Turn a Renewable Energy Site Inquiry Into Diligence Questions

An energy developer may see open acreage and assume a site can support its project. A broker should slow that assumption into a factual intake. Ask about the proposed technology, acreage, access route, project schedule, landowner goals, and the records the client needs before it spends money on deeper study.

Keira represents a company exploring a solar installation beside a working farm. “The parcel is flat and close to a road. Can we lock it up this month?” she asks broker Dominic. Dominic says, “I can request the property documents and help arrange a site visit. What portion of the land do you need, and how would construction and farm access coexist?” Keira says the company may use thirty acres but has not finalized equipment placement. Dominic asks for a preliminary footprint, requests a survey and access information from the owner, and notes the farmer’s harvest calendar as a discussion item. He also asks Keira to identify her development and engineering contacts.

Dominic avoids calling the parcel suitable based on aerial images or predicting approvals, interconnection, or project revenue. Land use, environmental, engineering, and legal questions belong with qualified specialists and the relevant authorities. His job is to maintain an accurate record of what the owner has provided and what the project team still needs to investigate.

For roleplay, make the client press for a quick exclusivity request after seeing a promising map. The broker should identify the missing site requirement, ask for a source document, and set a conversation with the landowner about access and timing. Coach for a recap that distinguishes confirmed parcel facts from the client’s proposed use. That habit makes the next decision easier to review.