How to Lease Your Land for Solar or Wind Projects: A Landowner’s Guide
Have land? Thinking about making money without selling it? You might be able to lease it for solar or wind power.
Hi, I’m a land agent who’s helped landowners for almost 10 years. I know it can get confusing. Should you lease? Sell? Subdivide? And who can you trust?
Let’s make this simple. Here’s a quick guide that could help you figure things out:
1. Watch Out for Fake Developers
Some companies say they’re “renewable developers” but really, they just want to tie up your land for 3–5 years… then hope someone else will buy the deal. Don’t fall for it.
2. Understand the “Option” Game
Real renewable projects often ask for options — 3, 5, or even 10 years. That means they want to maybe lease your land later. If they don’t build, you might need to renegotiate. Be careful here.
3. Private vs. Utility Projects
Private renewable projects (like solar and wind) can offer more money than utilities that can use eminent domain. If you’re not dealing with a utility, you’re in a better position to negotiate.
4. Maximize Your Property
Compare what you make from farming with what you could make leasing your land. Leasing can bring in more money, especially for less productive acres.
5. Usable Acres Matter
If they say they’ll lease all 50 acres, that doesn’t mean they’ll pay for all 50. They pay for “usable” acres — like flat, sunny spots. Watch the fine print.
6. Negotiate Lease Terms
You can negotiate terms — and you should! I often help landowners get better deals, especially around:
Option payments
Lease rates
Annual increases
And removal plans
7. Don’t Accept “Market Rate”
If a company comes to you, they need you. That means you don’t have to settle for “market value.” Ask: how soon do they need to connect to the grid? How urgent is their project?
8. Think Long-Term
Most leases are 30–50 years. What happens if the company goes out of business? You need a decommission bond this is money set aside to remove all equipment and clean up your land. It protects you so you’re not stuck with old panels, wires, or cement pads. Make sure this is written into your contract!
Final Tip:
There are a lot of shady groups out there just betting on land. Talk to someone real like me. I can help guide you to the right people who actually build these projects.
Ready to put your land to work?
Infrastructure is on the rise solar, wind, battery storage, transmission, and more. Land is in demand, and the best time to optimize your property is now.
Contact me to discuss your land and your goals. I’ve spent nearly a decade helping landowners like you navigate leases and sales for real energy and utility projects. I’ll connect you to real developers, not middlemen.
Submit your property today and find out what it could be worth for renewable or utility development. Let’s get your land working for you.