FAQ

CAN YOU PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT THE DUE DILIGENCE FEE IS FOR?

The due diligence fee is a payment that is different from the eventual lease payment. The due diligence fee allows us an investigatory time period where we are looking into all the environmental, technical, and permitting details of the project. The due diligence time period will end the day we execute the lease and start construction. We have the option to discontinue the project during the due diligence period if we find it is not a viable land for a solar project.

HOW LONG DOES IT USUALLY TAKE FOR US TO START THE PROJECT (AVERAGE TIME FRAME)?

Many factors affect the timing of construction. We have to present the project to various authorities for permission to commence building the solar project. There are also many surveys and tests that must be done to ensure project viability. This process can take up to 2 years.

WHAT IS THE LEASE PAYMENT STRUCTURE?

The lease payment starts at the commencement date (the day the lease contract is executed). This ends the option due diligence period and starts the lease payments. The lease payment is paid once a year on the anniversary of the commencement date.

ARE THERE ANY UPFRONT COSTS OR FEES?

There are no costs or fees incurred by the landowner. We will pay for any costs directly associated with the construction and operation of the project.

WILL MY TAXES BE AFFECTED WITH A SOLAR PROJECT ON MY PROPERTY?

We will pay for any increase in taxes attributable to the project. You will continue to pay the same taxes as you do now.

HOW MUCH LAND IS NEEDED FOR A SOLAR INSTALLATION?

It depends on the available hosting capacity (the amount of electricity that the current grid infrastructure can handle) on the lines. Typically, we try to lease five (5) acres per megawatt. Our minimum for successful projects is currently around 15 acres for a 3-megawatt project.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON EXISTING LAND USE (e.g., FARMING)?

During the due diligence period, the landowner can continue to farm or utilize the land in any way they deem fit. We will only require access for non-intrusive surveying and testing. Once the lease ends, we will decommission the project and return the land as close as possible to its original condition. During the lease term, the project area will be fenced in for safety and inaccessible to the landowner.

CAN THE LAND STILL BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES DURING THE LEASE?

No, the land may only be used during the option/due diligence period.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING AND REPAIRING THE SOLAR INSTALLATION?

We will take care of all maintenance and repair of the system, as well as mowing and other landscape maintenance.

WILL MY CROPS BE IMPACTED BY THE SOLAR CONSTRUCTION?

We always try to avoid any disturbance of crops by providing advance notice of our estimated construction date and keeping landowners informed every step of the way.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS DAMAGE FROM NATURAL DISASTERS OR OTHER EVENTS?

We will replace or fix the damage and restore the site to a fully functional solar system. If it is beyond repair and not economically feasible, we would decommission the site, terminate the lease, and restore the land to its original condition.

ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF THE LAND DURING THE LEASE?

Yes. The leased area is fully restricted. No one is allowed inside the fenced-in area other than our contractors.

CAN THE LEASE BE TRANSFERRED OR TERMINATED EARLY?

We have the ability to terminate the lease after the initial lease period. We do not have to execute the extensions. The landowner does not have the right to terminate the contract early. Both parties have the ability to transfer the lease, so long as all parties continue to honor the terms of the lease.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR DECOMMISSIONING THE SOLAR INSTALLATION WHEN THE LEASE ENDS?

We will submit a decommissioning plan to the municipality during the permitting process. This plan includes the removal of all solar operation equipment and the restoration of the land to its previous condition.

HOW DOES SOLAR ENERGY BENEFIT THE ENVIRONMENT?

From the Department of Energy: As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, which is critical to protecting humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Solar energy can also improve air quality and reduce water use from energy production as compared to fossil fuels and other non-renewable methods.

HOW WILL THE SOLAR INSTALLATION IMPACT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

These systems are feeding renewable energy directly into the local grid. Community residents have the ability to “subscribe” to a portion of the project. Subscribers receive bill credits directly tied to their subscribed portion of the system and receive a 10%+ credit on their electricity bills.

WHAT IS THE COMPANY'S COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE LAND USE?

We do our best to impact the land as little as possible. We use minimally invasive and non-detrimental practices to be sure that the land will continue to thrive after the project has come and gone.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR INSTALLING THE SOLAR PANELS?

Dependent on many factors, including wait times, availability of labor and materials, weather and site conditions, as well as the size of the system. Typically for a 3-5 MW project, panels can be installed within a few months of commencing construction.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC LAND REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS FOR INSTALLATION?

The ideal land for the size of the solar systems we design will be relatively flat (less than 15% slope). Other ideal conditions include adequate drainage, penetrative soils that can hold and maintain racking systems (surface-level bedrock is not ideal), and low levels of shading from surrounding trees/existing structures.

WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THE CUTTING OF THE GRASS AND WEEDS INSIDE THE SOLAR FARM?

We are responsible for everything inside our fenced area, as well as any screening (e.g., evergreen trees) that may be required.