About Us
Pine Gate Renewables is a utility-scale renewable energy company focused on strategic development and financing of solar and energy storage projects in the United States. We are leading the way in the ongoing energy transition, and we believe that not only can we make a change, we must lead it.
Who We Are
Our mission is to 'get solar done' by providing renewable energy for local communities across the country. By partnering with local communities, we drive economic growth, create jobs and make a positive impact on the environment.
Our work in the community is just as much a part of our company as our solar projects. We contribute to multiple non-profit organizations dedicated to helping the people and places in need, and we have corporate partnerships with The GivePower Foundation, Arbor Day Foundation, Asheville GreenWorks and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy. Read more about the impact we’re making.
We’re proud to have been named to Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies list, Inc's Best Workplaces lists and awarded the No. 37 spot on the Inc. 5000 prestigious annual list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies all in 2021.
Leadership
Ben Catt
CEO
“I decided to work in solar to make a difference and build something that matters. Between the complexity of the problems we’re solving and the impact of what we're trying to do, it never gets boring.”
Ben Catt is the driving force at Pine Gate Renewables, a leader in the solar industry and innovator in the movement for clean energy solutions.
As CEO for one of the fastest-growing energy companies in the U.S., Ben sets the strategic vision for establishing locally-generated solar energy projects, and oversees development, government relations, operations, marketing, and acquisitions.
Before following his passion for environmental preservation, he worked in the banking and finance industry. At Pine Gate he’s been able to blend financial savvy with his desire to make a difference, closing more than $5B in financing for solar energy projects and partnerships.
Ben aspires to infuse the corporate culture with the mantra that Pine Gate’s continued success is predicated on cutting-edge market strategy, an independent execution platform, pipeline scope and scale – and on always treating everyone, from clients to employees to partners, with kindness and respect.
Ben is a frequent speaker for national and regional panels on solar energy, particularly on issues of strategy, development and finance. He is a board member of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and a CFA charter holder.
Ray Shem
President & COO
“The solar energy field is like the wild west. The industry has evolved so rapidly in less than a decade, with new entrants and new ideas constantly changing the competitive landscape. As a result, the industry really rewards new ideas and creativity, rather than longevity or tenure in the space.”
Prior to joining Pine Gate Renewables in 2017, Ray was the CFO of FLS Energy, an NC-based solar developer and EPC contractor. Before entering the renewable energy industry, Ray spent six years at regional real estate developer Grubb Properties leading multifamily acquisitions and real estate investments.
Once Ray transitioned from real estate to solar energy, he never looked back and is constantly inspired by his colleagues. “First, our people are an amazing combination of high achieving and low ego,” he says. “We like to win but prefer to win as a team. Second, we participate in multiple parts of the value chain such as development, finance and construction, so we are constantly applying lessons learned from one area of the business to another. Finally, we really value our external relationships and are focused on consistently being a good partner to our counterparties, which hopefully makes them want to do more business with us.”
Doug Stein
CFO
“Solar energy is sustainable, renewable and is now at grid parity with traditional forms of energy generation which opens a tremendous opportunity for Pine Gate Renewables to accomplish our work of developing, building, owning and operating solar assets.”
With over 20 years in the energy industry, Doug Stein has had a front-row seat to the major role development of renewables has played in the energy transition. Today, as Chief Financial Officer for Pine Gate Renewables, Doug is responsible for the in-house accounting, tax, risk management, financial planning and analysis, people and culture, and technology departments.
Prior to joining Pine Gate, he was a member of the Leadership Team at Engie Resources, one of the leading suppliers of electricity and gas to commercial and industrial customers in the United States where he led Finance and Business Controls.
Doug has a deep passion for building successful teams and shaping culture so each unique organization is enabled to achieve its mission and vision.
“Our people at Pine Gate Renewables are our greatest asset – they understand the value we bring to communities across the country and work every day with creativity and grit to bring solar to life.”
James Ortega
General Counsel
“Pine Gate has a unique blend of experience, talent and creativity. Coupled with key capital and development relationships, it allows us to manage a project pipeline that is significantly larger than our competitors.”
As the General Counsel for Pine Gate Renewables, James Ortega is responsible for managing the in-house legal department and supporting the company’s corporate, finance, development and M&A activities. James has negotiated tax equity and debt financing transactions for the construction of utility-scale solar power projects equaling almost 1 GW of renewable energy.
Prior to joining Pine Gate in 2016, he was the Assistant General Counsel for Strata Solar, where he negotiated tax equity and debt financing for utility-scale solar projects. Prior to entering the solar space, he worked in commercial real estate law.
As part of Pine Gate, he’s committed to the fast-paced, dynamic and evolving solar industry with ample opportunities for legal practitioners to provide impact.
“There is no existing playbook to draw on, therefore creative, solution-oriented problem solving is critical in this industry,” he says. “I am both inspired and challenged by the work we do every day.”
James is a member and former Chair of the board of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.
