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Get in touch with our team of experts to see how you, your property, and your community can benefit from hosting a solar project.
The Benefits of Leasing Land for Community Solar
Community solar offers farmers, ranchers, and landowners a reliable and sustainable revenue stream while preserving their land's agricultural heritage.
This flexible, small-scale solar development provides long-term financial stability by diversifying income without disrupting traditional farming practices. We work with landowners to agree to use a portion of their property for solar energy, allowing the rest of the land to be farmed just as it has been for generations.
It’s About Legacy
We take great care to ensure minimal impact on your land because we know it’s more than just land; it’s your legacy. Land can naturally regenerate under solar panels with sustainable land management and protection practices, like sheep grazing and pro-pollinator ground cover. And if you choose not to renew the lease, we ensure all land is restored to pre-construction conditions—ready to benefit the next generation.
Hear from Our Landowners
Why Community Solar?
Security
Community Solar delivers the security of guaranteed, long-term revenue while enabling landowners to continue working the rest of their land as they have for generations.
Stewardship
We work closely with landowners to maintain the integrity of their land through sustainable land management and protection techniques.
Community
Leasing a property for solar development helps local communities meet their energy needs, create skilled jobs, and generate vital tax revenue.
Why Summit Ridge Energy?
A Partnership Built to Last
For us, it comes down to trust. We own and operate all our projects, so we don’t just build and then go away. We're in it for the long haul. When you partner with us, you partner with a developer who will be with you from start to finish. Summit Ridge Energy and its projects make good neighbors; that’s why our landowner partnerships are built to last.
About Us
As the nation’s leading community solar company, Summit Ridge Energy partners with landowners to bring jobs, industry, and locally produced power to energize communities nationwide. Since 2017, we’ve developed over 35,000 acres of surplus land into solar and storage projects that deliver long-term value to landowners while maintaining the integrity of their land for generations to come.
FAQs for Landowners
Overview
What is a community solar farm?
A community solar farm is a collection of solar panels that generate electricity and feed it into the local utility grid, providing cost savings to nearby homes and businesses.
How many projects does Summit Ridge Energy have?
Since 2017, we’ve secured over $5 billion in project capital, financing 200+ solar farms with 2 GW of solar power in operation or development—powering 40,000 homes and businesses.
Materials & Construction
When will construction start?
Once the contract is signed, the development process takes 12–24 months, depending on utility interconnection approvals and permitting.
What if construction starts during my growing season?
We compensate for any crop damages at current market rates within 90 days of construction start.
What are the panels made of?
Our panels are made primarily from Earth’s natural minerals, consisting of 95% silicon and framed with recyclable aluminum, copper, and silver. They use storm-rated glass, similar to a car windshield, designed to withstand extreme weather. Additionally, built-in weather monitoring moves panels into protective positions during severe storms.
Where do your panels and materials come from?
All of our materials are produced domestically in the United States. We partner with QCells for all our panels, which are manufactured in Georgia.
How tall are the solar panels?
Panels are typically 5–6 feet tall, about the same height as a mature corn stalk.
Who builds the solar farms?
We subcontract to local engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms and prioritize using local labor whenever possible.
How loud is the facility?
Solar farms operate quietly, with sound levels far below typical zoning noise thresholds. Any noticeable noise would occur only during construction and would comply with local regulations.
Project Management & Maintenance
Who maintains the site?
Our in-house asset management team monitors projects 24/7 and conducts routine maintenance and repairs as needed.
What vegetation is planted under the panels?
We plant native grasses selected based on environmental assessments to support soil health and biodiversity.
Will there be vegetation outside the fenced boundary?
The project will be fully fenced, and additional landscaping may be added based on local requirements.
Taxes, Insurance & Property Value
Can I sell my property while the solar project is operating?
Yes, the lease transfers to the new owner, making it a valuable asset that can increase property value for buyers.
Will my property taxes increase? Who pays for them?
Property taxes may increase if the assessor adds value for improvements, but Summit Ridge Energy covers all additional taxes related to the leased portion of the land.
Will you insure the project? Can I be listed as an insured party?
Yes, our lease includes landowner coverage under our insurance policy. Some landowners also choose to take out an umbrella policy for added protection.
End of Life & Environmental Impact
Can the land return to farming after the lease ends?
Yes! The land remains regenerative throughout the lease, benefiting from natural vegetation, soil enrichment, and biodiversity support from birds, insects, and organic material breakdown.
What happens to the panels at decommissioning?
At the end of the project’s 25–40 year lifespan, panels and equipment will be fully recycled following industry best practices.
Will the panels need replacement during the lease?
Our panels are designed to last throughout the entire lease term. However, if technology advances, we may upgrade panels to improve efficiency while responsibly recycling older units.