Landowners
Turn Your Land Into a Sustainable Income Stream.
Partner with us for turnkey solar—no land sold, no lifestyle lost.
Explore Your Land’s Income Potential
We view landowners as long-term partners—and we build every project on a foundation of trust, transparency, and shared benefit.
At Davis Hill Development, we help landowners turn underused or inactive land into reliable, long-term income. Our solar projects not only generate lease revenue, but also bring environmental and economic benefits to surrounding communities—creating value far beyond the property line.
We work with a wide range of landowners, including private families, large holding companies, and timber and forest management groups, to identify land that’s a good fit for solar.
our Process
Our development approach prioritizes underutilized land—like brownfields, retired industrial sites, and low-yield farmland—while avoiding productive agricultural land and sensitive viewsheds.
01.
Lease Option Agreement
We begin with a two-year lease option, giving us the exclusive right to evaluate the feasibility of a solar project on your land.
02.
Lease Option Period
During this period, we secure an interconnection agreement with the utility and obtain land use permits from the local jurisdiction. We also conduct site surveys, environmental assessments, and engage with community stakeholders and regulators.
03.
Lease Execution & Pre-Construction
Once critical approvals are in place, including interconnection and permitting, we move toward construction. At this stage, landowners may receive an early payment as part of our project commitment.
04.
Generate Clean Energy & Start Earning
Once the system is built and commissioned by the utility, you’ll begin receiving annual lease payments—providing reliable income for 25+ years. DHD continues to handle all monitoring, maintenance, and ongoing system performance.
key benefits
Farming + Solar Working Together
Agrivoltaic projects allow landowners to produce clean energy and maintain agricultural activity on the same land.
We design dual-use systems that support crops, livestock, or pollinator habitats—creating multiple sources of value without taking land out of service.
Vice President of Origination
FAQ
What is the process for leasing my land for a solar project?
Leasing land for solar happens in stages, from initial evaluation to long-term income. Here’s the typical process:
1. Lease Option Agreement (2–6 years) – You sign a lease option that gives us the exclusive right to study your land and determine if a solar project is viable. At this stage, you receive a small signing bonus.
2. Lease Option Period – We invest heavily in studies and approvals, including surveys, environmental assessments, interconnection applications, and permitting with local authorities. This stage confirms whether a project can move forward.
3. Lease Agreement & Construction (3–9 months) – Once the project is approved and viable, we execute the long-term lease and begin construction. At this point, you may receive a construction bonus of up to $20,000.
4. Operating Term (25+ years) – After the project is built and commissioned by the utility, you begin receiving annual lease payments based on the acreage used for the solar farm. This provides steady, long-term income for decades.
Throughout the process, we cover all development, construction, and operating costs. Your role is simply to lease the land and enjoy the steady income once the project is operating.
What does it cost me to lease my land for solar?
Nothing. We cover 100% of the costs for development, construction, permitting, interconnection, and long-term operations. You have no out-of-pocket expenses—your role is simply to lease the land and collect income once the project is operational.
How much money will I make?
Lease payments depend on several factors, including how much land is used, the property’s location, the type of solar project, and site-specific conditions such as landscape and development costs. Because every property is unique, lease rates vary widely.
What you can count on is that solar leases are designed to provide long-term, steady income once the project is built and operating. The best way to know what your land could earn is to request a personalized proposal based on your specific property.
When do lease payments begin?
Annual lease payments begin once the solar project is built, approved, and turned on by the utility. To reach that point, three milestones must be completed:
1. An interconnection agreement with the utility (or other offtaker)
2. Land-use permits from the local authority
3. Construction, inspection, and utility approval of the solar facility
During the option and construction phases, you may receive smaller payments—such as a signing bonus when the option agreement is executed and a construction bonus once building begins. The full annual lease payments, however, only start once the project is fully operational.
Can I continue farming my land?
Yes. During the option period, you can continue using your land as you normally would. Once a project moves forward, solar and farming can often work side by side. This approach—called agrivoltaics—is already being used successfully by many of our landowners.
Examples include:
Sheep, Poultry, Swine or Cattle grazing between and around the solar panels
Crop production of certain shade-tolerant or pollinator-friendly plants
Pollinator habitats that support soil health and attract beneficial insects
Habitat restoration that improves biodiversity while the land earns steady income
Depending on your goals, we can design the solar facility to allow for agricultural use alongside clean energy production.
Will this affect my property value?
Solar projects are often seen as long-term improvements that bring steady lease income, which many buyers find attractive. In fact, studies show that utility-scale solar does not decrease—and may even boost—agricultural land values:
Research from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) found that ground-mounted solar typically has no negative impact on nearby property values and can even increase land values—up by around 2% in some cases.
Data shows properties within one mile of solar farms in Illinois increased on average by 2%, and similar studies in Indiana reported increases around the same range.
Is solar safe for me?
Yes. Solar projects are safe for landowners, neighbors, and the surrounding community. Panels are made from durable, non-toxic materials and are rigorously tested for fire, wind, and weather safety. All systems are installed to meet strict electrical, building, and utility codes.
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s solar safety resources: energy.gov/solar
