Solar Project Management
Organizations and professionals involved in solar project management oversee a variety of tasks to ensure the successful planning, construction, and operation of solar energy programs.
Managing Different Types of Solar Projects
At New Era Land Services LLC, most of the solar energy projects that we encounter fit into one of the following categories:
● Utility-size projects, such as a 2,000 acre solar park that replaces energy produced by a retiring power plant.
● Community solar projects, which allow utility customers in certain deregulated states to fund renewable energy projects.
● Solar projects for data centers, which tech companies use to qualify for tax credits and offset the environmental impact of their facilities.
What is Involved with Solar Project Management?
Project management activities depend on the type of project as well as the state in which the project is located. For example, managing a solar project in Indiana—where most energy is provided by a handful of regulated energy monopolies—could look considerably different than doing so in Ohio or Pennsylvania, which are considered deregulated states.
Generally speaking, many solar projects involve the following activities:
Location of Interest Planning & Research: Helping the developer determine the optimal location for a solar project based on potential tax credits, existing infrastructure, and other factors; Performing research at the state and county levels to ensure area accessibility.
Community Stakeholder Engagement: Gaining community buy-in by working with local leaders and residents; Partnering with emergency response teams to understand and plan for potential safety risks involving the solar project or related battery storage facilities.
Lease Acquisition: Engaging local landowners to acquire lease option agreements within the location of interest.
Moving the Project through the Queue: Entering the project into the “queue” for review by the appropriate RTO (Regional Transmission Organization) or ISO (Independent System Operator); Responding to the RTO or ISO’s studies; Taking appropriate actions, such as obtaining necessary easements.
Construction: Receiving the notice to proceed; Executing lease options with landowners; Obtaining necessary permits or additional contracts, such as neighbor agreements; Full-scale completion of the solar energy project.
Ongoing Support: Overcoming any other obstacles that might inhibit the project’s successful completion.
Project Management Support for Solar Energy
New Era Land Services provides land-related services for renewable energy projects, including solar. In addition to supporting clients’ lease acquisition and right of way needs, we can also assist with project management. Our “on-the-ground” knowledge serves as a strategic asset for busy project developers.
Contact us to discuss our solutions for solar energy projects.