The foundation of the successful development of a solar power plant is identifying a site suitable for hosting a project. Key characteristics of a feasible site include:
- Access to electric utility infrastructure
- Land that is flat and cleared of trees
- No wetland or floodplain impacts
- No impact on protected ecosystems and organisms
- No impact on cultural or archaeological resources, and
We help our client’s in identifying location where solar development will provide net gains to the local community. The majority of this work is done as a “desktop analysis” using the best available mapping tools.
We then help our client with land acquisition. Once a site is deemed to be a quality location for a solar project, we will enter into an Option to Purchase or Option to Lease Agreement to secure the land. The “Option” portion of the agreement allows our client to complete their studies and approvals without the fear of losing the property in the meantime. It is during the Option Period, that the solar project development process occurs. This process involves significant investment from the developer. It is, therefore, important to maintain a solid partnership between the landowner and the developer. The landowner can continue to use their land as they wish during the Option Period, and the solar project developer compensates the landowner for the Option on the land.