Energy Company Pivot: Exclusive CEO Interview with Tom Hunt Discussing Renewable Energy Venture
Pivot Energy, a US-based Certified B-Corporation, has been making strides in the renewable energy sector. Founded around 15 years ago as a commercial solar installer in the Midwest, the company has since evolved into a comprehensive solar energy provider.
Under the leadership of CEO Tom Hunt, who joined in 2019, Pivot Energy has completed or has under development 4 gigawatts (GW) of solar projects, which is nearly 1,800 projects. This impressive portfolio includes onsite solar (rooftop solar, carport systems, and ground-mounts), offsite solar (larger, ground-mounted greenfield commercial, and community-solar projects on large fields), community-solar gardens & subscriptions, Virtual Net Metering, Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), small-scale utility, and battery storage.
One of Pivot Energy's notable achievements is its partnership with American EV maker Rivian. The company has agreed to purchase a total of 60 Megawatts (MWdc) of solar energy for Rivian's Illinois manufacturing facility. Pivot Energy has also secured strategic tax equity investments with Walmart for the development of 19 clean energy projects across the country.
Financing has not been a challenge for Pivot Energy. Since early 2022, the company has secured over $1.5 billion in financing. In 2024, Pivot Energy announced significant partnerships with Microsoft, Walmart, and Rivian, further bolstering its position in the renewable energy market.
However, Pivot Energy has faced challenges in deploying at scale and getting the grid to modernize quickly to accept more dynamic, distributed resources. To tackle this, the company has set up financing and operational infrastructure that enables flexibility and growth. Pivot Energy is also working with policymakers, corporate partners, and regulators to push for shifts to more dynamic ways for utilities to evaluate and track their grid equipment.
Pivot Energy is a leader in agrivoltaics, the practice of combining agriculture and solar. 95% of its ground-mounted solar arrays utilize livestock grazing, enhanced habitat, and crop production. This innovative approach not only generates clean energy but also supports local agriculture and wildlife.
As Pivot Energy continues to grow, it remains committed to its corporate strategy aimed at providing a positive impact on society. With nearly 750 solar projects under development and a 5-year framework agreement with Microsoft to develop up to 500 megawatts (MWac) of community-scale solar energy projects across the U.S. between 2025 and 2029, the future looks bright for this pioneering company in the renewable energy sector.
