A solar project is a system that generates electricity from sunlight. This system includes a photovoltaic (PV) array or solar array consisting of multiple PV modules. These modules are referred to as solar panels and convert sunlight into usable direct current (DC) electricity. A solar project for residential, commercial, or industrial energy supply normally contains an array of PV modules, one or more DC to alternating current (AC) power converters (also known as an inverter), a racking system that supports the solar modules, electrical wiring and interconnections, and mounting for other components. New Energy Equity primarily builds solar projects that plug into the local utility grid, which means the surrounding community benefits from the electricity that is being generated.

By leasing their land for a solar project, landowners can turn their land into long-term income without giving up ownership or peace of mind. New Energy Equity handles every step of the solar process so landowners can earn more while maintaining control and passing something valuable on to the next generation.

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New Energy Equity typically looks for 30 acres to develop a solar project, which includes room for the panels, an access road, and equipment. Smaller projects are possible. We prefer to use less-productive farmland when available.

Our standard lease term is 25 years, giving you a dependable, long-term income stream you can count on. Lease payments are made annually with built-in increases each year, so your income grows over time. It's a stable way to make the most of your land – without giving up ownership or control.

Solar projects are built by an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. The EPC contractor designs the installation, procures the necessary materials, and builds the project on behalf of New Energy Equity. The EPC is tightly controlled at all critical steps of the project to ensure quality and schedule are achieved according to project specifications. In most cases, local EPC contractors are hired to do the work.

We target solar projects that we believe can be developed and built within three years so that landowners see benefits as quickly as possible. NEE brings the expertise and finely tuned processes to ensure project success. From securing permits to addressing local concerns, we handle every detail, minimizing stress for landowners. We bring deep expertise, finely tuned processes, and clear communication with landowners and communities to each project to ensure its success. See an example in action.

To see an example of our completed solar projects, visit: www.newenergyequity.com/projects

They sure can – more landowners are proving it. Solar and agriculture don't have to compete for space. In fact, when thoughtfully designed, they can support each other. This approach is called agrivoltaics, and it is all about using land for both clean energy and farming.

That might mean grazing livestock between rows of panels, planting pollinator-friendly wildflowers, or simply leasing a portion of your land for solar while continuing to farm the rest. Solar can even give your soil a break – helping it recover and rebuild nutrients over time.

It's not about replacing your farm – it is about giving your land a new way to provide.

Construction time varies, depending on the project size and local conditions, but a solar project usually takes 6-8 months. You'll see more activity on your land during this time – from site prep and equipment delivery to panel installation and final testing – but your role is minimal.

We will handle the heavy lifting, keep you informed, and make sure your land is restored once the work is done. Most construction happens during regular business hours, and any access restrictions will be clearly communicated in advance.

It's minimal. The system uses steel beams driven into the ground so everything can be removed at the end of the lease. We also plant low-growing, pollinator-friendly vegetation that improves soil health and supports birds, bees, and other wildlife. You can continue using the surrounding land for farming or other purposes during the lease, based on the layout of the system. When the lease ends, we'll remove everything and restore the land, at our expense.

From the road, the solar projects typically look like a field with rows of tilted panels. For projects that may affect neighborhood views, we may use physical barriers like vegetation or fencing to block the panels from view, also known as project screening.

You will not be left on your own. Once the system is up and running, a dedicated Operations & Maintenance (O&M) team takes over. That means 24/7 monitoring, regular site inspections, and proactive maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. The team does not just fix things when they break – they work to prevent issues before they happen. From quality control audits to grounds upkeep, O&M teams ensure the system stays safe and efficient.

Yes! Lease payments are guaranteed and do not depend on weather conditions or how much power the system produces.

When the lease is up, everything is taken care of. New Energy Equity guarantees that the entire solar system will be removed, and your land will be restored to its original condition. That promise is backed by a bond to ensure the money is available.

This process, called decommissioning, is carefully planned from the start. Materials are removed, recycled, or responsibly disposed of, and the land is left ready for whatever you want to do next – whether that's farming, another solar project, or something entirely different.

Many New Energy Equity solar projects are community solar projects. Local households enroll in a community solar program and are assigned a share of a community solar project, which generates electricity and sends it to the local power grid. The enrolled households, called subscribers, receive bill credits at a discount on their monthly electric bills for the value of the power generated by their share of the system. For households, it's like sharing the benefits of a solar system without needing panels on your roof. For landowners, it's a way to add more electricity for local households to use and help them save money on their electricity bills.

Solar farms make the benefits of renewable energy accessible for all. Beyond providing steady, passive income for landowners, solar farms also help reduce electricity bills for enrolled community members through bill credits.

While every region is different, studies have shown that solar projects tend to have a positive effect on property values.

Once constructed, solar farms are minimally disruptive to the surrounding area. Because the solar panels reflect light, there may be some glare at different times of day. A slight warming effect right next to the solar farm is also possible, but this is usually minor and dissipates quickly.

While the installation of a solar project has the potential to disrupt wildlife and cause species displacement, this can be avoided with careful site selection and land use planning.

Yes, many of the components of solar panels can be recycled. Each solar panel contains glass, an aluminum frame, copper wire, and plastic junction box that can be recycled. Other materials like silver and internal copper may be more difficult to recycle, but the panels contain very small amounts of these materials.