We are in the midst of a monumental energy transition across the United States and solar energy continues to grow as an economical alternative to fossil fuels. The decision to install solar should be a no brainer, but we know this is not the case and many large scale projects fail before they can even get started.
In fact many projects fail in the local permitting stage, because of few vocal opponents. This small opposition wields a huge influence with local officials and can scuttle even the most beneficial projects, costing you money and the community the benefits. If youu think your project can simply stand on its merits without properly understanding the communities dynamics and needs then you are setting yourself up for the next failure.
Be honest, your two biggest selling points are probably jobs and lower energy costs. Every community, particularly rural communities, need jobs and everyone wants lower energy bills. However, most of these communities have been promised jobs many times before. Too many times, the jobs have not materialized for local residents or just a fraction of the promised jobs were created and often at the low end of the market.
Likewise, lower energy costs and other benefits have been promised so many times to these residents and then the rug is pulled out from under them or external factors like wars across the globe impact their bills and they just can’t comprehend why. You need to understand that your own promises, even if genuine, backed by science, or signed in blood, just doesn’t mean anything because of the sins of the past.
That is not to say that your project is doomed and your messages will fail no matter what you do. It means that you need to have a complete understanding of the community so that you can deliver the best project proposal that will connect with a majority of the community. By taking the time upfront to perform a community assessment, you can build the best possible pitch, identify and recruit the positive voices, speak the local language, and make it extremely difficult to have your permit denied.
The timing of a community assessment should be as early as possible, even before your close on a land lease or purchase. Rumors travel fast in small communities and you don’t want to give the potential opposition the time to dig in and recruit against you.
WSG works in these communities on a regular basis and performs community assessments. Each community assessment includes:
- Historical data
- Demographic data
- Economic data
- Needs/Issues
- Resources
- Nonprofit services and partners
- Local government structure and staff
- Business community contacts and groups
- Opposition intelligence
- Supporter intelligence
- As well as other information
Using this information, WSG can also help you define a strategy and craft messaging, materials, and pitches. Contact us for a sample report or to discuss your project’s needs.
