You mentioned that you did your due diligence and that the people behind the project are legit.

I am patient, diligent, persistent, driven, a fast learner and adaptive.

You should have boiled them down to the following lack of proper due diligence.  1.  

Take ownership of your mistake and learn to do the proper due diligence recommended above😊

Please be aware that all national homebuilders, and I would assume solar developers as well, will want enough time in the contract to conduct substantial due diligence, rezone (if needed), and get all required land development permits in place before closing on the land. 

I have solid commercial leases, but I am interested in what landlords request of prospective commercial tenants to do the due diligence?

Quote from @Sanjay Bhagat: 1) Should I hire a third party accountant to interpret the deal sponsor track record for due diligence?

So many folks are out here touting making millions with $0 down and you proved that even with all the due diligence and good investing sense, you have to be prepared and take risks that are proportioned to what you can withstand.

Without all approvals and all lender required diligence they are often reluctant to finance land.

Do your due diligence upfront on the person (simple google search with their name and lawsuit or scam can weed out many - as well as a search on BP)2.