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Solar

Photovoltaic Energy Systems

Solar

Solar Basics

Nextwatt develops ground-mounted solar (photovoltaic) energy projects across the U.S.A.  These projects consist of:

  • rows of solar panels on the ground,
  • supported by aluminum frames that tilt the panels at an angle,
  • southward facing to catch as much of the sun as possible.

The solar projects are built on large pieces of land (between 10-40 acres) and are connected directly into the power grid.

Timeline

1. Site Control

(1-3 mns)

  • Consent Form.  The Landowner and Nextwatt sign a non-binding Utility Consent Form, which the utility requires to start the interconnection study process.
  • Option Agreement.  The Landowner and Nextwatt sign a Lease or Purchase Option Agreement to agree on the terms of the agreement for Nextwatt to lease or purchase the land if the solar project is built.

2. Interconnection

(3-5 mns)

  • Technical Review (15 days).  The power utility performs a desktop review of the project and creates a report indicating viability.
  • CESIR Study (60 days).  If the Technical Review is positive, the utility performs a full interconnection study that details the required grid upgrades and costs.  If the upgrade costs are within budget, the project moves to permitting.

3. Permitting

(6-12 mns)

  • Municipal Permits.  Nextwatt works with the municipal government (e.g., the Town Planning Board) to secure all necessary permits (e.g., a “Special Use Permit”) to have the right to construct and operate the solar project.
  • Engineering.  Nextwatt hires a civil engineering firm to create all the necessary plans (e.g., Survey, Site Plan, Environmental Site Assessment, etc.) for permitting.

4. Construction

(3-4 mns)

  • EPC Contractor.  An Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Contractor that specializes in solar projects is hired to construct the solar project.  This typically requires land grading, placement of steel frames, installation of the solar panels, and construction of underground and overhead electrical wires to connect the solar project to the local power distribution lines.

5. Operations

(30-40 yrs)

  • Project Owner.  After the solar project begins operating, the project owner remotely monitors the power produced by the project  digitally, and maintains the project by washing the panels with water and trimming any vegetation overgrowth typically twice annually.
  • Landowner.  The Landowner has no responsibility to maintain the project.

6. Decommisioning

(1 mn)

  • Project Owner.  At the end of the project’s life, the project owner removes the solar project and returns the land back to its previous state. The decommissioning costs are typically guaranteed by a bond, and municipalities often require a decommissioning plan.
  • Landowner.  The landowner has no decommissioning responsibilities or expense.
Solar Project
Solar Project
Solar Project
Solar Project

F.A.Q.

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If you have a piece of land that you are interested in leasing or selling, please submit the information below and we will perform a desktop review to see whether the land is suitable for a solar or energy storage project.  If the land is suitable, we will share a price offer with you.

Please note, we will NOT sell your information, nor will we send you marketing messages.  We don’t like spam either.

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Contact

info@nextwatt.com
(518) 327-4431
1750 Tysons Blvd, Suite 1500, McLean, VA 22102

By submitting this form you agree to receive automated messages.  Reply NO to opt out.  Message & data rates apply.  Terms and privacy policy can be found at www.nextwatt.com/privacy-policy.