Creating a Successful Clean Energy Business The Project Development Puzzle Richard Harkrader Carolina Solar Energy CEO March 9th 2011 Conference on a Renewable Energy Future for Mexico Project Development is a Contact Sport Project Development has many moving parts Projects will fall apart & be reborn >5X Success depends on strong relationships, developer reputation & staying power Know the Market, Know the Market, Know the market, Know the Market, Know the Market Financial Incentives Energy Policy, Codes, Laws, Regulations Interconnection Standards Future of the Market Lobbying for a place at the table Create Business Allies &Networks Utility & Regulator allies Business, Legal & Banking network Design, Contractor & subcontractor network (EPC) B2B network - local, national & international How will you sell & deliver the power? Are Interconnection Agreements & Requirements reasonable? Verify legal validity of PPA contract Verify Power Purchaser is a reliable business The Importance of the Financing Plan Possible financing partners - Individuals, Funds, Institutions Reliable and Proven Financial Modeling Maximize Incentives Income = Reliable Technology installed properly Lastly - Finding A Site This is the last piece of the puzzle NOT the first Evaluate the resource at the site Interconnection - Proximity to Utility Grid Negotiate purchase/ lease site contingent on financing Results Successful Business Economic Gains for business and utility Clean Energy Installed Tech. Financing Market Site