This is the first step in assessing project viability–are there any site attributes that immediately disqualify the project from further consideration? A professional site assessment is crucial to make sure time and money is not wasted pursuing a project that will never be viable.

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1. Conduct initial feasibility studies and site surveys to assess site characteristics and constraints

2. Evaluate access to infrastructure such as roads and transmission lines

3. Identify potential interconnection points with the electrical grid

4. Assess potential environmental or regulatory factors that could impact the project

Now that we have confirmed that it is possible to construct a large scale solar project onsite, we need to determine if such a project will meet the financial, energy and/or environmental goals of all parties. This is an opportunity to determine whether a viable project is really worth pursuing before any more costs are incurred.

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1. Conduct a detailed resource assessment to determine the solar resource potential at the project site

2.  Collect relevant environmental data, assess the site for wetland, soil quality, and any obvious disqualifiers for the project. 

3. Leverage state of the art energy modeling tools to ensure accurate and transparent energy modeling to ensure the most competitive financing and project accountability. 

At this stage the developer and landowner have a clear idea of the scope of the project and the financial implication and opportunities. This is the start of project implementation–engaging with stakeholders from the beginning to ensure that there are no late-stage surprises or challenges prior to construction.

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1. Engage with stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, to address any concerns they may have regarding the project

2. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including environmental and labor laws

3. Seek out any available incentives or financing options to support the development of the project.

Having engaged the relevant parties and ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, it is time to start permitting the project and negotiating with the utility. So far we have operated on informed estimates of the project’s value and viability, but until utility agreements are in place and permits are issued there is still too much risk involved to engage the services of engineers and contractors.

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1. Secure necessary permits, including local zoning and land use permits, environmental permits, and other regulatory approvals

2. Engage with local government agencies and regulatory bodies as required

3. Work with the utility and regional transmission operator to secure interconnection agreements

With permits in hand and a utility agreement in place, the details of the system design can be finalized, engineering studies can be commissioned, and we can start preparing your bid documents to be used when soliciting contractors.

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1. Develop detailed engineering plans and designs for the solar project

2. Design the solar arrays, inverters, transformers, switchgear, and other equipment required for the project

3. Determine the most appropriate solar technology for the project, considering factors such as cost, efficiency, and reliability

This is perhaps the most impactful and risky portion of the project–selecting the right contractor to work with and securing the equipment necessary to complete the project. A good developer brings a lot of insight and expertise to contractor selection and oversight to ensure a professional, timely and on-budget installation.

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1. Select a construction contractor

2. Procure necessary equipment and materials

3. Oversee the construction of the solar project, including installing the solar arrays and other equipment, building access roads, and connecting the project to the electrical grid

Now we are on the home stretch, but the work is not yet done. Before final payment is issued to the contractor, we need to verify that the system is working as intended and the project goal has been met.

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1. Test and commission the solar project to ensure it is operating as designed

2. Verify the performance and reliability of the solar arrays, inverters, and other equipment

3. Begin operations and carry out ongoing maintenance activities to ensure the ongoing performance and reliability of the system

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