Project planning gets a reality check after OBBB

Engineering consultant explains how the OBBB has already impacted solar project development —and what steps developers can take to adapt

By Michael Schutz , director of renewables & power delivery, Bowman Consulting

Renewable developers are facing a hard truth following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB): federal policy is now putting a hard stop on the momentum built under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The window is now narrow for projects to receive tax credits, and it’s already reshaping how teams are approaching development strategy and resourcing.

In the engineering consulting world, we’re seeing developers rethink their portfolios as a result—revaluating what moves forward, where they need to pump the brakes and what pivots entirely. Many are shifting toward early-stage development or standalone battery storage, which remains relatively unaffected by the bill. The common thread is a move away from all-in execution and toward measured decision-making.

Here’s a closer look at how the OBBB is reshaping development priorities and what steps developers can take to adapt.

Rebuilding backlogs, not breaking ground

For projects that can’t realistically meet the 2027 deadline, developers are focusing on early-stage progress. That means securing land, running environmental studies, completing survey work and maybe initiating preliminary engineering. It’s not speculative; it’s strategic preparation. These projects aren’t shelved; they’re just queued and being positioned for future activation.

Why? Because if the guidelines shift again, those projects will be among the few that are ready to go. Treating this time as a backlog-building opportunity is more practical than burning capital chasing tight timelines.

Quality vs. schedule

Some of the subtler risks of the OBBB is the temptation to reduce the scope or compromise design to meet the tightened schedule. With deadlines driving decision-making, it’s tempting to rush projects into construction with minimal due diligence.

The concern isn’t hypothetical. The renewable energy industry is still maturing, and that variability in experience can influence how thoroughly long-term risks are evaluated.

Design and construction shortcuts made to save time today can affect project economics for decades. And that tradeoff needs to be weighed carefully.

Why 2027 is closer than it looks

Read the full piece here: https://solarbuildermag.com/news/project-planning-gets-a-reality-check-after-obbb/