At SolaREIT, our mission to accelerate the clean energy transition is powered by the talented individuals behind the work. Each month, we highlight a team member whose expertise and dedication help move our projects forward. This September, we are pleased to spotlight Dan Leppert, Transaction Counsel at SolaREIT, whose background in renewable energy, real estate, and law brings valuable experience to the team.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background
I’m originally from upstate New York. I attended Duke University for college, where I met my wife, Michelle, and later went on to Notre Dame Law School. I began my career as a personal injury attorney, but after my first son was born, I transitioned to renewable energy. I’ve been working in renewables and real estate ever since. Today, my wife and I live in Boston with our three children, two boys and a girl.
What inspired you to join SolaREIT?
Before joining SolaREIT, I worked at Richmond American, a homebuilder, and Unison, a lease aggregator. When I decided to get back into renewable energy, SolaREIT stood out as an opportunity to draw on that experience while returning to the industry. The role felt like a natural fit because it allowed me to apply my background in real estate and lease aggregation to the renewable energy space.
What has been your most rewarding experience at SolaREIT?
The most rewarding part of my experience at SolaREIT has been working with and getting to know the Business Development team. They are a collaborative and creative group, and I’ve really enjoyed becoming part of the team. We work closely together to find solutions to challenges, and it’s rewarding to see those efforts contribute to building out the pipeline.
How do you see the future of renewable energy and SolaREIT’s role in it?
I believe the demand for energy will continue to grow, and renewable energy will play an important role in meeting that demand. As more renewable energy projects move forward, developers will continue to need access to flexible sources of capital. SolaREIT can support that growth by providing developers with creative financing solutions that enable them to unlock the value of their land and reinvest that capital in their projects.
What has surprised you most about working at SolaREIT?
I’ve been most surprised by how efficient the team is and how quickly we can move transactions forward. The time between letter of intent (LOI) execution and closing is often quite short, requiring everyone involved to work closely together and respond quickly as issues arise. It takes a lot of collaboration and nimbleness across the team to keep deals moving and get them across the finish line.
What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
Outside of the office, I love spending time outdoors with my family. We like to stay active together, whether we’re hiking, camping, biking, or skiing. Between those activities, we’re able to enjoy the outdoors together throughout the different seasons and spend quality time as a family year-round.