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Landowners

Every solar project begins with the relationship between a landowner and our team.

We help landowners maximize profits with consistent revenue. As projects move forward over time and additional risk factors and complexities are identified, we remain committed to ensuring that the initial relationship is honored and the projects we prospect get built.

Our landowners put their land to use for hosting solar for a variety of reasons. From repurposing contaminated brownfields for a higher and better use, to helping generate consistent income from underutilized farmland, to helping building owners maximize revenue from unused rooftops and parking lots, the reasons for hosting solar are as diverse as our land-customers. However, regardless of the initial reasoning our customers have, all worked with us for the same reason: hosting a solar project with a trusted solar company partner provides consistent and straightforward revenue for their land.

The Benefits of Hosting with Encore:

  • The Contract
    Either land lease or purchase option for all or a section of your property. Land lease options have a minimum term of 25 years. Purchase options available on a case-by-case basis.
  • The Benefit
    Annual rent for hosting the system, paid on a $/acre/year basis, or taken as a lump sum, up front payment.
  • The Obligation
    None. We handle all maintenance on the solar project, including mowing around the system, pollinator plantings or other forms of dual land use benefit.
  • Record of Success
    Some developers offer unrealistically high rents to secure a property for development, but a landowner only gets paid when the project gets financed and ultimately built. Our record of transparently negotiating lease rates and successfully commissioning all its projects to date, helps ensure that your project will be built, and therefore generating income as soon as possible.

Landowner FAQs

a

How much land do I need for a solar project?

It depends on a number a state-specific factors, but generally speaking you need at least 15 acres.

a

How will a solar project restrict the use of my land?

Each solar project is fenced in with a 6 foot agricultural style fencing, but the surrounding area can still be used for farming and other agricultural uses. In some cases, Encore can bring additional value to your land via contacts with sheep farming entities engaged around solar farms, pollinator-friendly habitats, apiaries, etc.

a

How do I know if my property is sunny enough for development?

Take a quick look around the property. Does it have good southern exposure? Are there hillsides or trees to the south, east, or west that may shade the project? In certain locations, this can be a good resource for evaluating the solar potential of a property, but don’t worry if it is confusing, we would be happy to have a look via Google Earth.

a

Who pays the taxes if I have a solar facility on my property?

The owner of the solar project will pay all taxes due on the solar. The landowner will continue to pay all property taxes due on the land.

a

Am I liable for accidents or injuries on my property during and after construction?

No. As the owner of the solar project, Encore will be responsible for all activities pertaining to, or that occur as a result of the project.

a

How long will it take to construct a solar project on my land?

Project development time can vary due to a number of factors but development generally takes 12-24 months and construction takes about 3-6 months depending on the size of the project.

a

How do I know if I should lease or sell my property?

This depends on your specific situation and goals as land purchases are a good option if you have no future use for the land, and want to have cash immediately. Land leases are also a good option if you would like to preserve the land for future generations while receiving a steady form of income.

a

What impacts, if any will a solar project have on wildlife?

Minimal to none. Solar projects present no harm to wildlife. We’ve spotted birds, hawks, deer, bears and other species all in and around our projects over the years. Project fencing can be designed to allow smaller wildlife to enter the array, while keeping larger potentially harmful animals out. Any site specific concerns would be addressed and mitigated in the permitting process for the area.

a

What are other potential impacts that I should be aware of?

It’s important to know if your land is a special agricultural district for property tax subsidization. In most states that we operate in, solar development in these districts can cause a change in property taxes, so consider this before entering into an agreement.

Landowner Testimonials

“Encore played a crucial role in delivering our 5 MW solar project. From permitting to aggregation of customers, Encore delivered. Our municipal members and schools will save hundreds of thousands of dollars in electrical cost savings over 20 years, and the lease revenue will fund a new composting facility. What was a dormant landfill is now a much more valuable asset for our member towns.”

Bob Spencer, Executive Director
Windham Solid Waste Management District

“We were thrilled with the outcome of our work with Encore on the siting of a solar array on our active dairy farm in Essex Junction, Vermont. Encore’s work resulted in an annual lease payment that provides us with the opportunity to improve our farmstead while preserving topsoil integrity. Farming has always involved land, sunlight, and water to produce value; we are pleased to be able to diversify our farming operations to include renewable electricity generation in addition to forage crops and dairy.”

Meg Armstrong, Owner
Whitcomb Farm

Featured Landowner Projects

Sand Hill Solar

South Village Solar Array South Burlington Vermont

Farm at South Village

Misty Knoll Farm / Middlebury Foods Cooperative

Let's talk about your project.

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    #1 Solar Developer in Vermont  •  Top 25 Ranking Among US Solar Developers

    Encore’s Environmental Impact

    • 375,000

      Number of barrels of oil Encore Renewable Energy's projects have replaced to date!
    • 335,524

      Tons of CO2 offset.
    • 30,403

      Number of average New England homes powered.
    • 212,000

      Acres of US Forest carbon sequestration.
    • 283,000,000

      Number of auto miles offset to date.
    • 180,000,000

      Pounds of coal replaced to date!

    A Certified B Corp

    The team at Encore Renewable Energy® is proud to be certified as a B Corp, joining over 3,500 other businesses worldwide who also share a commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.

    Learn more

    Our Company

    • About
      • Our Company
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      • Our Core Values
      • Careers
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    • Solutions
      • Solar Development
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    • Projects
    • We Work With
      • Landowners
      • Businesses and Institutions
      • Utilities
      • Communities
      • Non-profits
    • Learning Center
      • Why Go Solar?
      • Industry Insights
      • Clean Energy FAQs

    PO Box 1072

    Burlington, VT 05402

    802-861-3023

     

     

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