About Manifest Electric
Manifest Electric is a one-person solar development shop based in Rapid City, South Dakota. I focus on the early-stage work required to make utility-scale and distributed solar projects real: finding sites, securing land, navigating ordinances, and aligning with utilities & long-term owners.
My initial focus is western South Dakota, especially Meade and Butte Counties and nearby co-op territories served by Basin Electric and local distribution co-ops. I do not sell rooftop systems to homeowners. Instead, I originate and de-risk 10-20 MW utility-scale projects and sub-5 MW DG/community solar projects so that larger owner/operators can build, own, and operate them with confidence.
Meet the Owner
Manifest Electric is run by Matt Shofner, a local solar developer based in Rapid City. I'm building a long-term solar platform the right way: by studying county ordinances, mapping every parcel in the region, talking with co-ops & utilities, and sitting down with landowners to structure fair, assignable options and leases.
Rather than raising a big fund or hiring a large team, I'm deliberately keeping Manifest Electric lean and focused so that capital goes into de-risking real projects, not overhead.
How I Operate
Grid-First Siting - I start with the grid: substations, strong 3-phase feeders, realistic interconnection paths, and program fit - not just "sunny fields."
Respect for Land & Landowners - I approach landowners as long-term partners. Land control agreements are designed to be assignable and financeable while respecting existing agricultural uses and family goals
Local Rules and Community Fit - I work with the local ordinances and pay attention to hydrology, wetlands, cultural resources, viewshed, and neighbor concerns from the start so that projects fit their community instead of fighting them.
Partner-Driven Development - Manifest Electric focuses on origination and early de-risking, then co-developing and assigning projects to utilities, co-ops, and IPPs who bring capital, construction, and long-term O&M.
Get in touch
If you're a utility, co-op, IPP, investor, or landowner interested in potential projects in western South Dakota, let's talk.
The best way to reach me is by email or the form. I'm typically available for scheduled calls in the afternoons or on weekends.
Phone
501-764-7572
Contact
Reach out for project inquiries or partnerships.
Phone
(501) 764-7572
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