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New guide available for farmers on solar, wind energy installations

Many farmers have been asking questions about installations of large-scale solar and wind energy developments on their land. The contracts and materials presented to them by developers contain several legal provisions to navigate.

That’s why Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) and the St. Paul-based Farmers’ Legal Action Group (FLAG) have partnered to create the Farmers’ Guide to Solar and Wind Energy in Minnesota, a resource for farmers considering large-scale solar and wind installations on their land.

Solar and wind energy can be great value additions to some family farms, especially in a time of low farm income. We worked on this guide to help farmers get the information they need about these energy projects.

Gary Wertish, President of Minnesota Farmers Union

What's included in the guide?

The guide has general legal information for farmers and is intended as a starting point for these projects. As always, farmers should consult with an attorney regarding their specific situations or contracts. Topic include:

  • legal agreements
  • leases
  • easements
  • covenants
  • contract provisions
  • assignment clauses
  • liability provisions
  • insurance provisions
  • tax considerations
  • equipment responsibility and maintenance
  • compensation
  • land use restrictions

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