According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are currently 16,688 MW’s of utility-scale solar PV in development in the U.S., but only 296 MW are operational. Opportunities continue to emerge–25 states have adopted aggressive renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS)–but the challenges to get a project from development to operational are immense. As IPPs and landowners pursue solar projects, they are at risk of wasting millions of dollars on speculative projects that will never see the light of day.
In a recent chat with California-based Borrego Solar Systems, Inc., I learned how companies that offer consulting and development services can help get projects developed. For instance, Borrego says its Consulting & Development Services division offers upfront analysis of a project’s viability, which could potentially save millions of dollars for an organization pursuing utility-scale solar. “We can help developers make better, more informed decisions by providing access to our experience and expertise,” says Brian Von Moos, director of Borrego’s Consulting and Development division.
Borrego, a designer, installer, and financier of grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, has advised on more than 180 MW of utility-scale solar projects for independent power producers (IPPs) and private landowners. These kinds of services can help IPPs, as well as landowners looking to develop solar farms independently, evaluate the many utility-scale solar opportunities available in the U.S.
“There has never been a better time to go solar, but not all projects are created equal, and many will never move forward,” says Mike Hall, CEO of Borrego Solar. “For IPPs and land owners seeking to take advantage of the generous incentives to develop solar projects, up-front analysis of all elements is paramount before investing serious time and resources. We’re thrilled to leverage our experience and strategic partnerships along the solar value chain to offer this service and help organizations avoid impractical projects so they can capitalize on the projects truly poised for success and long-term financial viability.”
Von Moos explains that entitlements, interconnection, and financing are major areas where projects have problems. He says Borrego can help with these sticky areas, and the company’s value is in step-wise refinement from investor to developer. “Developing a solar project is a long cycle with various crossroads where you need to make decisions,” he says. “We can come in at these cross roads for developers to make necessary decisions.”
The program helps IPPs and landowners through Borrego’s solar power installation feasibility studies. The studies provide a quick and cost-effective way to determine whether a project is viable before proceeding. If an organization does decide to proceed with a viable project, Borrego also offers end-to-end management services, helping organizations reduce development risk and project cost throughout the entire process.
“Understanding the interplay of environmental, technical, and regulatory influences that determine the financial viability of a solar power plant is crucial for utility-scale solar project development in the U.S.,” says James Hines, Research Director at Gartner. “IPPs and landowners may have many choices for pursuing solar projects, but not all of them will have the right elements to be viable. Relying on an experienced partner to conduct an upfront analysis before investing the time and resources to develop a utility-scale solar project can greatly reduce the risk of chasing a deal that will never see the light of day.”
On top of its feasibility studies, Borrego also offers other corresponding services through its Consulting & Development Services Division, including:
• RFP Creation & Advisory Services— helping to create and manage a formal procurement process with comprehensive Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for solar projects. With the establishment of project specifications, quality standards, and evaluation criteria, Borrego helps organizations as they pursue solar projects to comply with increasing renewable energy mandates.
• Market Intelligence— advising international vendors looking to expand into the US market.
Borrego Solar Systems Inc. www.borregosolar.com
Free Solar Farms says
The concept of internal consulting for buyers in the solar power market is great but and independant consultant like California Free Solar is more effective being a neutral party not bound to a manufacturer or EPC.
California Free Solar says
Another good link for unbiased consulting besides “Free Solar Farms” is “California Free Solar”.