Start Here: Community, Farm & Tribal Projects

Communities, farms, ranches and tribal nations can own clean energy that keeps savings, jobs and control local. These projects take more coordination, so start with the right structure and site agreements.

1. Organize your group and ownership

   Decide who will own the project and how decisions, costs and savings will be shared.

   • SPV operating agreement
   • Investment agreement
   • Independently owned microgrids
   • Community, nonprofit & tribal forum

2. Secure the site

   Get written rights to the land or rooftops, whether you own them or lease them.

   • Site lease agreement
   • Site lease option agreement
   • Solar site license agreement
   • Solar easement agreement (CA)

3. Bring in development help

   Spell out what your developer or consultant will do, how they are paid, and that they hold any required license.

   • Energy development services agreement
   • Developer, consultant or contractor?
   • NDA & non-circumvention agreement

4. Plan interconnection and funding

   Understand how the project connects to the grid and which grants and incentives may apply.

   • Connecting directly with a PURPA application
   • Funding for community energy resilience
   • Clean energy financing forum

5. Build and operate

   Contract for construction and long-term maintenance, and share power with members or tenants.

   • EPC agreement
   • O&M agreement
   • Multi-tenant solar PPA (short form)
   • Farms & agricultural solar forum

These resources are general information and templates, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and project, so have a licensed attorney review your finished documents.