Guide to Developing a Community Renewable Energy Project [Commission for Environmental Cooperation, CEC]

This Guide is meant to assist community and indigenous communities groups in the development of their own small-scale renewable energy projects. Commissioned by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, it covers Canada, Mexico and the United States. While mainly focusing on the co-op business model, the information presented is equally applicable to other business models, such as small business or corporate structures. The Guide covers all the stages of project development and provides guidance on how to approach each one. The project development process is slightly different for each technology, location and jurisdiction. This Guide should help you identify potential issues, identify additional information, contact the right people and authorities, and think through the whole process involved in making your project a success.