Renewable Energy Project Siting and Permitting

Michaud Law Group represents solar, stationary fuel cell, battery energy storage systems, and microgrid projects before the Connecticut Siting Council, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture, and similar administrative tribunals in other Northeastern states. 

In Connecticut, proposed solar electric generation facilities with a capacity of one megawatt to 65 megawatts are required to submit either a Petition For A Declaratory Ruling (Petition) or a more complicated Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (Certificate) to the Council. This also applies to commercial and industrial stationary fuel cells and battery energy storage systems of any size.

Any project that disturbs five acres or more of land must apply for a General (stormwater) permit from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

Under newly promulgated rules, any projects constructed on Prime Farmland must have a detailed soli study and plan and implement Agrivoltaics.

Also, any projects in Core Forest should have a pre-application meeting with the forest division at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to determine any substantial adverse effects on the Core Forest.

Please watch the montage below for selected visuals of successful solar projects for which Michaud Law Group secured approvals from the Connecticut Siting Council, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Department of Agriculture for our clients.