Separating Fact from Fiction to Help You Make an Informed Decision
If you’ve been considering leasing your land for a solar project, you’ve probably heard a lot of opinions – some positive, some skeptical. With so much information out there, it can be hard to separate facts from fiction. At New Energy Equity, we believe transparency and honesty are critical with a big decision like this, so we’re here to set the record straight. Below, we’ll debunk the top five myths about solar leasing and help you feel confident about exploring this option for your land.
Myth #1: Solar Leasing Means Losing Control of Your Land
The Truth: Leasing your land for solar doesn’t mean giving up control – it means creating a partnership.
When you lease your land for a solar project, you maintain full ownership of your property and the ability to pass it on to future generations. We work closely with landowners to create a partnership that works for you and your family. Solar leases typically last 20-30 years, providing stable, long-term income while preserving your land’s value and legacy. For active farms, we prioritize using less productive land and work closely with landowners to ensure that the solar project is placed in a way that avoids disruption to your operations. You’ll always have financial control over your property, and we’ll work with you to create a plan that aligns with your goals for the future.
Myth #2: Solar Panels Will Permanently Damage My Land
The Truth: Solar leases include decommissioning plans to restore your land to its original condition.
This means that when the project is complete, we’ll remove the panels and equipment and restore your land to its pre-project state. In fact, solar installations are designed to have a minimal environmental footprint, so your land will be ready for future use – whether that’s farming, grazing, or passing it on as open space to the next generation.
Myth #3: Solar Leasing Is Only for Large Landowners
The Truth: Solar projects can be tailored to fit properties of various sizes.
While it’s true that solar projects require a certain amount of space, you don’t need hundreds of acres to participate. Many of our projects are designed to fit smaller parcels of land, making solar leasing an option for a wide range of property sizes. These projects are distributed generation systems, which provide power closer to where customers live and work. This not only provides more power to benefit the community, but distributed generation also makes the grid by creating multiple, localized sources of energy. Many of New Energy Equity’s projects are community solar projects, allowing households to subscribe and receive credits on their electric utility bills, helping them save money while supporting clean energy. By leasing your land, you’re not just creating a stable income for yourself – you're also contributing to a stronger, more sustainable energy future for your neighbors. Whether you have 20 acres or 200, we’ll evaluate your property to see if it’s a good fit for solar development.
Myth #4: Solar Leasing Is a Financial Gamble
The Truth: Solar leasing provides stable, long-term income with no upfront costs.
Farming and ranching can be unpredictable, with income fluctuating due to weather, market conditions, and other factors. Solar leasing offers a reliable, diversified revenue stream that can help stabilize your finances. We cover all the development and installation costs, so there’s no financial risk to you. Once the lease is in place, you’ll receive consistent payments for the duration of the agreement – typically 20-30 years.
Myth #5: Solar Companies Can’t Be Trusted
The Truth: Partnering with a reputable company backed by a strong track record makes all the difference.
We understand that trust is earned, not given. That’s why we’re proud to share our history of success. New Energy Equity has developed over 750 megawatts of solar projects and invested $1.2 billion in clean energy. As a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE, a trusted energy company with over a century of experience, we bring financial stability and credibility to every project. You can see for yourself in the Projects section of our website.
The Bottom Line
Leasing your land for solar is a big decision, and it’s natural to have questions. By separating facts from fiction, we hope to give you the clarity and confidence you need to explore this opportunity. Solar leasing can provide stable income, preserve your land for future generations, and contribute to a cleaner, brighter future for your community.
If you’re ready to learn more, we’re here to help. Contact New Energy Equity today to discuss your land and see if solar leasing is the right fit for you.
Let’s build solar with lasting impact – together.