DTE currently owns and operates more than 50 wind and solar parks throughout Michigan, which together generate enough clean energy to power more than 813,000 homes. These projects would not be possible without the people who host them on their land – many of whom are landowners seeking a supplemental revenue stream or a secure succession plan for their farm.
These landowners sign agreements with DTE that last anywhere from 20-35 years, and can be extended beyond that in some cases, so multiple generations can benefit from the income these agreements provide. This helps landowners keep the property in the family, even if they no longer have relatives interested in using the land for agricultural purposes.
“Long-term reliable income may significantly aid financial planning, especially during difficult times,” said Matt Wagner, manager, Renewable Energy Development, DTE Energy. Additionally, since landowners can select which parcels of land to include in a project, “land leasing is one way that an unused area of their property can convert from a burden into a steady revenue stream.”
Once a wind or solar project’s lifespan is complete – after roughly 25-35 years – DTE restores the land to its original condition, and it can be reverted to agricultural use. The initial landowner’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will still be able to farm the land if they choose to do so.
“We’re proud to have our family be supported by this project as we go forward,” said Leon Knick, landowner at DTE’s Cold Creek Solar Park. “The people I’ve worked with at DTE have been fantastic…they really try to look out for the ground and the people around it. I know that’s a goal of theirs, and I’ve seen it in the actions of the people we’ve had around us.”