Planning for Successful Renewable Energy Projects
Where is the best place to build a solar farm or wind park?
Answering such a question depends on a number of variables, many of which involve local considerations. To increase the chance of success for a renewable energy project, it is essential to perform a sufficient amount of upfront research and planning.
At New Era Land Services LLC, we’re focused on helping developers achieve success with their renewable energy projects. We’re committed to being good stewards of clients’ resources throughout the entirety of each engagement. Sometimes, after completing our due diligence, this may mean recommending a change in course—or shutting down the project. Other times, it means moving forward as planned and initiating the lease acquisition process.
Let’s look at four key factors that impact renewable energy project planning.
4 Factors to Consider for Planning Renewable Energy Projects
Here are a few things we look for when advising clients:
1. Economic Indicators
A typical state in the United States has dozens of counties—each having its own unique set of economic metrics. Factors like household income, property values, employment profiles, and industry can vary considerably, even between neighboring counties. At New Era Land Services, we pay close attention to county-specific metrics when evaluating a project’s potential success. Locating a utility-scale solar park in a high property value area, for example, is probably an uphill battle.
2. Regulatory Environment
Some counties have made it clear that they’re not interested in solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Identifying and understanding local ordinances can be tedious and nuanced, and there’s always a chance for additional legislation in the future. Engaging a land services company with local connections and research expertise can be a wise investment. Knowing where to look for helpful resources is also important. For example, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, offers numerous data sets and tools, including its Comprehensive Databases of Local Ordinances for Siting Wind, Solar Energy Projects.
3. Energy History
Communities with deep connections to the energy industry can be excellent targets for renewable projects. That’s especially true when a community is home to a decommissioned coal mine or power plant. Bringing solar and wind energy online can have a revitalizing effect on local economies. Providing a stable supply of energy is attractive to manufacturers and technology companies, who bring jobs to the area and spur economic activity. And, locating a renewable project within an Energy Community can pose tax benefits that sweeten the deal.
4. Landowner Psychographics
Last, but certainly not least, the attitudes and opinions of local landowners must be carefully evaluated when planning renewable projects. Solar and wind energy can be a politically sensitive topic, and the decision to tie up one’s land for decades is rarely easy. At New Era Land Services LLC, we go beyond merely establishing contact with landowners. Our focus is on building successful relationships, which requires a customized approach for each landowner. Doing so increases the chances of finalizing land deals with agreeable outcomes for all stakeholders.
Talk to Us About Your Next Renewable Project
Need a second opinion about an upcoming solar, wind, or battery storage project? Contact us to start a conversation. We look forward to advising you toward success!