Pulling All the Levers: Navigating Solar and BESS Success

By: Dave Felix, Senior Vice President of Business Development

Last month's election signals coming changes to federal clean energy policy, but that’s nothing particularly new. The solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) sectors have demonstrated time and again that we can adapt and thrive through policy and political transitions by leveraging multiple pathways forward. Today's successful developers navigate a complex landscape of economic shifts and tariffs, interconnection challenges, supply chain evolution, and rising costs like insurance. Those who thrive do so by pulling every available lever—making the most of financial, technological, and regulatory opportunities as the policy environment evolves–and deliver projects to PTO (permission to operate).  

It’s more than luck, the key to success is about pulling all the levers: financial, technological, policy, and regulatory to maximize the likelihood of success. As federal policies shift, the ability to leverage multiple strategies becomes even more critical. 

 
Financial Levers: Unlocking Value in Every Opportunity 

Successful developers know how to navigate debt and tax equity markets through changing conditions. With potential adjustments to federal incentives on the horizon, diversifying financial strategies becomes crucial. The question now is: Where will the next innovation come from? What strategies can developers adopt to remain competitive, and what opportunities might they be overlooking? 

At SolaREIT, we empower developers by helping them monetize the land beneath their solar and BESS projects. Our focus on land investments gives developers the flexibility, liquidity, and reduced risk they need to pull a financial lever that many overlook. When it comes down to it, one of the most important factors for developers to be successful is having the resources to weather uncertainty and see their projects through to completion. Patient, affordable capital can make all the difference in unlocking long-term success, particularly during policy transitions. 

Technological Levers: Staying Ahead of the Curve 

Innovation drives progress in the renewable energy space, regardless of the political environment. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are no longer a luxury—they're a necessity for integrating renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. As energy storage becomes indispensable, developers must select the most efficient and cost-effective technologies to maintain a competitive edge and offset any potential policy headwinds. 

Technology will continue to evolve, and costs may fluctuate, but only those who make strategic procurement decisions will thrive. In this crowded market, success hinges on staying on the cutting edge of technology while balancing today's needs with tomorrow's opportunities. This technological advantage becomes even more crucial as other market factors shift. 

Policy and Regulatory Levers: Adapting to Shifting Landscapes 

While federal policies may change, state and local opportunities continue to expand. Recent PUC decisions in California limited community solar, but New Mexico's new community solar program opens new doors. Developers who operate across several states diversify their opportunities and remain prepared to adapt to ever-changing policies. History shows that state-level initiatives often accelerate during federal policy transitions. 

Navigating interconnection delays, grid requirements, and land use regulations is increasingly complex. Interconnection timelines now stretch up to 10 years for a new greenfield project in California, testing the patience, stamina, and resources of developers. Those who structure their business for the long game—balancing persistence with strategic planning—are the ones who will see their projects succeed, regardless of the federal policy environment. 

Pulling All the Levers: The Formula for Success  

The most successful developers are those who leverage every tool at their disposal. Financial innovation, technological advancement, and policy adaptability aren't just advantages—they're necessities in an industry defined by constant change. As we enter a new phase of federal policy, developers who integrate these elements into their strategy will position themselves for long-term growth. 

Solar and BESS projects are long-term investments, and success isn't a matter of luck or dependent on any single policy. It's about knowing how to pull every lever to drive progress and overcome obstacles. The developers who master this comprehensive approach will be the ones leading the clean energy transition forward, adapting and thriving through whatever changes lie ahead.