LAND OWNERS

Interested in Leasing Your Land For Solar?

A long-term solar lease can be an attractive option for farmers, ranchers and other landowners seeking to make productive use of their land. A solar lease can provide a stable long-term revenue stream that diversifies income while providing the satisfaction of contributing to energy independence with clean, sustainable solar energy.

A long-term solar lease can be an attractive option for farmers, ranchers and other landowners seeking to make productive use of their land. A solar lease can provide a stable long-term revenue stream that diversifies income while providing the satisfaction of contributing to energy independence with clean, sustainable solar energy.

How do I know if my land will work for solar?

We seek land that is reasonably flat, clear of major wetlands or water features, and relatively close to transmission lines. Sites that lack dense tree canopy or sensitive habitat are also preferred areas for a solar farm. We generally seek sites of 200 acres or more, but we may consider smaller sites depending on local market conditions.

What are the main components of a solar farm?

Solar photovoltaic farms work like many other electric generating systems, but with different equipment. A solar photovoltaic facility consists of modules, or panels, with racking and tracking systems, inverters, and a collection of hardware including wiring, disconnect devices and other equipment. The project may also include a collection substation with overhead or underground collection lines that connect the electricity to the local utility’s electrical grid.

What should I expect during project planning?

Once we have confirmed that your land is feasible to site a solar energy facility, we will work closely with you to understand our lease process and to provide a financeable lease agreement tailored to your site specifics. We may send specialists to conduct studies and surveys of the property and will be sure to coordinate with you prior to entering your property.

We will also manage all details relating to permitting, planning and design work. During this phase, we are collaborating with local agencies and utilities to secure permits, execute interconnection agreements, and secure long-term power purchase contracts. Farming, grazing, and similar activities may continue during this period since these activities are all very compatible with the development phase of a project.

Finally, once the site approaches the construction stage, we engage closely with the landowner to ensure the timing of ground disturbance fits with any completion of agricultural pursuits, or farming.

 

What happens once the project is operational?

A long-term solar lease can be an attractive option for farmers, ranchers and other landowners seeking to make productive use of their land. A solar lease can provide a stable long-term revenue stream that diversifies income while providing the satisfaction of contributing to energy independence with clean, sustainable solar energy. A solar lease may last 25 years or more, but it is a temporary use that will leave the land undamaged over the long-term.

At the end of the project’s operational cycle, the solar panels and equipment are removed and the site can resume its previous uses including agriculture purposes, grazing or other permitted uses. The tenant is responsible for full decommissioning of the project components, and for providing any required restoration.