Commercial Rooftop Solar Attorneys
Nacelle advises on commercial, industrial, community, and distributed generation rooftop solar projects across the United States.
Our services include:
- Drafting and negotiating rooftop leases, access agreements, easements, purchase options, purchase agreements, SNDAs, lender consent agreements, and related real estate documents.
- Structuring rooftop site-control programs for commercial, industrial, community, and distributed generation projects.
- Conducting title and survey review, identifying title curative matters, and completing title curative work.
- Conducting real estate diligence on potential acquisitions.
- Leading the real estate aspects of project sales.
- Drafting and negotiating development services agreements, master services agreements, and confidentiality agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rooftop Solar Energy Legal Services
When should a solar stakeholder engage legal counsel?
Engaging experienced legal counsel early (during project structuring and at the initial stages of site control efforts) can help avoid costly delays and improve project viability.
How do rooftop solar site control efforts differ from utility-scale solar?
Rooftop solar site control differs significantly from utility-scale solar because developers must secure rights to install and operate projects on existing commercial or industrial buildings rather than undeveloped land. In addition to negotiating rooftop access, developers often must address structural considerations, roof maintenance and replacement, utility interconnection, and the ongoing operations of the property owner or tenants. Because multiple stakeholders are typically involved, rooftop solar agreements must carefully balance operational needs while preserving the developer’s rights throughout the project’s lifecycle. Experienced legal counsel can help structure site-control agreements that reduce risk, support project financing, and facilitate long-term project success.
What legal issues are unique to rooftop solar projects?
Rooftop solar projects present unique legal challenges because they are developed on existing buildings that remain occupied and operational throughout the life of the project. Developers must address issues such as rooftop access rights, structural capacity, roof maintenance and replacement, utility interconnection, and coordination with building owners, tenants, and other stakeholders. Agreements must also account for long-term maintenance, equipment access, and potential future changes to the property. Careful legal planning helps minimize project risks, support financing, and ensure the developer’s rights are protected over the project’s operational life.
What makes rooftop projects legally complex? Unlike ground-mounted facilities, rooftop projects require coordination between developers, building owners, tenants, utilities, and contractors while maintaining uninterrupted operation of the underlying property.
Contact Our Commercial Rooftop Solar Attorneys
If you are involved in a rooftop solar project, Nacelle is ready to help. Contact our commercial rooftop solar attorneys to discuss how we can support your project from concept through operation.