A Harsh Reality for the Solar Sector
Pine Gate’s collapse joins a growing list of solar companies that have recently been forced into bankruptcy, following cuts to federal clean energy credits under the Trump administration and a volatile economic environment. Similar Chapter 11 filings this year by Sunnova Energy International and Solar Mosaic underscore the mounting pressure facing renewable energy developers.
Despite its mission to expand sustainable power, Pine Gate has struggled with high interest rates, inflation, and regulatory uncertainty. The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Ray Shem, said Pine Gate tried to sell its energy projects out of court by reaching out to hundreds of potential buyers between 2024 and 2025 but failed to secure viable offers.
$412 Million in Financing to Stay Afloat
Pine Gate’s lenders have now stepped in with $412 million in new financing, comprising $208 million in bridge funding and $204 million in debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing, pending court approval.
At the time of the bankruptcy filing, Pine Gate reportedly had just $8.5 million in cash on hand, Shem said in a first-day declaration. The infusion of new funds will provide critical liquidity as the company navigates its restructuring and prepares for the asset sale.
Pine Gate’s capital structure is complex, including $2 billion in construction and permanent funded debt, $1.4 billion in corporate-level obligations, and $1 billion in preferred equity.
