Saying “Yes” to Right of Way (After Saying “No” to Solar)

You’ve already said “no” to the solar park that’s being planned in your area. That’s OK, leasing land for renewable energy isn’t for everyone! Don’t be surprised, however, if you receive another call or text from a land agent—this time inquiring about a right of way agreement.

Here’s why landowners might consider allowing right of way, even after deciding against direct participation in a solar project.

Right of Way Easement vs. Solar Park Land Lease

Allowing a right of way easement is different from leasing land for the construction of a utility-scale solar project. With a right of way agreement, the landowner simply allows a strip of land to be used for  transmission lines, access roads, or other related purposes. For renewable energy projects, such an easement could play an essential role in connecting infrastructure and getting energy onto the grid.

For example, let’s assume that neighboring landowners to your north, east, and south have decided to lease their ground for solar. Let’s also assume that the nearest substation borders the west side of your property. Building a new substation is incredibly expensive, which means project developers will be eyeing your property as a vital piece in the puzzle.

Reasons to Say Yes to Right of Way for Solar

Agreeing to a right of way easement could represent multiple opportunities:

Additional income: Right of way agreements vary depending on the project but payment amounts are usually based on the easement’s size by the linear foot. Payments for crop damages are also common.

Continued use for farming (or other activities): Since an easement likely represents a small fraction of a parcel’s farmable land, you should be able to continue farming with minimal interruption.

Supporting your community: Tech firms, manufacturers, distribution centers, and other large companies need energy capacity to run their operations. Communities that invest in reliable sources of alternative energy put themselves in a position to attract employers, who bring jobs and spur economic activity.

Bolstering the nation’s energy supply: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, demand for electricity is expected to double by 2050. Our country needs to dramatically increase its energy supply, and allowing an easement on your land supports that cause.

Questions About Solar Right of Way?

Our team at New Era Land Services helps coordinate land deals between renewable companies and landowners like you. Whether you’ve already been approached about right of way or just have questions, we’re here to help.

Contact us to start a conversation and explore potential opportunities in your area.

Acquiring Right of Way for a Wind Project

Wind projects pose unique land-related challenges for renewable energy developers. Although a single windmill occupies a relatively small footprint (typically less than an acre), wind projects can involve numerous locations spread across a large area of interest. Connecting dozens of windmills together is a key step for efficiently getting energy onto the grid. That’s why obtaining right of way is especially important for wind projects.

Land Challenges & Wind Projects

For the sake of discussion, let’s imagine that you’re developing a wind project in a 100-acre area of interest (AOI). The western and eastern sides of the AOI are deemed best suited for generating wind energy, and both are in close proximity to existing substations. However, an undeveloped area in the floodplain (with less than ideal wind speeds) runs through the midpoint of the AOI. To complicate matters, the eastern quadrant is owned by numerous landowners—some of whom are not interested in the project.

Considering such a situation brings to light several land-related challenges that might surface during a wind project:

Determining the ideal flow of energy: All things being equal, it may be best to think of the project as two separate windmill clusters (east and west) that send energy to different points of interconnection. Taking the path of least resistance could reduce unnecessary right of way agreements and infrastructure costs while making it easier to get energy onto the grid.

Connecting adjacent windmills together for efficient energy distribution: Running an underground line from each windmill to the nearest substation may not be the wisest strategy. Rather, a more common approach involves connecting windmills together via underground (or above ground) connection lines.

Planning for access roads: Windmills require ongoing maintenance and upkeep, and technicians need convenient access to each site. Oftentimes, access roads mirror the path taken by underground or above ground connection lines.

Dealing with natural and/or man-made obstructions: Wetlands, for example, present additional issues for wind energy projects. Carefully analyzing an area of interest with GIS software is a key step for making informed decisions.

Obtaining easements from multiple landowners: Not every landowner is interested in participating in a wind project. And, since a windmill has a smaller footprint than a solar park, not every landowner within an AOI may be approached. However, as discussed above, connecting windmills together is key, which likely involves obtaining right of way from neighboring landowners.

Partner with a Specialized Land Company for Wind Projects

Given the “on the ground” complexity of wind energy projects, some developers decide to work with a specialized provider like New Era Land Services. In addition to supporting your lease acquisition needs, we can also help you obtain right of way easements for transmission lines, access roads, and other infrastructure requirements.

Explore our services for renewable energy or contact us to schedule a conversation.

Acquiring Right of Way for a Solar Project

Ideally, a solar project would involve one landowner and one large land parcel that neighbors an existing substation. Things are rarely so easy. After all, an area of interest (AOI) could span thousands of acres that are owned by dozens of entities. Not every landowner within the AOI will be interested in leasing their ground. Lakes, streams, rock formations, and man-made structures pose challenges, too.

As a result, many solar projects involve multiple landowners and multiple parcels, which might not be contiguous. Connecting a variety of locations becomes the priority, which likely involves acquiring right of way from neighboring landowners—some of whom may not be enthusiastic about the project.

Connecting the Project Together by Acquiring Right of Way

Obtaining land lease agreements for a solar project is much like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle. Each piece of the puzzle falls into place, and, before you know it, you’re able to see the bigger picture. If you’ve ever put together a puzzle, however, you know how frustrating a missing piece can be (especially when you’re almost done). For a solar project, this “missing piece” is usually a landowner who simply isn’t interested. Try as hard as you like, but some pieces just never fall into place.

What should a project developer do in this situation? Shifting the area of interest could be one option, but that involves additional time and cost to engage more landowners. Another option focuses on acquiring a right of way across the “missing piece” in the puzzle. With this approach, the landowner allows an easement on a relatively narrow strip of his or her land. Depending on the project, this easement would connect neighboring parcels by housing critical infrastructure, such as:

●     Above ground transmission lines

●     Underground power lines

By participating in a right of way agreement, the landowner plays a key role in ensuring the project’s viability. Once constructed, such easements enable the efficient collection and distribution of solar energy.

Landowners Benefit from Right of Way Agreements, Too

Signing a right of way agreement benefits the landowner, too.

Solar developers typically pay for easements by the linear foot, which could translate into a large sum of money based on the amount of land required. In addition, payments for crop disturbances are also common. And, perhaps best of all, the landowner can continue using the land as desired.

Right of Way Support for Solar Energy Projects

Contact us to discuss your solar project and learn more about New Era Land Services’ right of way services.

GIS for Solar Projects: In-House vs. Outsource

Utility-scale solar projects involve hundreds of acres and millions of dollars in capital investment. Finding the right location for a project is essential, but physically inspecting every square foot within an area of interest (AOI) isn’t feasible. That’s why solar project developers use GIS (geographic information systems) to efficiently understand topography, landowner density, existing infrastructure, and other important details.

Some renewable companies possess adequate in-house GIS expertise, while others seek to partner with a service provider like our team at New Era Land Services. Which approach is best for your organization? Let’s take a closer look.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Keeping GIS in-house offers the greatest level of control for a solar project developer and could, in the long run, yield a strategic advantage in the market. That said, building an in-house GIS department from the ground up represents a real opportunity cost that must be carefully evaluated. After considering the upfront and ongoing costs to build a GIS function, many energy companies choose to buy instead of build.

Outsourcing GIS work to a company like New Era Land Services can provide multiple benefits:

Immediate Access to GIS Processes & Systems: Creating an efficient and useful GIS workflow is more than acquiring the right software and hiring the right analysts. Establishing a scalable process that prioritizes data reliability and actionable insights is key. Process building requires considerable trial and error, which takes time and diverts attention from other priorities. By contrast, renewable energy companies that hire New Era Land Services enjoy immediate access to our GIS workflow and data templates for wetlands, substations, transmission lines, wind turbines, and other features in the Midwest.

Advanced Visualization Capabilities: GIS mapping is a data-driven endeavor. Making sense of the data requires modern visualization tools and skilled technicians. At New Era Land Services, we utilize multiple technologies to bring clients’ data to life. The following example illustrates our ability to provide client-facing dashboards that go beyond basic maps.

Potential Cost Savings: There’s a tangible cost of outsourcing GIS work to a third-party provider. But, in many cases, this expense could deliver a cost savings compared to hiring GIS analysts, acquiring software licenses, and providing ongoing technical support. At New Era Land Services, we’re committed to being stewards of clients’ resources and continually strive to deliver value that exceeds our invoice amounts.

Comprehensive Land Support: GIS is important for solar, but it’s not the whole story. There are many other land-related aspects—landowner outreach and engagement, land lease or purchase, courthouse and online research, and contract negotiation are examples. Outsourcing your GIS work to a professional land services company opens the door to other value-added services.

Looking for a Trusted Partner for GIS?

Contact us to discuss our GIS capabilities for solar energy projects. We look forward to partnering with your organization to advance renewable energy in the United States.

Keeping Projects on Track with GIS Technology & High-Quality Data

An area of interest (AOI) for a renewable energy project could involve thousands of acres, dozens of landowners, and many parcels. Deploying an experienced team of land agents is a key step, but there’s also a lot of “behind the scenes” work to keep projects on track.

At New Era Land Services, we support the “on the ground” aspects of renewable energy projects. In addition to providing lease acquisition and right of way services, we’re skilled at using data and GIS technology for a variety of use cases—from prioritizing ideal locations for landowner outreach to visualizing progress throughout a project’s lifecycle.

Let’s look at why leveraging the right mix of data and technology is key for successful renewable projects.

Acquiring the Right Land for a Renewable Project

Before a solar project can begin converting the sun’s rays into usable energy, developers must acquire the necessary land usage rights. In the United States, this typically involves establishing contact with landowners, gaining buy-in for the project, agreeing to terms, and signing agreements.

As you might imagine, there are numerous variables that impact a project’s timeline:

Obtaining timely updates from land agents: One land agent might meet with several landowners in a single day. Condensing these conversations into meaningful summaries requires time and effort, and some land agents are more detailed than others. Even the most thorough land agent needs a structured way to share feedback with the team. In our experience, collecting updates via email is not efficient, which is why we utilize a cloud-based data and project system.

Managing data (and ensuring data accuracy): Unreliable or missing project data leads to incorrect assumptions and misguided decisions. Ensuring data integrity depends on multiple factors, such as having well-trained land agents, intuitive data collection systems, reliable geoprocessing techniques, and data quality safeguards.

Extracting meaningful insights: Joining dynamic project updates with underlying spatial data offers minimal value unless someone translates the information into meaningful reports, maps, or other visualizations. For example, at New Era Land Services we regularly build color-coded maps that indicate a project’s status. Green typically means that a land agreement has been signed for a parcel, while red indicates a disinterested landowner.

Updating project maps and visualizations: Project status maps and dashboards can be incredibly beneficial, but ensuring ongoing data integrity requires frequent updates. After all, each hour, day, and week that goes by brings new developments. Developing a scalable way to extract, join, and update data sets—while maintaining data integrity—is crucial.

Our Approach: Combining Modern GIS Technology with Data Management Practices

At New Era Land Services, we’ve developed a proven workflow for translating on-the-ground project updates into actionable insights for renewable energy clients. Land agents are assigned parcels in our project and data management system, allowing them to easily provide parcel-specific updates in a structured way.

We use modern GIS and geoprocessing tools to join dynamic project statuses with underlying spatial data, making it possible to represent data in a visually intuitive way. Interactive maps and dashboards enable clients (as well as our own land professionals) to quickly understand how a project is progressing. And, we regularly export and join updated project data to ensure visualizations remain fresh and reliable.

Here’s an example of what our client-facing dashboards look like:

Request Support for Your Next Solar or Wind Project

Need a better way to manage the land-related aspects of your renewable energy projects? Contact us to discuss our services, including our GIS and project management capabilities.

GIS for Renewables: Turning Your AOI into an Interactive Map & Dashboard

At New Era Land Services, GIS (geographic information systems) technology plays an important role in supporting our clients’ land-related needs. We regularly use GIS to understand topography, landowner density, transmission line location, floodplains, and other considerations within areas of interest.

But, it’s not all about building maps. There are a lot of data, systems, and processes to deliver reliable, actionable visualizations. Here’s a quick overview of how we use GIS for renewable energy projects.

Key Components of Our GIS Workflow

Clients hire us to help ensure successful renewable energy projects—specifically with regard to site selection and land rights acquisition. Achieving success goes far beyond understanding a parcel’s topographic features, which is why our approach brings together geographic, landowner, and project status information. We use the following tools to bring visualizations to life.

Project and data management system: Land agents use a web-based system to view assigned parcels, track project details, and indicate status (landowner contacted, signed, etc.). Parcel data may be provided by our clients, or we can help to source it.

GIS software: We use multiple GIS tools for a variety of purposes, such as joining data sets, creating symbologies, and building maps.

Dashboards: Our dashboards allow us to combine multiple visualizations (land maps, parcel status charts, etc.) into a single, interactive, queryable, web-based experience.

Overview of Our GIS Workflow

How do we go from a seemingly unstructured collection of parcel data to an interactive dashboard? View our sample GIS project for a detailed explanation, but here’s a quick summary:

Provide Land Agents with Data: We start by uploading parcel data to our cloud-based project and data management system, allowing land agents to get to work and efficiently share updates and collaborate in real-time with fellow team members and client representatives.

Join Together Project Status & Geographic Data: Next, we use various GIS and geoprocessing tools to connect dynamic project updates with underlying spatial data. Data integrity is very important to us, which is why we carefully verify that geoprocessing operations are executed as intended.

Symbolize the Data with Color-Coded Indicators: Colors are used to indicate project status within an area of interest. For example, green indicates that a signed land agreement has been obtained for a parcel.

Create the Dashboard: Symbolized maps, charts, graphs, and other visualizations are then embedded into client-facing dashboards.

Example Dashboard Visualization

The following sample demonstrates the type of work that we can provide for your next solar, wind, or battery storage project. With just a few clicks, stakeholders can easily understand which parcels have been acquired—and which parcels still require additional work. Filtering by parcel number and landowner information simplifies analysis.

Connect with New Era Land Services

Looking for GIS support for an upcoming renewable energy project? Contact us to explore our GIS and project management services.

Planning for Successful Renewable Energy Projects

Where is the best place to build a solar farm or wind park?

Answering such a question depends on a number of variables, many of which involve local considerations. To increase the chance of success for a renewable energy project, it is essential to perform a sufficient amount of upfront research and planning.

At New Era Land Services LLC, we’re focused on helping developers achieve success with their renewable energy projects. We’re committed to being good stewards of clients’ resources throughout the entirety of each engagement. Sometimes, after completing our due diligence, this may mean recommending a change in course—or shutting down the project. Other times, it means moving forward as planned and initiating the lease acquisition process.

Let’s look at four key factors that impact renewable energy project planning.

4 Factors to Consider for Planning Renewable Energy Projects

Here are a few things we look for when advising clients:

1. Economic Indicators

A typical state in the United States has dozens of counties—each having its own unique set of economic metrics. Factors like household income, property values, employment profiles, and industry can vary considerably, even between neighboring counties. At New Era Land Services, we pay close attention to county-specific metrics when evaluating a project’s potential success. Locating a utility-scale solar park in a high property value area, for example, is probably an uphill battle.

2. Regulatory Environment

Some counties have made it clear that they’re not interested in solar, wind, and battery storage projects. Identifying and understanding local ordinances can be tedious and nuanced, and there’s always a chance for additional legislation in the future. Engaging a land services company with local connections and research expertise can be a wise investment. Knowing where to look for helpful resources is also important. For example, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, offers numerous data sets and tools, including its Comprehensive Databases of Local Ordinances for Siting Wind, Solar Energy Projects.

3. Energy History

Communities with deep connections to the energy industry can be excellent targets for renewable projects. That’s especially true when a community is home to a decommissioned coal mine or power plant. Bringing solar and wind energy online can have a revitalizing effect on local economies. Providing a stable supply of energy is attractive to manufacturers and technology companies, who bring jobs to the area and spur economic activity. And, locating a renewable project within an Energy Community can pose tax benefits that sweeten the deal.

4. Landowner Psychographics

Last, but certainly not least, the attitudes and opinions of local landowners must be carefully evaluated when planning renewable projects. Solar and wind energy can be a politically sensitive topic, and the decision to tie up one’s land for decades is rarely easy. At New Era Land Services LLC, we go beyond merely establishing contact with landowners. Our focus is on building successful relationships, which requires a customized approach for each landowner. Doing so increases the chances of finalizing land deals with agreeable outcomes for all stakeholders.

Talk to Us About Your Next Renewable Project

Need a second opinion about an upcoming solar, wind, or battery storage project? Contact us to start a conversation. We look forward to advising you toward success!

Solar Energy Projects: Pros & Cons for Landowners

If you’re a farmer or landowner, you probably know someone who has been approached about solar energy. Maybe you’ve even received inquiries about your property. With solar energy gaining momentum in the United States, now is a good time to consider the pros and cons.

Solar projects represent a number of opportunities, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s take a closer look from a landowner’s perspective.

Pros of Solar Energy for Landowners

Here are a few benefits of using your land for solar energy:

Financial incentives and business continuation: Perhaps the most obvious benefit of agreeing to a solar energy project is financial. As we discussed in our article about the three phases of a solar project, a landowner begins receiving payments after signing a lease option agreement—even if the project never moves forward. If the project materializes, the landowner (or his heirs) can expect to receive predictable income for 30+ years while keeping the land in the family’s name.

Allowing the soil to rest: Most farmers are already familiar with reduced till and no-till. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, such efforts support plant growth and reduce erosion. Land can rest for multiple decades with solar energy, which, in theory, makes the land even better for farming after the project is over.

Supporting the U.S. energy supply: According to Clean Energy Resources to Meet Data Center Electricity Demand from the U.S. Department of Energy, domestic energy demand is expected to grow by up to 20% in the next ten years and could double by 2050. Solar can help reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign energy while keeping pace with rising demand.

Contributing to local economic growth: Industry is attracted to cost-effective energy. Communities that embrace a variety of energy sources—including solar—strategically position themselves with employers that bring jobs, salaries, benefits, and economic growth.

Cons of Solar Energy for Landowners

Solar energy isn’t right for every landowner. Here are a few potential drawbacks:

Time commitment: One of the biggest drawbacks to solar is the time commitment for landowners. The lease option agreement phase could take up to seven years, construction could require one or two years, and operation usually lasts between 30 and 40 years. In some cases, that’s about a 50 year commitment.

Land commitment: Solar energy projects typically involve hundreds or thousands of acres, which limits the ability to utilize land for farming and other activities. That said, agrivoltaics is an emerging field, as discussed in Agrivoltaics: Solar and Agriculture Co-Location from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Politically charged topic: Unfortunately, solar energy has become a political football, and, like most things in politics, it has the potential to create division between people.

Let’s Discuss the Pros and Cons of Solar

At New Era Land Services, we regularly connect renewable project developers with landowners. Contact us to check for projects in your area.

New Era Land Services Adds Office Location in Washington, DC

New Era Land Services LLC announces that the company has opened an office location in Washington, DC. The Washington, DC office will make it easier for New Era Land Services to support energy projects and developers on the east coast.

“Our office on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC strategically places us in the heart of the nation’s capital,” says Eric Briggs, Co-Founding Partner of New Era Land Services LLC. “We continue to expand our presence, which better positions us to serve renewable energy companies.”

With the addition of the new office, New Era Land Services now has five locations:

●     Carmel, Indiana

●     Evansville, Indiana

●     Dallas, Texas

●     Denver, Colorado

●     Washington, DC

About New Era Land Services LLC

New Era Land Services provides “on the ground” support for renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, and battery storage. The company specializes in lease acquisition, project management, due diligence, title research, GIS mapping, right of way, and other professional land services. Headquartered in the Midwest, New Era Land Services can support renewable energy projects across the lower 48 states.

Contact us to discuss services and availability.

5 Misconceptions about Renewable Energy

Solar and wind energy can quickly turn into a hot button issue for people on both sides of the political aisle. At New Era Land Services, we specialize in the “on the ground” aspects of renewable energy projects, which puts us in contact with a lot of stakeholders. Over the past few years, we’ve heard a number of misconceptions that we’d like to address.

“Renewable Energy Jobs are Temporary”

Certainly, there’s a lot of upfront engineering, construction, and project management effort. But, it would be inaccurate to say that all jobs are “temporary.” For example, a typical utility-scale solar project requires 600+ acres of land and millions of dollars in infrastructure investment. Entities funding such projects expect a return on investment, which gives them a financial reason to ensure proper management and maintenance. On a different note, “agrivoltaics” is an emerging industry worth considering, too. Learn more about agrivoltaics in the farmer’s guide to going solar from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO).

“People Don’t Want Renewable Energy”

Some people do not want solar, wind, or other renewable energy projects in their communities. Such stakeholders’ concerns should be heard and weighed against the potential benefits for the community as a whole. After all, an ideal place for solar is in an energy community with a recently decommissioned coal fire plant. Such communities often struggle to replace lost tax revenue, which negatively impacts schools, fire departments, and other public services. Aesthetics aside, the potential upside of replacing lost energy through renewable sources must be carefully considered.

“Solar Will Ruin Property Values”

Few, if any, homeowners would want to wake up and find a 500-acre solar park adjoining their property. Collectively speaking, however, the case can be made that renewable energy projects actually improve property values. Data centers, manufacturers, and other companies are seeking cost-effective energy capacity on the grid. Renewable energy can provide a viable solution, thereby attracting companies that otherwise may look elsewhere. Such organizations hire workers, provide salaries and benefits, and spur local economic activity. Economic activity within a community is good for property values, not bad.

“Windmills are Ugly & Killing the Birds”

New ideas can take a while for people to accept. Windmills are no exception. With regard to the impact on wildlife, however, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Wind Energy Technologies Office offers a helpful resource that explains:

“Over the past two decades, improvements in wind turbine design and wind energy project siting have greatly reduced the impact of wind energy development on birds. Today’s land-based wind turbines are larger and spaced farther apart than those in previous years, which means we need fewer of them to produce the same amount of power. Offshore turbines are even bigger. In addition, they are built to prevent birds from perching on them. Thanks to these changes, today’s wind turbines pose little hazard to most birds.”

-From Wind Turbines and Birds, https://windexchange.energy.gov/projects/birds

“We’re Going to Get Sick”

It’s hard to imagine how windmills might make someone sick. Most of these discussions revolve around solar energy. Although we’re not solar technology scientists, the following information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency should comfort most reasonable minds:

“It is important to note that solar panels are safe during use. While solar panels may contain small amounts of toxic metals like cadmium, silver, or lead, working solar panels do not leach those toxic metals. They have a strong encapsulant that prevents leaching.”

-From Solar Panel Frequent Questions, https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-frequent-questions

Connect with Our Team of Land Professionals

Contact us to discuss your renewable energy project. Our experienced team can assist with lease acquisition, due diligence, GIS mapping, land project management, and much more.

3 Types of Land Professionals

Developing a renewable energy project requires considerable “on-the-ground” expertise and support. From using geographic information systems (GIS) to landowner engagement and lease acquisition, there’s a lot of work to get done.

Partnering with a qualified team of professionals can be a wise decision—especially for organizations that lack in-house land departments. Here are three strategic roles to consider for your next solar, wind, or battery storage project.

1. Land Agent (“Landman”)

Perhaps the most obvious role to fill, the land agent focuses on landowner outreach and engagement. Land agents initiate conversations, schedule meetings, and regularly follow up to form relationships that could yield land agreements. As landowners express interest (or disinterest) in projects, landmen share timely information to keep the team informed. They also facilitate contract negotiation and execution with landowners who have decided to move forward. Land agents typically serve as the primary point of contact for landowners—before, during, and after construction.

Need landmen for solar, wind, or battery storage? New Era Land Services can help! Contact us to check availability.

2. Land Technicians

Compared to land agents, land technicians spend less time interacting with landowners. That said, land technicians are no less important to ensuring success. Land technicians tend to be data-minded professionals who excel in using analytical software and GIS technology. Leveraging a land technician’s skill sets can elevate decisions involving the proposed area of interest (AOI), landowner density, and land agent utilization.

Looking for technical assistance on a renewable project? Gain access to our on-staff land technician. Tell us about your needs.

3. Land Consultant

Although “land consultant” could theoretically be used interchangeably with “land professional,” at New Era Land Services our land consultants  serve as strategic advisors who work closely with project developers. In addition to managing land agents and technicians on the client’s behalf, our consultants support a variety of other needs like budgeting, reporting, title research, and community engagement. In short, land consultants continually advise the project developer, overcome land-related challenges, and collaborate to move the project forward.

Need to bring on a land expert? We offer a unique blend of in-house geological and land management know-how. Let’s connect.

Land Professionals for Renewable Energy

Contact us to start a conversation. We can mobilize quickly to achieve the right mix of talent for your project’s requirements.

New Era Land Services Adds Denver & Dallas Offices to Support Clients’ Needs

New Era Land Services LLC announces the addition of new office locations in Denver, Colorado and Dallas, Texas. These two offices will help New Era Land Services serve the growing needs of renewable energy organizations across the United States.

“Demand for solar, battery storage, and other renewable projects continue to increase,” says Eric Briggs, Co-Founding Partner of New Era Land Services LLC. “We’re excited to be part of this expanding market, and these new locations will put us in a better position to support it.”

By adding offices in Texas and Colorado, New Era Land Services now has four locations:

●     Carmel, Indiana

●     Evansville, Indiana

●     Denver, Colorado

●     Dallas, Texas

About New Era Land Services LLC

New Era Land Services is a land company specializing in project management, lease acquisition, due diligence, title research, GIS mapping, right of way, abstracting, heirship, and other services. Headquartered in the Midwest, the company is capable of supporting renewable energy projects across the lower 48 states.

Contact the team at New Era Land Services to learn more about services and availability.

6 Steps to Identify Land for Renewable Energy Projects

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO, January 2024) anticipates continued growth of energy generation from renewable sources. In fact, the agency projects that solar power generation in the United States will grow by 75% from 2023 to 2025.

Keeping pace with increased demand for renewables means that developers need effective strategies for identifying land to house solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage facilities. At New Era Land Services LLC, we recommend the following steps.

Step 1: Identify a General Area of Interest

Determining a general area of interest usually involves a number of factors, such as the project developer’s existing portfolio and overall business strategy. Depending on the project’s size, a general area of interest could include multiple adjoining states or just a handful of counties within a specific region.

Step 2: Look for Section 48C Tax Credits

Tax credit availability is a major consideration when deciding where to locate a renewable energy project. Project developers are typically interested in the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (also known as the “48C tax credit”). The U.S. Department of Energy’s website offers a helpful overview guide, which includes an explanation of 48C Energy Communities Census Tracts. The “Section 48C Tax Credits - Designated Energy Communities” mapping tool (also provided by the U.S. Department of Energy) simplifies research for developers.

Step 3: Overlay Transmission Lines and Substation Locations

After narrowing down the area of interest based on tax credit considerations, it’s a smart idea to overlay existing transmission lines and substation locations. Obtaining a tax credit can be financially beneficial, but such gains are quickly eroded when an area lacks necessary infrastructure. After all, building a new substation could cost tens of millions of dollars.

Step 4: Check ISOs/RTOs for Nearby Projects

Most utility-scale renewable projects go through a multi-year queue that’s overseen by an ISO (Independent System Operator) or RTO (Regional Transmission Organization). Understanding what’s already in the queue is essential for successful project planning.

Step 5: Perform Local Courthouse Research

Once an area has been deemed potentially viable, it’s wise to perform additional research at the courthouse level (or, in some cases, online). Checking recorded memos and options for solar, wind, and other renewable projects helps further refine the location. Contact our team at New Era Land Services for help with this step.

Step 6: Select the Ideal Location

By now, you’ll hopefully be in a position to pick the best location for your renewable project—one that balances the need for tax credits, infrastructure, and leasable land. Throughout the entire process, it’s vital to use common sense when making land-related decisions. Generally speaking, land near high-growth metropolitan areas tends to be more expensive than land in rural areas.

Questions? Contact Our Land Pros

New Era Land Services provides land services for renewable energy projects. We can advise you throughout the entire process and offer on-the-ground support, including landowner engagement and lease acquisition services.

Contact us to discuss your renewable energy project.

Community Solar vs. Utility-Scale Solar Projects

Our team at New Era Land Services LLC typically supports utility-scale solar projects, but recently there’s been some industry chatter about “community solar” projects. What is community solar and how does it differ from a utility-scale project? Let’s take a closer look.

Utility-Scale Solar Projects

Utility-scale solar projects are usually between 50 MW and 300 MW and require at least 600 acres of land. Replacing a retiring natural gas or coal-fired energy facility is a common use case. Utility-scale solar projects have become increasingly common across the United States (including states like Indiana with regulated energy markets) as communities, individuals, and utilities seek to harness renewable energy.

Proximity to an existing substation with the right capacity can make or break a utility-scale project. After all, building a new substation can cause significant delays and lead to millions of dollars in additional costs. Project developers often turn to companies like New Era Land Services to acquire land in the right location—ideally, near a substation with a 345 kV line. That said, upgrading an existing substation or constructing a new one could still be feasible depending on the project’s size. Spending $10 million on substation upgrades is a relatively small expense on a $200 million project.

Community Solar Projects

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy provides a helpful community solar overview on its website. In summary, community solar allows people within a specific area to enjoy the benefits of solar energy—without having to install solar panels on their homes or businesses. Energy produced by community solar projects is funded by the utility’s subscribers who, in turn, receive a financial incentive in the form of a credit on their electricity bills.

Compared to utility-scale projects, community solar projects may produce less energy (approximately 10 MW to 25 MW) and likely require less land. This simplifies life for solar energy developers, especially when it comes to planning areas of interest and engaging landowners. Acquiring 50 acres from one landowner for community solar is usually faster and easier than trying to piece together 2,000 acres for an industrial project. Existing substations are better equipped to handle energy produced from smaller community projects, thereby reducing the need to upgrade or construct new infrastructure. Perhaps best of all, community solar offers energy-minded consumers a way to benefit from solar energy without altering their property.

Community solar is not yet a reality in all 50 states, however. Consumers living in states with deregulated electricity markets (such as California, Illinois, and Ohio) are more likely to find community solar programs in their areas.

Land Services for Utility-Scale and Community Solar Projects

Contact New Era Land Services to discuss your upcoming utility-scale or community solar projects. Solar energy project developers across the lower 48 states can partner with us for lease acquisition, project management, right of way, and other land-related needs.

5 Reasons to Work with New Era Land Services on Your Next Renewable Project

Renewable energy project developers have no shortage of land companies to choose from. A simple online search brings up dozens of potential options.

So, why should you work with New Era Land Services?

Here are five reasons to consider us for your next solar, wind, or battery storage project.

#1. Personalized Client Care

At New Era Land Services, we care about our clients as much as we care about our contractors. Each project is important to us, and we realize that ensuring your success is vital to our company’s success. That’s why we go above and beyond to provide personalized solutions that help clients drive desired outcomes.

Take, for example, our greenfield land campaign approach that combines multiple points of contact with landowners via mass mailings and boots-on-the-ground engagement. Before we ever start our outreach program, however, we carefully research the area of interest to avoid wasting resources. The net result is a highly efficient, effective land program that helps expedite lease acquisition to ultimately achieve the client’s queue position.

#2. Big Project Support, Small Business Feel

We’re able to support renewable energy projects across the lower 48 states. That said, we haven’t lost our small business culture that our clients appreciate. We’re easy to do business with, and our entrepreneurial spirit brings a fresh perspective to even the most complex situations. At any point during an engagement, clients are welcome to collaborate with members of our experienced leadership team. Our goal is to make your project a big success—and that commitment starts at the top with our leaders.

#3. Hands-On Project Management & Services

Completing a renewable energy project involves a lot of “on the ground” work. Acquiring land leases from multiple landowners in an area of interest is important, but it’s not the only story. Over the years, we’ve refined our service mix to include a variety of solutions that align with clients’ needs. In addition to lease acquisition, our services include:

• Land project management

• Due diligence

• Title work and research

• GIS mapping

• Right of way

• Abstracting

• Heirship

#4. No Land Department Required

We’ve worked with numerous renewable energy developers over the years—some of whom do not have in-house land departments. At New Era Land Services, we can adapt to your organization’s unique structure, even if you have minimal or no land-related expertise. Our first and second-degree network of land agents allows us to quickly scale up a professional, experienced, and high-impact land team for practically any renewable energy project.

#5. Committed to Being a Trusted Partner

Finally, we’re not a typical “service for a fee” land company. At New Era Land Services, we view our client engagements more like a partnership. At the end of the day, we’re motivated by solving your land-related challenges so you can complete your renewable energy project on time, on budget, and to specification.

Contact Us for Your Next Renewable Project

Looking for a land services company for renewable energy projects? Our skilled team at New Era Land Services is happy to learn more about your needs.

Contact us to start a conversation.

3 Phases of a Solar Project that Impact Landowners

Have you ever thought about leasing your land for a solar energy project? Leasing land for solar can be financially rewarding, but it’s important to understand what you’re committing to before signing paperwork.

At New Era Land Services, we work hard to ensure successful renewable energy projects—both for developers and landowners. This article explores three important phases of a solar project and how they impact landowners like you.

1. Lease Option Agreement Phase

For landowners, the first step in a solar energy project typically involves signing a lease option agreement. The lease option agreement specifies a window of time—usually between five and seven years—during which a developer can execute the land lease for the renewable project. Why does this phase take up to seven years? The answer involves multiple factors, not the least of which includes gaining the proper approvals. Depending on where your property is located, the developer will enter the project into a “queue” for review by the appropriate ISO (Independent System Operator) or RTO (Regional Transmission Organization). (Learn more by reading the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s article about ISOs and RTOs.) Once entered into the queue, the project is scrutinized from a variety of angles, including production potential, financing, and environmental impact. Simply put, this process takes a lot of time—especially as a growing number of renewable projects enter the queue.

What to expect: After signing the lease option agreement, it’s business as usual for the landowner. If you’re a farmer, you can continue using your land to grow and harvest crops. You’ll also receive an ongoing, non-recoupable amount from the developer to hold the option to lease. However, since construction has not commenced and no energy is being produced, the payment amount will be lower than future phases. Our team at New Era Land Services would keep you in the loop as the project advances.

2. Pre-Operating Phase

Receiving a notice to proceed (NTP) marks the beginning of the pre-operating phase, which is sometimes referred to as the construction period. Pre-operation usually lasts 12 to 18 months and involves a variety of tasks. Examples include clearing ditch rows and fence line brush, preparing the ground for proper turf management, obtaining local permits, widening county roads as needed, delivering glass panels and related infrastructure to the construction site, and ensuring proper installation.

What to expect: Upon learning about the notice to proceed, our team at New Era Land Services would contact you to discuss timing and next steps. Landowners usually continue using their land until it is taken into possession by the developer. Keep in mind that solar companies often take possession during the fall, after the harvest. This helps avoid crop loss and sets the stage for a clean changeover in the new year. Payments during this phase tend to be higher than the lease option agreement period but less than the operating phase, as energy is still not being produced.

3. Operating Phase

After construction concludes, it’s time to start producing solar energy and putting it onto the grid. Landowners should keep in mind that most operating periods last 30 to 40 years. That’s a long time to tie up your land, but it’s also nice knowing that it will produce a predictable income for decades. At the end of the 30 to 40 year lease period, you (or your heirs) will likely have the option to extend. If no extension is secured, the developer must return the ground back to its previous state (or as closely as possible).

What to expect: Your land is fully operational as a solar field and generating energy. This means that you’ll receive the full lease payment amount throughout the duration of the agreement.

Explore Solar Land Lease Opportunities

Farmers and other landowners can contact New Era Land Services by submitting our contact form. We look forward to learning about your property and exploring renewable energy opportunities with you.

Planning Your Renewable Project in the Midwest

Many factors influence the success or failure of a renewable energy project. From initial ideation through completion, renewable project developers must consider everything from weather patterns to zoning requirements and landowner engagement. 

Lease acquisition is usually one of the first challenges to solve, but doing so can be time-consuming and fairly nuanced. Working with a company like New Era Land Services LLC can simplify the process, especially if you’re planning a renewable project in Indiana (we’re based here), Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and other parts of the Midwest. 

Here are some important things to think about as you refine your lease acquisition strategy.

Understanding The Midwest’s Strong Agricultural Ties 

The Midwest accounts for more than 127 million acres of agricultural land according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The vast majority of this land (about 75%) is used for growing corn and soybeans, but other crops like wheat, melons, and pumpkins are also grown here. With so much of the Midwest’s land being used for agriculture, it’s no wonder why renewable project developers routinely find themselves seeking land leases from farmers. 

Unfortunately for developers, it’s not as easy as showing up at the farm and asking for a signature. Successfully acquiring land leases from farmers involves a relationship—one that’s built on respect, empathy, and trust. 

Cultivating Healthy Relationships with Farmers

Deciding whether or not to lease ground for a renewable project goes far beyond financial considerations. For most farmers, it comes down to:

Time of the Year: Getting a crop in the ground—at exactly the right time—can be incredibly stressful. Too much rain can cause planting delays, or worse, wash out the farmer’s hard work. Harvest time can be stressful, too, especially if there’s too much rain that prevents the farmer from getting into the field. That’s why experienced land management companies try to approach farmers when they’re in the right mindframe to explore opportunities. In our part of the country, that usually means interacting with farmers between November and March. There’s also a window between planting and harvest seasons (i.e., June, July, and August). 

Weather: Farmers will occasionally tell us, “Catch me the next time it rains.” That’s difficult to do, however, when the farmer owns thousands of acres across multiple counties. Although it’s raining in one township, the weather could be perfectly clear in another. Having an on-the-ground presence with local knowledge is vital.

Soil Moisture: Dry weather during planting season does not necessarily mean that farmers will be busy in the fields. Farmers pay close attention to the soil moisture, too, and use this as a guide for informing their activities. Understanding local ground conditions is a key factor for ensuring effective outreach to farmers.

Emotional Connections: Ask a farmer about a piece of his land, and he’ll likely have a story to share. Maybe his great-grandfather bought it in the 19th century and handed it down to multiple generations. Or, perhaps the farmer outbid another farmer in a friendly bidding war. Each piece of land has a story, and each story is likely to bring about a series of emotions.

Family Dynamics: Finally, the farm’s succession plan plays a role in the farmer’s willingness to entertain renewable energy projects. The farmer whose children show no interest in continuing the family farm may be more receptive than one whose son is actively engaged in the operations. 

Looking for Help with Lease Acquisition in the Midwest?

Connect with New Era Land Services LLC to discuss your renewable energy project and explore our lease acquisition services. We’re headquartered in Indiana and have experience supporting clients’ land management needs in the Midwest and beyond.

Contact us to start a conversation and tell us about your project.