How we develop.
A short, honest description of how Ohmic Solar takes a project from raw land to operating asset.
- 01
Site selection
We look for parcels under 50 acres in the SCE service territory, on or near existing distribution infrastructure, in zones where solar is permitted by Conditional Use Permit, and away from environmentally sensitive overlays where possible. We prioritize Energy Communities and Disadvantaged Communities where state and federal programs make local economics work.
- 02
Pre-development
Before we commit serious capital, we complete a county pre-application review, a utility pre-application interconnection report, a parcel-level environmental screen, and a preliminary engineering layout. If any of those come back unfavorably, we move on.
- 03
Permitting and interconnection
We pursue the Conditional Use Permit, full CEQA review, the SCE Rule 21 interconnection agreement, and the off-take contract (typically ReMAT, with DAC-GT and other procurement programs evaluated case-by-case) in parallel. We don't cut corners on biological or cultural surveys — they're how a project survives appeals.
- 04
Financing
We use a standard project-finance structure: senior debt against the contracted revenue stream, sponsor equity from the founders, and Investment Tax Credit monetization through the IRA's transfer market. Where the site qualifies, we pursue Energy Community and Domestic Content bonus credits.
- 05
Construction
We engage a single full-turnkey EPC contractor with a fixed-price contract, two-year minimum workmanship warranty, manufacturer warranties on modules and inverters, and a performance bond. We use Tier 1 modules, prevailing-wage labor (required for full ITC), and revenue-grade metering.
- 06
Operations
Once the project is energized, it runs on a 20-year ReMAT contract with Southern California Edison. Routine O&M is handled under a long-term service agreement; we monitor performance daily and reserve for inverter replacement around year 15.