I would wager it's also an issue of corporate politics. If these leaves are capable of creating a sustainable in-house power generator, you will have no more ne

I would wager it's also an issue of corporate politics. If these leaves are capable of creating a sustainable in-house power generator, you will have no more need to buy electricity from your local provider. (Or at least in significantly reduced quantities). This obviously won't sit well with them. Consider then that it's these companies which have the expertise to develop and commercialize a technique like this. You need to keep them on your friendly side when you are about to market. Going for those locations which are not paying customers anyway, is a safe move from an economic p.o.v. At least until said corporation can figure out a way to monetize the new product in a way that does not reduce their profit.