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About Us

Solar energy offers lasting economic opportunity for landowners and communities alike. But turning that potential into progress requires more than vision—it requires action. At New Energy Equity, we develop and operate solar projects that deliver enduring value for all.

Our Mission is Our Culture

We’re building cleaner energy, leaving behind a better world. We know that the right team leads to solar project success, creating more reliable energy access and accelerating our goal of a sustainably powered world. With this goal in mind, we remain committed to hiring, cultivating, and retaining a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture that strengthens our employees, partners, communities, and business. We are also scaling rapidly with the support of ALLETE, an energy company founded in 1906. This means growth with stability and staying power. 

Through the Years

Growing in scale, capability and impact.

2013

Founded

Matt Hankey & Ian Palmer co-found New Energy Equity with their business partners Dan Throop & Don Baker.

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2014
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Profitable

Company becomes profitable before its 1 birthday. New Energy Equity founds Energy Support Services, a subsidiary of NEE.

2019

Acquisition

Strategically acquired by SmartPitch Ventures. Named Largest Solar Developer in the US by Solar Power World.

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2020
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Growth & Giving Back

Named Inc. Magazine's Fastest-Growing companies. Founded Lift As We Climb Foundation

2021

Expansion and Accolades

Opened first satellite office in Boulder CO. Company and CEO named Small Business/Small Business Exec of the Year by Business Intelligence Group for BIG Awards.

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2022
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Acquisitions

New Energy Equity is welcomed into the ALLETE family of companies through transaction. Also New Energy Equity acquires Impact Power Solutions.

2023

Office Expansion

Horseheads NY office opens.

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2024
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Business Expansion

New Energy Equity founds Versiris, a C&I subsidiary.

2025

New Leadership

Matt Hankey, co-founder & CEO steps down and Josh Kunkel is promoted to CEO.

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Our People Are Our Power

We’re proud of what we’ve built - 750+ solar projects and counting - and prouder still of the people who make it possible.

130+

Dedicated team members in four offices across the US.

$200k+

Average annual funds raised by the Lift As We Climb Foundation.

13

Consecutive years for New Energy Equity and Impact Power Solutions on Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors list

50+

Average employee NPS score signifying a culture built on trust, collaboration and shared purpose

Get to Know Our Team

Leadership

New Energy Equity leadership brings decades of experience, diverse backgrounds, and deep expertise to every solar project.

Lift As We Climb Foundation

New Energy’s Lift as We Climb Foundation is a 501(c)(3)charitable organization created to support non-profits dedicated to leaving behind a better world through projects, education, and action related to clean energy.

Recruiting & Development

We recruit diverse talent and train, educate and advocate our team members on D&I initiatives. Our D&I Committee helps to foster a culture that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level, building a diverse and inclusive culture from within.

Core Values

As we grow, we remain committed to the values that define our culture.

We’re All In

We value our customers, clients, employees, and partners, and their commitment to us. We will devote all of our efforts to completing high-impact projects, treating them like our own, and undertake each task, with rigor, diligence, and a tireless work ethic. No matter the circumstances, we make sure the job gets done right.

We’re Top of Our Game

We will drive innovation and success in our industry. We may not always have all the answers, but we will forge forward until we find them. We’ll make hard calls, find solutions, and meet obstacles head on. We will build winning partnerships through integrity, ingenuity, and persistence.

We Lift As We Climb.

Our team drives our success.We will positively impact people and the planet, celebrate our wins together, and value our families and the sacrifices they make to help us all succeed.

Awards & Recognition

Our success stems from our unwavering commitment to mission-driven excellence and performance-focused culture.

Solar Industry News Top Solar Contractors

Solar Power World Magazine
Top Solar Contractors

Baltimore Business Journal Best Places to Work 2025

Baltimore Business Journal
Best Places to Work 2025

SEIA DEIJ Gold Certification

SEIA DEIJ
Gold Certification

Insights That Power Progress

Stay informed on solar industry trends, policy updates, and the work driving New Energy Equity—and our partners—forward.

Join Our Team

Grow your career with a team that pursues meaningful progress rooted in trust, quality, and proven results.

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