion, fueled by government incentives, declining costs of solar technology and an increasing corporate emphasis on sustainability. By channeling resources into this area, Nelnet is positioning itself to capitalize on economies of scale and more complex project scopes that are typical in the commercial versus residential space.

Commercial solar projects tend to have higher margins and can be less sensitive to policy changes that often impact residential solar initiatives. This move could improve Nelnet's financial stability and offer a more predictable revenue stream. However, it's important to monitor how this shift will affect the company's market share and customer base, as exiting the residential market could lead to a loss of diversification in their portfolio.

Nelnet Renewable Energy's focus on the commercial solar market aligns with broader sustainability trends, where businesses are increasingly investing in clean energy solutions to reduce carbon footprints and meet ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria. This strategic shift may enhance Nelnet's reputation as a sustainability leader and could open doors to partnerships with companies looking to bolster their green credentials.

However, the decision to exit the residential market may be seen as a step back in democratizing solar energy access. The long-term impact on the company's sustainability image will depend on how effectively they manage their transition and communicate their ongoing commitment to energy innovation and operational excellence.

From a financial perspective, Nelnet Renewable Energy's strategy to focus on commercial solar EPC operations could lead to an improved balance sheet. Commercial projects typically involve larger-scale investments and can lead to larger contracts, potentially resulting in increased revenue and higher profit margins. The decision to discontinue residential solar operations, while potentially reducing short-term revenues, may decrease operational complexities and costs associated with managing smaller-scale, lower-margin projects.

Investors should watch for changes in the company's financial metrics, such as profit margins and return on investment, as these will be key indicators of the success of this strategic shift. Additionally, how Nelnet manages the transition, including the handling of warranty and contractual obligations, will be critical in maintaining stakeholder trust and avoiding potential legal or reputational risks.

LINCOLN, Neb., April 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nelnet Renewable Energy today announced a strategic shift in its solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) operations to focus exclusively on the commercial solar market. This decision underscores the company's commitment to leveraging its technical and project management strengths in a market that has shown robust growth potential and aligns with its long-term vision for sustainability, operational excellence, profitability, and energy innovation. 

"Nelnet is committed to being an industry leading commercial solar EPC contractor and consultant with resources, knowledge, and people to deliver high quality projects and solutions for our customers," said Jim Kruger, Nelnet chief financial officer.

In the face of challenging regulatory and economic conditions within the residential solar market and after careful deliberation, Nelnet Renewable Energy has made the difficult decision to discontinue its residential solar operations. Nelnet Renewable Energy will honor its existing warranty and contractual obligations for residential projects installed to date and will proactively communicate with customers and other relevant stakeholders about available service and support. Nelnet Renewable Energy will strive to make the transition as seamless as possible. 

With its solar financing and Inflation Reduction Act expertise, along with its investments in excellent people, quality workmanship, safety and long-term partnerships, Nelnet Renewable Energy is well-poised for further success in constructing and developing commercial solar projects, especially in the Midwest and New York. Nelnet Renewable Energy has approximately 15 projects under construction with an average size of 4 megawatts.

"We look forward to strengthening our position in the commercial solar market, driving innovation and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all," said Kruger. "With a strong foundation in construction and solar experience, we are set to deliver projects that exceed expectations in quality and efficiency with meticulous execution. We thank our customers, partners, and stakeholders for their continued support and trust."

About Nelnet and Nelnet Renewable Energy: Nelnet (NYSE: NNI) is a publicly traded diversified financial services and technology company focused on offering educational services, technology solutions, professional services, telecommunications, and asset management. As a brand of Nelnet, Nelnet Renewable Energy serves others by financing, developing, deploying, and operating clean energy solutions that create sustainable value. For more information, visit www.NelnetInc.com.

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nelnet-renewable-energy-sharpens-focus-on-commercial-solar-302115090.html

SOURCE Nelnet Renewable Energy

Nelnet Renewable Energy decided to focus on the commercial solar market due to challenging regulatory and economic conditions in the residential solar market.

Nelnet Renewable Energy will honor its existing warranty and contractual obligations for residential projects installed to date.

Jim Kruger is the chief financial officer of Nelnet Renewable Energy.
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About NNI

nelnet is a student loan servicer that’s grown into a fiber internet pioneer, real estate investor, and software provider. but that’s just the beginning. with 4,000 employees and growing, we take our business wherever superior customer experiences and ingenuity is needed. find nelnet in 17 different cities, 3 countries, 24+ businesses, 5 industries, and in your linkedin feed by following our page. we have five core values at nelnet: 1. provide superior customer experiences 2. create an awesome work environment 3. pursue opportunities for diversification and growth 4. communicate openly and honestly 5. give back to the communities in which we live and work