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Project Development Fee: What is it and When is it Paid?

3 min read

Updated on 12 March 2025

We believe businesses should have access to clear, expert guidance without the pressure of upfront costs. That’s why we provide all initial consultations and desktop analyses free of charge, because making informed decisions should be easy. Once you decide to move forward with one of our tailored recommendations, we apply a nominal Project Development Fee (PDF), which varies based on your building type and number of locations. This ensures every step of your project is thoughtfully planned and optimised for success.

What does a PDF cover? #

Our PDF is designed to cover real-world development costs associated with feasibility assessments and site visits. This ensures your project design is precise and fully vetted before any major commitments.

Site Assessment Visit

One of our experienced engineers will visit your site(s) to evaluate key factors such as roof space, structural integrity, plant rooms, and distribution boards—ensuring everything is suitable for installation.

Weight Loading & Compliance Checks

Alongside our site assessment, we collaborate with surveying specialists to perform detailed weight-loading calculations, confirming that your building can safely support the proposed technology.

Design, Performance, & Financial Modelling

Once the site assessments are complete, we refine and reissue your system design, performance modelling, and financial projections. Our initial desktop models are typically 95% accurate, so final adjustments are usually minimal.

DNO Application

We liaise with your District Network Operator (DNO) to confirm connection availability, key dates, and any associated costs, ensuring a smooth integration into the grid.

Supplier & Installer Coordination

To prevent supply chain delays, we coordinate with trusted partners to reserve necessary equipment at the PDF stage, ensuring everything is ready should you choose to proceed.

Funding Legal Paperwork Drafts

If you’re leveraging financing or a power purchase agreement, we work with our funding partners to draft initial legal paperwork. This gives you full visibility into the financial framework before making any commitments.

Why does a PDF matter? #

Our Project Development Fee benefits both you, the client, and us, the supplier, in meaningful ways:

For You, the Client:
  • Cost Transparency: We don’t bundle development costs into technology prices, ensuring you get the best value.

  • Full Project Scope: You receive a comprehensive breakdown of feasibility, requirements, and costs before committing.

  • Peace of Mind: Ensures your installation is technically and financially viable before making a significant investment.

  • Minimised Risk: Identifies potential technical or regulatory challenges early, reducing unexpected costs.

For Us, the Supplier:
  • Clear Client Intent: This helps us differentiate serious projects from early-stage inquiries.

  • Efficient Resource Allocation: This enables us to deploy engineering, procurement, and administrative resources effectively.

  • Seamless Project Execution: Ensures all assessments and applications are completed upfront, preventing delays.

  • Fair & Transparent Pricing: We keep equipment and installation costs honest by charging separately for development work.

Why do we charge a Project Development Fee when others don't? #

Some providers claim to have “no upfront fees” but recover costs by inflating equipment and installation prices. At Green Shield Group, we take a different approach, keeping pricing transparent and fair. By separating project development costs, we ensure:

  • Unbiased, high-quality guidance from the outset without pushing unnecessary solutions.

  • A customised, optimised project tailored to your needs, not a generic estimate.

  • A thorough, professional development process that leads to successful installations.

Our commitment is to help you make confident, informed decisions while ensuring every step of your project is well-planned and cost-effective. Let’s build a smarter, more sustainable future, together.

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