Bureau of Land Management Solar Energy Permitting and Program Resources
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Applicable Fees

Major milestone BLM-initiated action Bidder/leasee-initiated action Due diligence Assignments Bonding Applicable fees Finalize plan of development Conduct NEPA evaluation (if not conducted prior to leasing) Cost recovery Rental payment Issue ROW lease Reject bids (if applicable) Bidding Variable offsets Notice of competitive offer Call for nominations(if applicable) Select and prepare parcels Initiate Competitive Process BLM ConductsCompetitive Offer BLM Selects Successful Bidder Terms and Conditions for Leases BLM Issues Notice to Proceed Procedures for Issuing Solar Energy ROW Leases Competitively
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Phased-in megawatt (MW) capacity fee payment begins with the start of energy generation. The MW capacity fee will vary depending on the size and technology of the solar energy development project. IM 2021‑005 provides guidance on the implementation of the solar energy right-of-way (ROW) acreage rent and MW capacity fee schedules.

The regulations describing MW capacity fees for solar energy leases applicable in areas inside of designated leasing areas (DLAs) are found in 43 CFR 2806.50, 43 CFR 2806.51, and 43 CFR 2806.54.