1. Selecting the Right Land
We work closely with landowners to plan the site location and our expert team evaluates your land using criteria such as proximity to power lines and substations.
Developing and building a solar farm takes strong partnerships and expertise to get from start to finish. We pride ourselves on building trusting relationships with the communities where we build and stakeholder that help us navigate the many checks and balances. At every step of the way, OYA works closely with landowners, maintaining open and honest communication.
We work closely with landowners to plan the site location and our expert team evaluates your land using criteria such as proximity to power lines and substations.
During the diligence period, project stakeholders are engaged and we work through engineering and design to secure utility interconnection agreements and site plan approvals, which includes all environmental agency sign-offs.
Active construction of the solar array takes approximately 6 or more months, including all utility/substation upgrades.
The solar farm would produce power for the next 25+ years, with only routine, annual maintenance visits by an operator. The landowner receives annual lease payments and has no obligations to maintain the solar farm.
It only takes a few minutes to get the process started. Simply tell us about your land and we evaluate it at no cost to you.
We visited Bruce Shaw at his farm in Jefferson County to talk about his experience with his solar farm. We’re so happy to hear that his solar farm has strengthened his finances and contributed to bolstering the local economy. We second Bruce’s suggestion for his community to go solar. It’s a secure and suitable option to make passive income while providing clean energy for your community.
Generally, for a 2-5 MW solar farm, the development takes 8-14 months. However, the development timeline largely depends on the utility company’s interconnection process and, local/municipal permitting and approval processes. Construction can take an additional 5-10 months depending on construction timing based on seasonal considerations.
OYA’s experienced team will be responsible for the entire permitting process as well as any and all associated costs.
Typically, the average term for our land leases are 25 years but this can vary depending on the region and the project. We also may offer extensions which may be two, four, or five years in addition to the original lease term. While discussing the lease agreement with you, we lay out the terms and what happens at the end of the lease.
Download this guide to leasing land to solar to get all your fundamental questions answered. We answer what is in a typical solar project lease, lease rates, what we look for in a land, and others.
Download the GuideWe evaluate your land at no cost to you and won’t waste your time.
We’ve collected together articles, case studies and other resources to help you make a decision on whether it’s right for you..
Know what questions to ask before leasing your land for a solar farm.
Read MoreDavid and Loni are third-generation farmers in Montevideo, Minnesota with a 46-acre plot of available land for solar. After 40 years of working the land, they were open to exploring other sources of income and changing the use of their land.
Read MoreSolar farms are a win-win as they enable landowners to make money off of unused land, serve residents with access to better utility rates, and help states tackle energy and environmental targets. Learn about how solar farms harness unused land for the benefit of many.
Read MoreLong hours, hard work, and the uncertainties of weather and yield are nothing new to farming, but the 21st century presents new and unique challenges—and the results are increasingly dependent on factors beyond farmers’ control.
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