If you’re curious about leasing your land for solar farm production, it’s common to have a lot of questions and concerns about how the process works. Solar power has the potential to completely transform the way we obtain and store electricity, and landowners with unused acreage are becoming increasingly interested in the renewable energy industry.
Before you move forward with a contract, it’s important to ask the right questions and get the necessary answers you need to make an informed decision. Below you’ll find some key areas to consider before you decide to lease your land for solar power.
The first thing to consider is the condition of your land. Unfortunately, not all landscapes are conducive to solar panel construction. Factors like how much land you have, the type of terrain, and the location can determine if a solar panel installation is right for you and your solar panel developer.
First, you want to have enough land for a solar project. Developers typically want to start with a 10-acre commitment, but some are willing to work with fewer acres. Engineers are also looking for flat land that’s dry and far from rivers, lakes, or other wetlands. While most solar farms are in rural areas, land in closer proximity to cities or towns can make a greater impact than those that are too remote. Lastly, the quality of the land can be a significant predictor. Trees, brush, and thick vegetation will need to be removed, which can increase the solar project cost.
Contact Sunlight Energy Advisors today to schedule an assessment of your land for leasing purposes.
From start to finish, there are several stages involved in leasing and developing a solar farm. When you partner up with an experienced solar development team, they’ll provide a lot of details on each step, but here’s a brief overview of the process:
While this can seem like a long, exhaustive process, it can move a lot quicker than you think, especially if your land is conducive to the construction of solar panels. Your developer will be there to help guide you through each phase of the project. You can always speak with a Sunlight Energy Advisor team member along the way to make sure that you approve of the project as it develops.
Understanding how a solar farm impacts the rest of your land is a fundamental concern of most landowners looking to invest. The good news is that a solar farm makes a very small impact on adjacent acres. While there may be a minor disruption during the production and construction of the panels, once the solar panels are installed and operational, the solar farm should not disrupt farming or other activity on your land. Of course, the solar system will need to be maintained and serviced, but these inspections are minimal and should not interfere with other agricultural endeavors.
Solar farming leases typically work on an annual per-acre contract. Because this is a long-term agreement, the offer should be fair to both the developer and the landowner. It’s always a good idea to ask the reasons why an offer lands at a particular price, regardless of whether it’s high or low. You want to gain a better understanding of the quality of the project and if the developer can support the reason for the specific price. Your developer should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the land and make room for negotiations before you agree on the terms of a lease. Things like the land’s location, quality, and condition will factor into the overall rate.
Right now, a solar farm has a lifespan of approximately 30 years, so it’s important to consider the generational impact of a solar farm on your property. Engineers, scientists, and developers are already working on recycling and renovation research for solar farms to ensure safe and sustainable removal or reuse when the time comes for deconstruction.
Sunlight Energy Advisors, LLC is one of the most trusted solar farm developers in Florida, Texas, and California. We work closely with landowners to ensure that all projects are developed with precision, contracts are transparent and fair, permits are obtained, regulations are followed, and everyone remains on the same page throughout production and operation.
If you’re ready to discuss the wide range of benefits of leasing your unused land for solar farming, contact a representative at Sunlight Energy Advisors today!
