As New York Re-Opens, what is the Path Forward for Solar Projects?
The economy is re-opening and restrictions are easing. However, things will not go back to the way they were; not by a long shot. Everyone is adjusting. How do you move forward when there is so much uncertainty? While utilities, building departments, and other AHJ’s (Authorities Having Jurisdiction) are working on new policies and regulations, things are constantly changing.
Thanks to programs like New York’s Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act (the Act), there are government efforts to keep solar installations growing. Although paralysis has gripped the industry for the past eight weeks, there’s a sense of excitement about getting back to work and enterprising solar companies are gearing up and preparing.
Even during the “lockdown”, the Sologistics team has been moving projects forward, getting designs and permitting applications ready, and communicating with utilities about interconnection. While there will be frustration for a while, there is determination throughout the solar value chain to get the industry back up and running.
Work with AHJ’s to Digitize Processes
Permitting has always been something that required an in-person visit to submit applications and make payments. Some AHJ’s are preparing to restart their operations behind plexiglass, masked up, and at a safe distance. Others are turning to technology to help.
Accepting digitized signatures, as opposed to “wet” signatures, has been incredibly helpful as departments quickly shifted to allow email correspondence. Many organizations are looking to move their operations to the cloud and automate processes - allowing permitting to be completed remotely and more efficiently.
Transition to Remote Everything (or whatever you can)
Using satellite imagery and drones, remote site surveys used to create models of the installation area can be used for feasibility studies and system design. While an in-person survey may be needed in addition to the remote survey, this is enabling many activities that would be completed on-site to be done remotely.
As mentioned above regarding AHJ’s moving to the cloud, this is a must for solar developers as well, and many are already there or working toward it. Cloud-based tools like our Greenlight platform enable interaction between solar company clients, our permitting and design experts, and AHJ’s. Beyond enabling interaction remotely, these platforms use automated processes and workflows to move projects from beginning to end, through approvals and changes, with accuracy and efficiency.
Keep on Top of Changing Solar Regulations, Policies, and Incentives
With different phases of re-opening, there are restrictions from a public health standpoint, and changing local and state-wide solar process and policy changes.Staying on top of current information is important for project success. Below is a curated list of websites that are excellent resources and will keep you up-to-date.
At Sologistics, we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re working to overcome some of the current challenges to moving solar projects forward. We’ll continue to share what we learn and welcome all collaboration.