December 2025 Blog | onCORE OriginationBy Joseph Tassone Jr. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.”- Henry Ford In renewables, a lot of what we do lives inside a neat box. Boxes are comfortable. Boxes are familiar. Look at a typical solar array from 30,000 feet: it’s a clean rectangle. Inverter […]
Beyond the Box: Where Great Renewable Projects Are Made Read More »
October 2025 Blog | onCORE Origination By Joseph Tassone Jr. When I started doing site acquisition for wireless cell sites in the late 1990s, it was truly hands-on work and that foundation shaped everything I know today about real estate and property due diligence. There’s no better training than being out in the field, learning
Sharpening the Spear: Technology Evolves, But Relationships Close the Deal Read More »
When most people think about renewable energy, they believe in big, global terms: climate goals, federal tax credits, or massive projects powering entire regions. But reality is much more personal. Renewable energy development doesn’t happen in Washington, D.C. or Wall Street boardrooms – it happens in towns, villages, and counties where people live, work, and
Taking a Local Approach to a National Scale Read More »
I still remember my first solar trade conference. I had just come over from 20 years in wireless telecom and was learning the ropes. My colleague and I spent the day meeting developers, swapping business cards, and hearing about “pipelines.” By the happy hour, we started adding up the megawatts everyone claimed they had in
From Bragawatts to Megawatts: Building a Real Pipeline Read More »
June 2025 A few weeks ago, a major road in my town was shut down for nearly an entire day due to a gas station fire in Ballston Spa, NY. The images and reports were alarming — smoke pouring into the sky, emergency responders rushing to the scene, and a property left in ruins. The
In April 2025, I learned that a Massachusetts project I helped secure site control for finally received its PTO (Permission to Operate) from the utility, seven years after the lease was signed in February 2018. While a seven-year development timeline for a community solar project is far from typical, it’s a striking reminder of how
Renewable Development: Playing the Long Game Read More »
One of the most common and reasonable questions developers ask when evaluating a potential Solar or Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project is: “Is there a path to permitting?” It’s a fair question. No one wants to waste valuable time, capital, or human resources advancing a project that faces insurmountable regulatory hurdles. However, the answer
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback of the New England Patriots, is widely regarded as the greatest in NFL history. He holds records for passing yards, touchdowns, and multiple Super Bowl wins. But Brady’s success wasn’t a solo effort—it was built within a well-structured team, guided by one of the best coaches, Bill Belichick, and supported
Winning the Renewable Energy Game: Why Project Developers Are the Game Changers Read More »
This article is the final installment in a five-part series exploring the critical components of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development. Each article in the series highlights a pivotal phase or document essential to navigating the complexities of BESS projects. In previous installments, we discussed the foundational importance of Term Sheets and Letters of Intent
Part 5: The Role of Stakeholder Relationships in BESS Development Read More »
This article is the fourth installment in a five-part series exploring the critical components of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) development. Each piece delves into a pivotal phase or document essential for navigating the complexities of BESS projects. In the first three parts, we addressed the importance of Term Sheets or Letters of Intent (LOIs)
Part 4: Navigating Project Quality and Timelines: Best Practices for BESS Development Read More »