What Does a Solar Developer Do and What Insurance Do They Have?

https://robfreeman.com/ - In this video, we’re going to talk about what a solar developer does and where insurance fits into the job of a solar developer at various stages of the process.

If you’re familiar with the concept of a real estate developer, a solar developer is very similar to that… However, unlike constructing a new real estate project, with a physical building for residents or commercial uses, the solar developer wants to develop a renewable energy project on that property that adds clean energy to the grid…

And similar to how there are many types of real estate developers, there are different types of solar developers too…

For instance, a “pure play” solar developer mostly develop projects on paper... They will tie up land, design the project, gain permits and legal approval and find a buyer of the clean energy so that the project may be sold as a “ready to go” package that an EPC or IPP may purchase and move forward with.

Or, a solar developer may be more of a soup-to-nuts EPC that wants to find, build and own the projects and sell the clean energy to an offtaker.

Whether you're a pure play solar developer or more of an EPC, insurance is recommended at each step of the development process.

At the start, your exposures are minimal however you should have basic coverage for CGL, E&O and environmental liability. If you're a new entity you may also want to think about a D&O policy to provide insurance for your personal assets and defense costs in this increasingly competitive industry.

As you progress further toward construction, interconnection and operation of your system a closer examination of your worker's compensation, CGL coverage and property coverage is warranted.

Of course, specialty insurance is also offered for unique risks like offtaker insurance, production insurance and tax equity insurance.

I've seen solar developers encounter all sorts of problems, legal challenges, disputes, bodily injury and property damage claims in the course of their work. Throughout it all it pays to work with an insurance broker who understands your business.