Trenam’s Solar Law Practice consists of attorneys and professionals who not only understand the practical application of laws emerging in this cutting-edge industry, but also the inherent commercial and operational challenges unique to capturing and leveraging this renewable energy source. Trenam’s approach is specifically tailored to representing clients in planning, designing, developing, and installing commercial and utility-scale solar photovoltaic systems. This approach allows us to provide clients with seamless coordination in land use, development, acquisition, financing, and all other aspects of real estate transactions related to solar power.

Our experienced lawyers have a deep knowledge of the areas of law that matter most in the solar industry, as well as the interactions and relationships needed to navigate this highly regulated industry, both efficiently and expeditiously. Whether you are an investor, lender, EPC contractor, installer, or manufacturer, we partner with you every step of the way to make your solar project a reality.

Our Clients

  • Utility companies, including municipal-owned utilities
  • Developers of photovoltaic utility-scale solar energy systems and facilities
  • Manufacturers of photovoltaic solar energy arrays
  • Installers of commercial photovoltaic solar energy arrays
  • EPC contractors
  • Lending institutions, private and tax equity, and other key investors
  • Engineering, environmental, and planning firms
  • Owners of land for sale or lease for utility-scale solar energy systems and facilities

Core Services

Our Solar Practice team collaborates closely with clients at each stage of the solar energy systems and facilities, including key areas such as:

  • Due diligence and risk management, including site acquisition, title, land use and zoning, environmental, and entitlement review and analysis
  • Obtaining land use entitlements, zoning approvals, environmental permits, and construction permits
  • Project finance, including tax equity financing
  • Planning for federal, state, and local taxation
  • Draft, review, and negotiate purchase and sale agreements and long-term leases
  • Construction contract review, drafting, and negotiation for EPC contractors and installers
  • Draft, review, and negotiate transmission and distribution-level interconnection agreements, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
  • Forming the project-level entity and assisting with subsequent mergers and acquisitions
  • Assistance with construction issues, liens, and labor and employment disputes

Representative Matters

  • Represented numerous state-wide private developers and utilities in the development of utility-scale solar power generation facilities
  • Represented client in a privately initiated amendment to a city’s land development code, establishing land development regulations allowing and regulating solar power generation facilities
  • Obtained approvals of comprehensive plan amendments and re-zonings to allow for the development of solar power generation facilities
  • Obtained approvals of numerous conditional use and special exception permits
  • Represented clients in administrative appeals before local county commissions

For more information, please contact Timothy Hughes or Mathew Poling.