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Landowners

Our Most Important Stakeholders

Become A Solar Farmer

Join over 100 solar farms around the U.S. developed by ESA Solar, a dependable company with relevant experience specializing in the development, permitting, engineering, financing, and construction of solar farms.

Solar farms create a long-term fixed income for landowners

We build the solar farms with our own capital at no cost to you, insure the property,
maintain the solar farm, and pay any increase in the property taxes. Our lease rates are 
calculated per acre per year and can include an annual escalator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a solar farm?
A solar farm uses a large number of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to turn sunlight into electricity. Electricity flows through inverters and transformers before connecting to the local power lines. Solar farms range in size from 10 acres to 3,000+ acres.
I thought solar panels were inefficient and expensive.  How do I know this is financially viable for the long term?
The cost of electricity from solar farms has dropped 90% in the past decade, making it the most cost-effective source of electricity. The reliability of these projects allows us to sign long-term PPA agreements that guarantee the project's lifespan.
Will property taxes increase with the solar project being built on my land? Who is going to pay for those taxes?
Yes, property taxes will increase on the land due to the value of the equipment that will be installed. Through the lease agreement, we are responsible for paying the increase in property taxes over the entire period that we are leasing your land.
How long until you will be ready to start construction?
That is no problem! On average, projects of this scale take about two to three years of development work prior to the start of construction. The first 18-24 months will largely consist of engineering, technical studies, state regulatory approvals, and local permitting approvals.
What if we are in the middle of a growing season and you need to start construction?
We typically avoid this scenario because we understand the hard work and financial investment that farmers have in time, materials, seeds, fertilizer, etc. However, if we need to start construction before you can harvest, in the lease agreement, we include a "Crop Loss" provision. This provision states that we will be responsible for compensating you or your tenant farmer at the fair market value of the existing crop. We frequently work with local agricultural extension offices and appraisers to ensure that the evaluation is independent and fair.
Are you going to cover my land in concrete? How are these projects built?
No. Modern solar farms are constructed by driving steel posts into the ground. Afterward, steel beams are connected to the posts and then the panels are structurally attached to the beams. With this technique over 95% of the land remains permeable. Most of the access roads on site will be unpaved, and concrete pads are usually installed only under transformers and small electrical equipment.
Can the land return back to farmland at the end of the lease?
Absolutely. In addition, by incorporating holistic land management practices such as planting native grasses, utilizing grazing livestock for vegetative management, and minimizing the amount of machinery on-site for maintenance, the soil can rest and even be regenerated over the life of the project.
Who removes the solar project at the end of the lease?
We will be responsible for this. Under the lease agreement, there is a "Restoration Period" which obligates the tenant to remove all of the equipment. Over 90% of the weight of a project is in steel, aluminum, copper and glass which all have salvage values.
Will you have an insurance policy on the solar project? Can I be listed as an additionally insured party?
Yes, and yes. We will obtain and keep in effect at all times during the term of the agreement comprehensive general liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000. In the lease agreement, the landowner has the option to be added as an additionally insured party.
Do solar farms create noise pollution?
A. No. While the solar panels themselves create no noise, there is some noise from the support racks that track the sun each day.
B. During the day, every now and then racks will move a few inches at a time, which takes a few seconds for each adjustment.
C. Electrical inverters and transformers, which are strategically located in the middle of the site, do create a slight hum similar to that of an air conditioner during the day.
D. We make sure this hum and the noise from the racks cannot be heard from nearby residents and businesses.
Will there be hazardous materials?
No. There will be no hazardous materials used in the construction or operation of the project, beyond the fuel required for construction equipment.
What is the height of the solar panels once installed?
Because the solar panels track the sun throughout the day, they range in height between 7-13' at the highest point.
I live on-site.  How will this impact my property value?
There is substantial research indicating that there is no negative impact on adjacent property values. The reason is largely because solar farms do not create any negative traffic, sound, odor, or pollution impacts. In addition, we have the ability to engage landscape architects to strategically design and install vegetative buffers that help conceal the solar farm.

Your Solar Journey Starts Here

Submit the form below to connect with our solar development team. They'll provide all the details and answer all the questions you have about becoming a solar farmer. Start your solar journey here. 
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Ready to Get Started?

Your future deserves to be powered by clean energy. Connect with our team and we will guide you through the clearest and most effective path to solar.

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