COLUMBUS, Ohio — Many landowners across the state have been contacted by solar energy developers interested in leasing farmland for utility-scale solar energy production. The combination of improved technology, reduced production costs, the phase-out of federal tax credits, and the willingness of landowners to enter into long-term leases have made 2019 a sunny year for entering into solar leases.
The sudden surge of solar leasing has led to new questions about what this type of lease means for a landowner, a community, and the future. As these leases may last for 30 years or more, it is important to understand what a utility-scale solar energy development looks like, along with the terms in a solar lease and the implications of signing.
Join OSU Extension Field Specialists Peggy Kirk Hall and Eric Romich on Monday, July 15 for a conversation on solar leasing. Together, the presenters will address solar development trends, converting farmland to solar production, and key considerations to weigh before signing a solar lease. Those interested may choose between one of two sessions:
- Morning session: Madison County from 9 a.m. to noon at the Red Brick Tavern (1700 Cumberland Road/Route 40, London, Ohio). Breakfast will be provided!
- Afternoon session: Greene County from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Greene County Extension office (100 Fairground Road, Xenia, Ohio).
Each meeting will cover the same information. Registration is required, but there is no cost to attend. To register for the morning session in Madison County, email Griffith.483@osu.edu or call 740-852-0975. To register for the afternoon session in Greene County, email Corboy.3@osu.edu or call 937-372-9971.
Click HERE to view the official flier. In the meantime, if you want to learn more about some of the documents and major considerations that will be discussed at the meeting, click HERE. If you want to learn more about some common solar lease terms, click HERE.
— Evin Bachelor, Law Fellow, Agricultural and Resource Law Program
Ohio State University CFAES
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