Developing a Solar Project
Despite a rise in political and social support for decarbonizing the electric grid in the US, many renewable energy projects are canceled early in development due to profitability risks. In this course, we will roleplay employees of a solar developer, investigating potential new solar projects for the company and recommending whether it should be built or canceled. As we learn the factors affecting a project from reading press releases, news articles, and introductory books, students will develop an Excel model that incorporates these changes in energy production, prices, development limitations, costs, tax requirements, and federal subsidies. This hands-on workshop will culminate with students in teams presenting their recommendation for the future of the project. This course counts as a social science cognate for environmental studies majors.

Caroline Nevada ‘17.5 is a renewables expert with 6 years of project finance experience at start-ups, established developers, and public corporations. She heads the financial valuation of the US offshore wind portfolio of Ørsted, the world’s #1 offshore wind developer headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is also dedicated to elevating the voices of women in the industry and has served for 4 years on the Board of Directors of Women in Cleantech & Sustainability. Caroline studied Mathematics at Middlebury./