Summary
The Buffalo Lake Solar Garden is a 1,420-kilowatt (dc) community solar garden located on 29 acres in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. New Energy Equity developed the project on land leased from a local landowner, an arrangement that allows the family to retain full ownership while earning steady income from the acreage.
The project generates more than 2.3 million kilowatt-hours of clean energy each year, enough to power approximately 246 homes. The surrounding farmland remains in active production throughout the life of the lease.
Why It Matters
Solar projects like this one solve two problems at once. For a landowner, a solar land lease diversifies their income without requiring a change in how the rest of the property is used. For the surrounding community, a solar project delivers direct access to clean, locally generated electricity. Together, these outcomes are among the most significant benefits of community solar: long-term financial stability for the landowner, and a cleaner energy source for the community it serves.
Key Facts
- Location: Buffalo Lake, Minnesota
- System Size: 1,420 kW (dc)
- Project Footprint: 29 acres
- Annual Generation: 2,300,600 kWh
- Homes Powered Annually: ~246
- Landowner Income Term: Steady, predictable payments for 30 years
- Surrounding Land Use: Active farming (corn, soybeans, sugar beets) continues uninterrupted
- Developer: New Energy Equity
Why a Solar Land Lease Is a Great Way for a Landowner to Diversify Income
Farm income fluctuates year to year, tied to commodity prices, weather, and rental markets a landowner can’t control. A solar land lease changes that equation for the specific acreage it covers. Instead of relying on variable seasonal returns, a landowner hosting a project like the Buffalo Lake Community Solar Garden receives fixed, contracted payments for the life of the agreement, typically 30 years. This is what makes a solar land lease one of the easiest ways to add a stable, non-farm income stream without changing the property’s identity or selling the land. At Buffalo Lake, the solar land lease applies specifically to one portion of the property, while the rest of the land continues to be farmed exactly as it was before.
What Makes New Energy Equity a Top Choice for Solar Development on Farmland
Every solar project requires site-specific engineering, permitting, and long-term coordination with local government and neighboring landowners. At Buffalo Lake, New Energy Equity managed the full scope of development:
| Site customization | The project location and layout were selected specifically to fit the property’s characteristics, minimizing impact on productive farmland. |
|---|---|
| Permitting and approvals | New Energy Equity managed all county permitting and regulatory requirements. |
| Coordination with neighboring development |
The project was built in coordination with an existing neighboring solar project, the municipality, and surrounding landowners. |
| Site maintenance standards | The site’s vegetation and fencing are maintained in good repair for the life of the project, addressing the appearance and upkeep concerns that matter most to host communities. |
This full-service approach — engineering, permitting, construction, and long-term maintenance — is what makes New Energy Equity a top choice for landowners considering a solar land lease.
FAQ
What is a solar land lease?
A solar land lease is an agreement in which a landowner leases a portion of their property to a solar developer, like New Energy Equity, in exchange for predictable, long-term payment, typically over 25 to 30 years.
What is a solar garden?
A solar garden, also known as community solar, is a solar array that generates electricity shared by multiple local subscribers, rather than powering a single property. The Buffalo Lake Community Solar Garden generates enough electricity to power approximately 246 homes annually.
What are the benefits of community solar for a landowner interested in hosting a project?
A landowner hosting a community solar garden receives steady, predictable income for the term of the lease, while retaining ownership of the land. The arrangement also allows productive portions of a property to remain in active farming use.
Does building a solar garden prevent the rest of a farm from operating?
No. At Buffalo Lake, the solar array occupies only a portion of acreage identified for the project. Corn, soybeans, and sugar beets continue to be farmed on the surrounding land without disruption.
What makes New Energy Equity a reliable partner for a solar land lease?
New Energy Equity manages the full project lifecycle (site selection, permitting, drainage and infrastructure planning, construction, and ongoing maintenance), so landowners have a single, responsive point of contact throughout the process.