In this paper, a practical application of a valuation method that decouples the time value of money from the risk associated with the project is used to value an investment on a solar project. The proposed method is termed decoupled net present value (DNPV). A simple investment renewable energy project is presented using both the traditional NPV techniques and the proposed DNPV. The proposed methodology provides a consistent valuation method free from the problems typically associated with the application of traditional NPV and, more importantly, it allows a seamless integration of project risk assessment performed by technical experts and risk management implemented by business executives into the financial evaluation of the project. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.