⚡ 1480 RENAISSANCE DR

MEMORANDUM

TO: Sunland America Corp. Development Team

FROM: Senior BESS Site Evaluation Analyst

DATE: October 26, 2023

SUBJECT: Comprehensive Site Diligence Analysis for "Project Ridge"

Property: 1480 RENAISSANCE DR, Park Ridge, Cook County, IL (APN: 09221100050000)

This report provides a comprehensive preliminary due diligence analysis for the potential acquisition and development of a distribution-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the subject property. The analysis identifies key site attributes, significant risks, and critical next steps required to advance the project. The site shows considerable promise due to its location and strong financial incentives, but it is encumbered by significant unknowns related to grid access and permitting that must be resolved before committing further capital.

1. Site Access & Topography

Road Access & Feasibility: The site benefits from excellent public road access via Renaissance Drive, located within a well-developed commercial office park. This road connects to major thoroughfares, providing a clear and straightforward route from regional highways like I-294. The existing infrastructure consists of wide, paved, commercial-grade roads capable of supporting heavy haul trucks required for delivering large equipment such as transformers, switchgear, and containerized BESS units.

Terrain & Equipment Access: The topography in Park Ridge, and Cook County generally, is exceptionally flat. This is a significant advantage, minimizing the need for extensive civil work and grading, thereby reducing site preparation costs. The flat terrain ensures that heavy equipment, including large cranes for setting transformers and BESS enclosures, can easily access and maneuver within the parcel boundaries.

Easement Concerns: While access to the parcel boundary is secure via public right-of-way, diligence is required to confirm internal site conditions. We must verify that no existing utility or access easements cross the proposed development footprint. Furthermore, a new utility easement will need to be negotiated with the property owner and Commonwealth Edison for the interconnection line from the Point of Interconnection (POI) to our project substation. The route for this gen-tie line is a critical unknown.

A notable data discrepancy exists regarding parcel size (35.02 acres vs. 2.97 acres). This must be clarified immediately, as our analysis assumes the 2.97-acre parcel is the target, which is appropriate for a ≤5MW project.

2. Environmental Constraints

FEMA Flood Zone: Requires Verification. The FEMA flood zone designation is currently unknown and represents a critical risk. A desktop review of FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) is an immediate priority