Solar Project Development
As the times evolve, renewable energy sources are becoming more important than ever. When you have the land space for it, solar power generators are one of the best ways to produce useable energy. However, gaining access to said land requires a lot of consideration, dedication and planning. Below, we’ll explore some of the basics to keep in mind when developing your solar site, as suggested by solar energy experts and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Steps to Developing a Solar Regulatory Landscape
While every path to solar project success is different, there are some things every landowner needs to do and consider when developing a solar site.
Developing a Renewable Energy Usage Goal
The first thing the EPA recommends for every aspiring solar project master is to come up with a goal for your plot’s renewable energy.
Having a final goal affirms your intent to the community that will foster your proposed project and the stakeholders who are making it possible. It also gives the local government direction. While on the subject of local government, ensure you do some research during your planning phase so you can be aware of any local ordinances that may affect your project.
Project Development Plan and Information Collection
Next, you should detail the pathway you’ll take to achieve your proposed goals and create a project development plan. This plan should incorporate your goals for the project with strategies for how you’ll reach them and plans for navigating any obstacles that come along. By the time you have a ready-to-use plan, you should know everything about the costs and demands of building and maintaining your solar landscape so it stays successful for many years to come.
Then, it’s time to collect all of the information and tools you’ll need to understand site opportunities. Go to potential sites and find relevant utility data and policy, market and site information so you can begin narrowing down your site options to the ones that will be best for you.
Site Proposals and Section
Your next step is developing and issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) so you can solicit development services. You’ll outline your required terms and conditions, then release your request so you can start receiving project proposals from site developers.
When you get proposals, don’t rush to return the first one. Instead, take your time to review and evaluate each offer thoroughly so you can choose the right site with the best deal for your project’s requirements.
Factors to Consider When Developing a Solar Site
As the work on new site construction begins, there are a few policies to keep in mind to ensure your site maintains proper protocol. You’ve probably already explored the local ordinances, but there are other considerations you need to consider for a solar project, like:
Setbacks and buffers: Most solar sites have requirements about how far your development needs to be from other properties, or setbacks, and if there needs to be vegetative cover, or buffers.
Resource surveys: If your project receives any federal assistance, it will go under review for its capacity to affect the surrounding resources. These resources can be environmental, like wetlands and species management, or societal, like historical monuments.
Pollinator habitats: As pollinator species like bees face environmental dangers and extinction, more and more regions are requiring that pollinator-friendly plants be involved in site construction. Check your area and ensure you have plants like milkweed on the property if needed.
Build and Commission Your Project With SelectROW
As you work through developing your solar site, consider enlisting SelectROW’s services to facilitate an efficient and diligent process. We’ll provide for you the same way we’ve done for all our clients over the years.
A solar regulatory landscape helps your business, our business and everyone around the world. Let’s collaborate today and get it done. Learn more about what we can do together by contacting us online or at 1-888-997-3532.