Using REITs to Invest in Utility Scale Solar Projects

Abstract

[Excerpt] Public policy in the form of Renewable Portfolio Standards, rising electricity costs, and a sharp decline in upfront costs for commercial and utility scale solar power projects in recent years have allowed for the rapid growth of new solar power installations, and with them, a new opportunity for real estate investors. In this article we discuss solutions to one challenge in the growth of this asset class, securing a viable public financing structure through the utilization of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that will allow large scale investment to take place and the cost of capital to fall.