NextEra employee working on a solar panel

Multiple teams work together to site, develop and construct solar projects. Solar projects consist of four phases: siting, development, construction and commercial operation.

Siting

To find an ideal location for a solar project, the right combination of solar conditions, adequate resources, access to power transmission lines and land availability all play important roles. 

Development

While the development stage can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking as long as six years, it is one of the most important. During this phase, various environmental, historical and archaeological studies are conducted prior to construction.  

Construction

After necessary approvals during the development phase, a solar project can usually be built in 12 to 18 months. Key steps of the construction phase include installing a fence for safety, building roads, constructing substations, installing and testing solar arrays, and commissioning.

Once a project begins commercial operation, it is transitioned to our experienced operations and maintenance teams. Our sites also have continuous remote support from an around-the-clock Renewable Operations Control Center in Florida.

The benefit?

Not only does homegrown energy benefit us by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, but it has a positive impact on the community that extends beyond being a resilient energy source. The Forgeview Solar project will be a significant boost of up to $17 million in additional tax revenue for Mississippi County, money that can help to enhance local roads and maintain our schools. It will provide construction jobs and additional income to local farmers. 

The future of energy independence in the U.S. is in your hands.