Land Agent (aka “Landman”)
A land agent, also commonly referred to as a “landman,” works on behalf of a land company (or another entity) to secure leases or other agreements with landowners. Land agents support a variety of energy sector initiatives, such as obtaining battery storage land leases and the right of way for transmission lines.
Land Agents in Renewable Energy
A single utility-scale solar project could require thousands of acres of land. Before the first solar panel can be installed, a project developer must obtain the proper land usage rights from property owners. Land agents play an essential role in this process by:
Engaging landowners: Someone must pick up the phone and start a conversation with landowners in an area of interest. Landmen initiate contact with landowners, host in-person meetings, and use communication technology to follow up.
Building relationships: Agreements are not typically signed at the land agent’s initial meeting with the landowner. Rather, land contracts can be the outcome of weeks, months, or years of discussions.
Gauging landowner interest: Some landowners are immovably opposed to renewable energy projects. Others are warm to the idea but require additional information prior to signing. Landmen collect this type of feedback, which helps developers keep projects on track.
Managing negotiations: Land agreements should be a good deal for all parties. Initial offers may lead to subsequent counteroffers and different terms that must be carefully organized by the land agent.
Supporting contract execution: Land agents do not typically draft lease agreements or good neighbor agreements, but they’re regularly tasked with collecting landowners’ signatures. For this reason, many landmen are also notaries.
Serving as a point of contact: Leasing land for a solar or wind farm is not a short-term proposition. Thirty or more years is a long time, which opens the door to unexpected challenges like payment mix-ups or land use discrepancies. Land agents serve as the landowners’ primary point of contact throughout the life of the project.
Partnering with Other Land Professionals
Land agents work closely with land consultants and land technicians to ensure a project’s ultimate success. Generally speaking, land consultants interact with clients to understand projects and define land-related requirements. Land technicians use data and technology to develop actionable plans and visualizations. Landmen carry out “on-the-ground” aspects for each project plan as developed by land consultants and technicians.
Hire Landmen for Renewable Energy Projects
Need land agents for a renewable energy project? Contact New Era Land Services to staff up with qualified landmen in the lower 48 states.