Solar is the fastest deployable renewable energy source in the world.
Landowners
What are the benefits of solar partnerships for farmers?
Heightened costs, volatile weather conditions and regulatory uncertainty mean farming incomes have become less predictable. Leasing land for solar farm development is a proven way for farmers to diversify income and realise a sustainable long-term solution for their land and families.
Benefits of solar
With its quick installation time and non-intrusive construction techniques there is minimal disruption.
Investing in solar energy offers predictability, allows farmers to earn income from unused farmland and tap into reliable revenues that surpass typical farming income. This is proven technology, secured by government-supported power purchase agreements, coupled with long-term leases of up to 40 years.
Solar farms are low impact, which means normal farming activities can continue during the lease. Maintenance is minimal, construction timelines are short, and siting is sensitive to the natural surroundings, which means these solar farms bed into the landscape easily, and quickly. And when the lease is up, our developer-provided decommissioning bond ensures the land is restored to its original condition.
The landowner engagement process
We have been involved in renewable energy project development for over 20 years.
Our process is simple: we find sites, foster relationships with landowners, and forge successful projects to completion.
1
Step 1
Site identification
The optimum sites are typically located close to existing electrical infrastructure (overhead lines and substations) with available capacity, and in areas most suitable from a planning, environmental, and ‘buildability’ perspective. We consider all these parameters and constraints before we engage with landowners.
2
Step 2
Initial engagement
We make contact with the landowner to see if they are interested in discussing the use of their land for solar development. If they are, we detail the suitability and potential of the land, and schedule follow-up meetings. There is no commitment at this stage.
3
Step 3
Site assessment
We request permission to survey the lands and validate our initial desktop assessment. This helps us to gauge the land’s suitability and it guides the preliminary design.
4
Step 4
Option to lease
Once the landowner confirms their interest we will work with the landowner and their solicitor to agree Heads of Terms (HOTs) and an option to lease the lands. The option to lease is typically for a period of five years. This timeframe allows the developer to secure the required planning permissions and grid connection rights to construct the project. An initial payment is made once the lease option is signed.
5
Step 5
Lease begins
Once the developer has secured all required planning and grid connection permits and the project is ready to build the long-term lease will be signed. The first rental payment will be made just before construction work starts, with quarterly rental payments made after that for the duration of the lease (up to 40 years).
The project lifecycle
Each project is unique but our efficient process is tried and trusted. From singing the land option agreement through to the solar farm being fully operation takes between four to six years.
1
Step 1
Planning, design
and permits (12–18 months)
Once the lease is signed, our project manager appoints consultants to assess flora, fauna, archaeology, visuals, and ground conditions. We consider input from landowners, the local community, and stakeholders before seeking planning permission. After approval, we apply for a grid connection with Eirgrid/ESB Networks, securing a long-term Power Purchase Agreement through RESS or a Corporate PPA.
2
Step 2
Pre-construction phase (∼6 months)
We coordinate with the local authority to finalize planning conditions and conduct surveys for project design. We then procure experienced contractors to build the solar farm and grid connection. Throughout construction, we keep the landowner and local community informed.
3
Step 3
Construction phase (12 months)
We appoint a construction manager to oversee activities, serving as the landowner's main contact. They will provide updates and ensure minimal disruption to agriculture and the local community.
4
Step 4
Operations and Maintenance (35–40 years)
We establish Operations and Maintenance and Asset Management contracts to monitor plant performance, manage safe maintenance, maintain the land, and regularly communicate with the landowner.
5
Step 5
Decommissioning
We set up a decommissioning fund before construction to ensure the solar farm is fully removed and the site restored to its original condition at the end of its life.
