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Meet Remi Mignott, Director of Business Development, Rooftop Community Solar

March 10, 2025

Introduction

Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Remington “Remi” Mignott is the Director of Business Development, Rooftop Community Solar at Pivot Energy. He leads market expansion efforts, cultivates partnerships with commercial property owners, and develops innovative solar solutions that drive portfolio-wide value in the commercial solar industry. We sat down with Remi to learn more about his work at Pivot, and the trends he’s seeing in rooftop solar for commercial and industrial real estate.

 

Tell us what brought you to the solar industry and to Pivot Energy.

I started my career in solar energy interning at a solar consulting firm. During my time there, I became fascinated by the work the inside sales team was doing – immediately drawn to the fast-paced nature of the profession. This introduction to the energy space also aligned with my background since my family has roots in architecture and development, so I saw how those industries intersected with solar projects.

My first full-time solar job was at a small solar company in Boston. I was their second hire and helped build the business from the ground up. Eventually, this job brought me to Japan, where I focused on building out a robust pipeline of business, launching multiple offices, and hiring and training personnel. In June 2019, I returned from Japan and joined SGC Power. When Pivot acquired SGC Power in 2022, I became part of the Pivot team!

 

What is your role at Pivot Energy?

Put simply, I help commercial property owners increase their net operating income (NOI) and asset value with solar installed by Pivot. My work supports the owners of all kinds of commercial and industrial property types – big-box warehouses, retail spaces, and other commercial properties – mostly within or near urban areas. My work also supports real estate investors, including Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), who can see many benefits from solar.

As with any type of development, there are several steps between engaging with an interested property owner and project completion. For my part, I partner closely with clients to understand their economic goals and create bespoke solar solutions designed to maximize ROI. These early phases – origination, lease agreement preparation, contract negotiation, and community solar agreement and feed-in tariff program structuring – are about ensuring the project delivers the highest value and long-term returns. Essentially, I set projects up for success before handing them over to Pivot’s development team for streamlined execution.

 

Tell us more about the benefits of solar for commercial property owners.

Throughout my career, I’ve seen people benefit from solar in many ways. When it comes to commercial property owners and investors, one of the main upsides is its positive impact on the bottom line. By leasing unused space (for example, a rooftop, parking lot, or open land) for solar, you are onboarding a new, reliable, headache-free tenant.

This “new tenant” boosts NOI, adds cash flow, and increases overall asset value. Solar panels can also reduce roof deterioration, which is an added asset management advantage.

Various solar financing options also offer distinct benefits and mechanisms for adding revenue to your bottom line. For example, leasing your roof to Pivot for community solar generates rental income from the solar system without the upfront costs of installation, increasing your NOI with no CapEx. In this model, your property’s solar array is used to power the community. Alternatively, if you opt for a power purchase agreement (PPA), you use the energy generated to power your building. Solar PPAs provide predictable energy costs with minimal upfront investment, making it a cost-effective solution for many commercial property owners.

This is really where the value of working with Pivot comes through – we help portfolio managers find the best path forward based on their specific circumstances.

 

Are there common misconceptions that REITs and commercial property owners have about solar? How would you correct these if you could?

Most commercial property owners see the benefits of solar, but education is still a necessary part of my role. They may just lack the knowledge (or time) needed to make an informed decision on the best path forward. Many are interested but need guidance on incentives, lease structures, and pricing; they are also eager to learn about similar projects we’ve done at Pivot, which we are proud to share – we are one of the first developers to successfully execute on this scale!

With technology constantly evolving and Pivot being one of the largest and most experienced solar developers in this area, I focus on why they should trust us as a partner: We’ve done this before – and we deliver on our commitments. It’s about building trust and confidence through our solid track record rather than correcting misconceptions.

 

Have you noticed any changes in this industry since you began working in solar?

Yes! I am excited to see that renewables and rooftop solar are now at the forefront of the real estate world. I’ve been attending real estate conferences for years, and I’ve seen a marked increase in solar presence at these events. While location was once the top priority for commercial real estate owners, many now see leasing their buildings for solar as a strategic way to increase asset value and improve NOI.

In addition, we’ve seen an influx of policies that encourage real estate developers to tap into the multifaceted benefits of solar. For example, solar-ready legislation in Maryland, Illinois, and Colorado helps ensure that new buildings of a certain size are designed to make future installation easier. 

 

What makes Pivot a special place to work?

At Pivot, I have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of true thought partners. When working with commercial property owners and investors, I draw from teams with deep backgrounds in solar, finance, and real estate. Pivot is a one-stop-shop for development, construction, financing, ownership, and management of community-scale and commercial solar projects across the U.S. – and that comprehensive expertise is evident in how we approach every project.

Our active participation in key industry organizations, like the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), and Urban Land Institute (ULI), positions us at the forefront of commercial real estate and solar innovation, ensuring we provide cutting-edge insights and solutions that align with our customers’ goals. These resources empower me to deliver maximum value to clients.

 

Connect with Remi at an Upcoming In Person Event 

Interested in learning more about how Pivot’s solar solutions can benefit your commercial real estate portfolio? Meet Remi at an upcoming event to discuss how Pivot Energy can help you unlock new revenue streams and maximize the value of your properties.

Catch him at:

Can’t make it in person? Connect with Remi on LinkedIn. Or, contact the Pivot team to explore how we can help you level up your investment strategy with solar!

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