Photo by Jud McCranie
The government is offering a lot of money as an incentive to build solar projects, so it’s no wonder “developers” are showing up everywhere. If you don’t think it’s a gold rush, just do a search for “start a solar farm” on Google and see what you get.
The first site listed has the catchy title, “How to Start a Solar Farm.” If you think “Hey, maybe I should jump on the green energy bandwagon,” then click on that link and read all about it. You’ll find detailed information under headings like “What is a Solar Panel Farm?” and “Are Renewable Energy Solar Farms Profitable?” There are even “18 Important Steps to Start a Solar Farm Business,” so you can be on your way to solar farm success today.
It’s easy to look like a pro
Some people chasing those solar handouts and tax credits will follow the How-to websites like the one above and set themselves up in business. Stock photos of solar panels and big solar installations are everywhere on the internet, so you can build a website in about 30 minutes that looks convincing and professional.
Approach rural landowners and offer them money
Then locate a rural area where there isn’t a lot of steady sunshine so there’s unlikely to be any serious ordinances controlling solar installations and start approaching the larger landowners. Offer them money to lease their property, but be sure to explain payments do not start until the project is underway. Tell them it’s temporary so their land will be returned to its current condition when the project is done. When they ask how long temporary is, mumble something about 35 years then immediately remind them about the money you’re willing to pay. Any attorney from Dewey, Cheatum and Howe will put together the paperwork and look, you’ve hardly spent any money and you’re on your way.
Draw up your plans
Download a topographic map of the land you’re targeting, draw up a project and overlay the solar panels you want to install. Write it up with a description that sounds good and explain how the predicted Megawatts will power hundreds or thousands of homes.
Apply for a conditional use permit
Go to the local government office, submit an application for a conditional use permit and give them your plan and tell them you already have leases signed for the land necessary. VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure, up until this point, you don’t tell anyone about what you’re doing, so you can spring it on the local residents before they know what’s happening and can get involved. If you’re lucky, the permit will get approved and you get government money. Hire some contractors to put up some panels and get outta town.
It’s easy – start today!
See how easy that was? Why doesn’t everyone become a solar developer? It’s a great opportunity even if you don’t know anything about solar farms or have any experience. Just fake it till you make it.