The CPES New Energy Professionals recently held a three-part series focused on the development of grid-scale solar in Connecticut. This series covered the planning and development of a large solar project, the regulatory permitting and interconnection processes, and what happens once a project is actually online.

Webinar Recordings are available. Members: Free | Nonmembers: $15 Request Recording

Part One – Just an Idea: What Makes a Good Site? (Took place on April 28)
This webinar discussed the broad concerns that go into solar project site development, including:

• Where can a solar project be sited?
• What are the ecological and environmental considerations when developing a project?
• How can we balance the need for renewable energy with construction impacts?

Featured Speakers:

• Mike Libertine, Director of Siting and Permitting, All Points Technologies
• Jeff Pipeling, Director of Business Development, C-Tec Solar
• Rob Martorano, Chief Investment Officer & Project Finance, Greenskies
• Melissa Kaplan, Environmental Scientist, BSC Group (Moderator)

Part Two – Vetting the Proposal: The CT Regulatory Permitting Process (Took place on May 12)
This webinar discussed Connecticut’s solar permitting process at a high level, including:

• How do solar projects proceed through the Connecticut Siting Council?
• Why do you need a stormwater permit for solar development?
• How do host municipalities feel about solar development?

Featured Speakers:

• Melanie Bachman, Executive Director, CT Siting Council
• Christopher Martin, State Forester, DEEP
• Jason Bowsza, First Selectman, Town of East Windsor
• Chris Stone, Stormwater Permitting, DEEP
• Amanda Gurren, Associate, Pullman & Comley (Moderator)

CBA Members received 1.25 CT CLE credits (self-reportable) for the 5/12 webinar only.

Part Three – Getting the Electrons Flowing – Interconnection, PPAs & Commercial Operation (Took place on June 2)
This webinar discussed what happens after state agency permitting, including:

• How do these projects interconnect into the grid?
• How do power purchase agreements work?
• How does increased solar development impact New England’s energy use and planning?

Featured Speakers:

• Jonathan Black , Manager, Load Forecasting, ISO NE
• Joe Debs, Program Manager, Engineering, CT Distributed Energy Resources, Eversource Energy
• Christie Prescott, Director, Wholesale Power Contracts, United Illuminating Company
• Jack Halpin, Associate Regulatory Analyst, Eversource Energy (Moderator)