The Energy Playbook
The Energy Playbook
47 Licensed States
Possible Solutions
Success in clean energy is about breaking through complexity.
Every chapter in The Energy
Playbook tackles the hidden risks that can derail a project and turns them into opportunities for clarity, speed, and return.
With field-tested strategies, practical plays convert land into load and vision into value. Each play guides projects through real world challenges to maximize efficiency, resilience, and long term impact.
Solutions that Flex
Feasibility, Flexibility, + The Energy Mix
Feasibility Drives Success 15% Weeks to Complete < 3 Avoided Redesign Cost
75% Project Success
Your site has a big vision, but the first down isn’t always the best path to the end zone.
Weighing the mix of energy options early keeps the plan flexible, downfield blocking costly redesigns.
Before moving downfield, an Energy Demand Analysis is run to confirm how much power is needed and if interconnection is viable. Getting those fundamentals right keeps the drive on solid ground.
Policies, land, and technology often shift like a defense at the goal line. Calling smart audibles and adapting strategy breaks through roadblocks and clears the path to the end zone.
“You
read the field, call the right plays, and finish with a decision that scores.”
- Chuck McCallum, PE, QSD/QSP Principal | Head of Civil Engineering
The Erosion Equation
The Storm You Didn’t See Coming
75% Risk Erosion Win With Water
Weeks to Complete < 6
10% Panels On the Site
Hydrology is part of the opening play in every feasibility study, using modeling tools to predict how water will move across the site. Starting here sets the tone for design, permitting, and long-term project viability.
Smart
hydrology guides grading to cut erosion risk and keep equipment safe, while working with the land to fit more panels on site. It also shields downstream ecosystems and neighbors so the play stays on track.
Clear hydrology planning is foundational for permitting timelines and lasting site performance. Like a strong line of scrimmage, it sets up the push that carries the project into the end zone.
“Strong hydrology protects the site and keeps the game under control.”
- Nicole Smale, PE Project Manager
From Land to Load
Smart Sites = Grid Gains
Survey = Savings
Success with Survey 70%
19% Rework Cost Fines Avoided Avoided
$200k
A comprehensive survey prepares the defensive line by spotting site limitations and opportunities. Extending surveys up to 10 miles beyond project boundaries captures hidden constraints and prevents costly design rework.
A multi-prong defensive survey strategy amplifying grading and hydrology opportunities results in takeaways, solidifying offensive control. Minimizing grading allows smarter placement, lower costs, and fewer fines that keep the drive moving downfield.
Smart site planning aligned with timeline and budget clears the way for a successful build. The right layout maximizes renewable energy generation to the grid and carries the project from land to load and into the end zone.
“Play to the terrain - less grading, smarter placement, lower cost.“
- Kc Keller, PLS
Associate | Land Surveying
The Power Stack
Optimizing Generation, Storage + Resiliency
21%
More Solar Capacity
25% Capacity with Batteries US Power Recycled 20%
Every site has unique energy needs. Modeling load demand and evaluating interconnection set the opening formation for generation, storage, and backup power.
Optimizing the mix of solar, storage, and backup power keeps the offense moving as uptime stays high and costs stay low. BESS is the running back pushing the system past the defense, making it less grid dependent and more reliable.
When the stack is designed right, uptime, resilience, and return create the field position needed for success. Smart planning sets up the drive that leads to long-term energy savings and a win for the project.
“The right stack means boosted generation, reliability, and savings on the board.“
- Zico Saryeddean, PE, LEED AP+ Senior
Associate
Grid Gameplans
Interconnections + Regulatory Strategy
Smarter Interconnections
Weeks Prep + File <3
30% Faster Approval
100% Application Acceptance
The grid isn’t plug-and-play; evolving rules, costs, and capacity limits must be navigated carefully to avoid delays. Smart play-calling early keeps momentum alive.
Regional transmission models and feasibility studies reveal how much power the system can actually take and give. Those insights guide where and how to connect without stalling progress.
Interconnection tariffs and protocols shift constantly, but strategy stays ahead of the defense. The right formation pushes through red tape and secures the first down.
“The grid is dynamic and ever-changing. Regulations blitz from every angle. The best strategy adjusts protections and pushes the project forward.“
- Priyantha Sirisooriya, PE Principal | Head of Electrical Engineering
Permitting Without Panic
The Strategy Behind Every Permit
2 Years Avg Permit < 5% Face Federal Hurdles > 50% Time Savings
Submitting 60% plans jumpstarts the permitting process by getting the project in the system early. Updating with final details as they come in keeps momentum alive and the advances the play.
A strong hydrology report reduces regulatory and legal risk by preventing offsite runoff and damage. Like a solid offensive line, it protects regulators, neighbors, and ecosystems so the offense can keep pushing forward.
Clear plans for stormwater and safety are required by jurisdictions and fire departments. Strategy that anticipates those needs prevents panic and delays, putting permits in hand and positions the project to score.
“Know what the refs want: play it clean and the permits move us closer to the end zone.“
- Rachel Kessler, PE Project Manager
Model the Money
Creative Capital, Strategic Execution
Powerful Returns
Clean Energy Investment
21%
16% Solar ROI
4 Years Avg. ROI
Return on investment is the scoreboard everyone watches and with clean energy investing rising, it matters more than ever. Financial modeling keeps the play aligned with long-term goals from the start.
Feasibility studies, PPA structuring, leasing, and cash flow forecasting reveal the long game. Leveraging creative financing options and solutions give clarity on every yard gained.
Transparent economics backed by data build confidence with lenders, partners, and clients. That confidence is securing a first down; keeping possession and setting up the next series for success.
“Every yard matters. First downs come from feasibility and risk checks, but the win is a touchdown with maximum ROI” -
Chris
Martin Business Development Manager
Design for Momentum Speed to Market
Efficiency is all about execution off the snap. Sharp project management keeps every play on tempo, while quick, coordinated handoffs prevent false starts and wasted downs. That rhythm builds the 20% efficiency boost needed to stay ahead of the clock.
Design-build is the no-huddle offense of project delivery. One roster, one cadence, and no sideline confusion mean faster drives and fewer stalls. That speed gets the project into scoring position sooner, with fewer surprises along the way.
Innovation on every down keeps the defense guessing. New approaches and smart adjustments open clear lanes to the end zone and get projects delivering power sooner.
“Treat the project like it’s your own and the focus shifts. Every call is about getting it built and online faster.”
- Andrew Dobbins, PE Project Manager
Integrated by Design
One Team Advantage
Full Huddle Strength
Firm Vertically Integrated 1
10% 6%+ Faster with Design-Build Cost Savings Early Input
Every project needs a quarterback— one point of contact calling the signals and keeping formation aligned. With a single leader and unified game plan, the game starts and stays balanced and cohesive.
A synergized roster keeps design phases accurate, coordinated, and on pace from start to finish.
Tight communication across the field delivers smoother execution, steadier progress, and consistent gains toward the goal posts.
When issues arise, the team is already in the huddle with the experience to read the situation and respond rapidly. That level of trust and cohesion seals the win, finishing the play and delivering results that last.
“When
the unit works together, there’s no hesitation, no blown coverage—just steady gains all the way down the field.“
- Dan Mitchell, PE Associate | Civil Engineering