Battery Storage Brings Opportunities And Challenges To Wind And Solar Energy Projects
Wind and solar power have been around for decades. In that time, there has been a steady increase in efficiency and decrease in adoption and use costs. One of the major hurdles limiting the potential of these green energies, however, has been the lack of power availability when the sun wasn’t shining and the wind wasn’t blowing.
Batteries have long been a proposed solution, and emerging technologies have finally made this solution economically and practically feasible. Whether you are a landowner or a renewable energy company involved in solar or wind projects, increasing the use of battery energy storage systems will add both significant opportunity and legal complexity for all parties.
As such, it is important to work with a reputable law renewable energy law firm. Wetsel & Lederle, LLP, has been a recognized leader in energy law for more than 40 years.
Energy Attorneys Protecting Your Interests At All Stages Of A Project
Even before considering batteries, there are many legal implications in a typical solar energy or wind energy project, including land leases, contracts, accommodation agreements, tax abatements and eminent domain, to name just a few.
The renewable energy attorneys at Wetsel & Lederle, LLP, can help you address all these matters and additional issues raised by the use of battery energy storage systems, such as:
- Understanding and complying with local, state and federal rules governing energy storage, many of which are still being written and may contradict one another
- Permitting for new projects
- Responsibility for service, maintenance and upgrades to battery systems and software
- Taking advantage of available tax incentives for investing in renewable energy
- Safety of equipment and property following accidents (such as battery fires) and natural disasters
- Liability for outages and power interruptions
- Cleanup and restoration of the property once the lease has expired and the project has ended
Energy projects are complex, and there are far more “moving pieces” and potential pitfalls than the average landowner or energy company will likely appreciate at the outset. To protect the rights and interests of all parties involved, it is critical to work with attorneys experienced in and knowledgeable about energy law in Texas and surrounding states.
Contact An Industry Leading Energy Law Firm
Wetsel & Lederle, LLP, has offices in Sweetwater and Lubbock, Texas, and the firm serves individual landowners, energy companies and other business entities in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Colorado.
If you’re involved in a solar or wind energy project or soon will be, the firm’s solar energy attorneys can answer your questions and explain your legal rights and obligations during an initial consultation. To get started, call 800-787-0784 or submit an online contact form.