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The unusual length of the wind energy land contract can be troubling for a landowner, especially if the property is a family farm or ranch that the landowner wants to transfer to successors or heirs. The landowner may be reluctant to sign an agreement that may encumber the property for a long time after the landowner has considered transferring control of the property. In addition, the duration of the agreement may raise concerns about the landowner`s ability to sell the property at a later date or raise questions about the long-term viability of the developer. The landowner wants to be assured that the developer or his successors have the financial means to operate the project for the duration of the contract and restore the property upon termination. Dealing with a reputable developer with a long experience of successful projects is a way for an owner to get more comfort than their developer has the experience, skills and means to develop a successful project that benefits both. While income from an operational wind project often significantly increases the market value of the owner`s underlying property, it must be determined on a case-by-case basis whether and to what extent a project affects the value of the property. Landowners should also carefully weigh the impact of a wind farm on their agriculture or other activities. Wind turbines, for example, can interfere with GPS technology. Although this is becoming less and less worrisome as technology advances. Turbines can also prevent air spraying.

Some agreements allow farmers to schedule spraying hours when turbines are stopped. Landowners must also ensure that they understand the full scope of the rights and obligations created by the treaty. How many turbines can be built? Who controls the exact location of the turbine? What are the construction and use restrictions concluded with the contract? These are just a few of the many questions that landowners should be looking for answers to. The lease prohibits you from doing anything that hinders the flow of wind on the surface of your property. Land reclamation is one of the most difficult parts of negotiating a wind energy lease, Retherford says. Although the towers have a significant metal recovery value, they require special cranes to dismantle them. And massive foundations are expensive to remove. A lease, on the other hand, is a transfer of a land interest for a period of a few years in exchange for a rent payment.

Without a specific language in the lease, a lease usually gives the tenant an exclusive right of ownership. .