Additional Resources

In this new GTM series, we’re asking people in cleantech to tell us what their jobs are like. We hope the series can serve as a source of information and inspiration for recent graduates, professionals planning their careers or anyone who wants to transition into the industry. We also hope it makes cleantech opportunities more visible and accessible to those groups who are underrepresented in our growing industry, including women and people of color.

The development of renewable energy generation projects has become attractive to a variety of energy consumers, installations and large institutions, land and real estate owners, and others (collectively referred to herein as the project “sponsor” or “host”) who recognize the economic, environmental, and/or security potential of renewable energy. Whether the aspiration is for projects large or small, and regardless of whether the host will ultimately finance and build the project themselves, each will find it necessary to take on the role of project developer during the early stages of project development.

This Guide is meant to assist community and indigenous communities groups in the development of their own small-scale renewable energy projects. Commissioned by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, it covers Canada, Mexico and the United States. While mainly focusing on the co-op business model, the information presented is equally applicable to other business models, such as small business or corporate structures.

Rising energy costs and the support of the Feed in Tariff (FiT) and the Renewable Obligations Certificates have significantly increased the financial viability and attractiveness of installing solar PV panels. These installations may be roof / wall mounted or standalone / ground mounted. This national guidance provides best practice planning guidance in respect of how large ground mounted arrays are developed setting out planning considerations and requirements