Our landowners are our partners, and we consider them the backbone of our mission. We value good stewardship of our landowner’s property, helping to create an attractive investment opportunity for future generations.
Mission Clean Energy recognizes that every piece of land has a story and a rich history. We view every property owner we work with as a fundamental partner in the development of our projects and each transaction is important. Every member of the Mission team has a deep respect for the hard work that goes into the land, and we hope our energy project can be a valuable and rewarding part of its story.
The first step in the development process is to acquire land under long-term leases or purchases. Mission Clean Energy offers option payments during the multiyear pre-construction period, and landowners may continue their business-as-usual operations during that time.
Development Process
When doing business with us, property owners can be confident that they are working with a dedicated partner to reach an agreement that meets their needs, increases the profitability of their land, and helps address the energy demands of their community. We are committed to following our core principles of transparency and fairness in every interaction.
Like any good business, we pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with the landowners we work with. We rely on clear communication and follow-through, so all landowners or property managers are informed about the process of building a renewable energy or storage project, and the benefits it brings to them and the community at large.
Every step of the way, we work with local communities to create jobs, provide tax dollars and operations budgets targeting the region, and contribute to the betterment of the communities where we operate.
Land located near or adjacent to substations or transmission lines is ideal for solar projects to interconnect with the grid and provide electricity to the local utility provider. If you think your land is compatible and you are interested in selling or leasing your property for future energy projects, please get in touch.
Average Timeline
Land Acquisition
Permitting, Interconnection & Environmental Issues
Construction
Operations & Maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve already been contacted by Mission Clean Energy, you may have some questions.
What is a solar project and what does that mean for my land?
Solar photovoltaic system projects are a series of solar panels, typically coupled with a battery storage system, designed to absorb sunlight, and convert the sun’s energy into electricity to supply the grid. Mission’s solar farm developments help meet the growing demand for clean energy and provide affordable power to communities.
Solar projects require more land than battery projects. Generally, we look for flat, contiguous land of 1,000 to 3,000 acres to develop our solar farms. Silicon-based photovoltaic panels have been in commercial use for over half a century and their modules are fully contained, alleviating any concern of leaching or harm to your land. Solar farms typically have a profile below ten feet, produce little to no noise or glare, and include fencing as a safety precaution. If you live or work near the project site, we will work with you to ensure proper barriers and access paths are put in place to meet the community’s needs.
What is a Battery Energy Storage System and what does that mean for my land?
Battery energy storage systems, often referred to as “BESS”, “stand alone storage” or more simply “battery projects” store energy at times when supply is greater than demand for energy. As demand increases, they transmit energy back to the grid. This helps to integrate larger amounts of renewable energy into the electric grid. BESS has the added bonus of shaving off the costs of energy when the demand for electricity is high during peak demand hours by increasing overall supply.
Common systems look like shipping containers or cabinets and are filled with lithium-ion batteries which act as reservoirs of energy that can store and transmit energy to the grid. Our BESS technology is placed within secure metal storage containers with fire detection technology twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and are fully equipped with fire suppression systems.
What is a transmission easement?
A transmission easement is a right of way, or narrow piece of land, that hosts the power lines needed to connect the battery or solar project to a nearby substation to supply energy to the grid. Most easements are about 25 to 150 feet wide. The width requirement depends on the voltage of the transmission line.
What if I have a tenant on my property already?
Properties that are partially in use or have a long-term tenant in possession may still be compatible with our proposed project and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How will the current usage of the property be affected by the project?
During the pre-construction period, landowners may continue their business-as-usual operations. Mission will work to ensure there is an adequate notice period before construction begins, depending on seasonal crop growing patterns or other concerns landowners may have regarding their operations.
What is a Feasibility Period?
The Feasibility Period is the approximately three-month time frame after the Option to Lease or Option to Purchase contract is executed in the first year of the Option Period. During this time a title report is commissioned to confirm ownership, local government outreach initiated, and additional property due diligence conducted prior to proceeding with the Option Period.
What is an Option Period?
Mission’s contracts come with an Option Period of up to five years. This is an industry-wide standard intended to give developers the time needed to conduct due diligence for permitting, interconnection, environmental studies, and rezoning, which can take substantial time as we adhere to all local, state, and federal compliance standards and regulations. During this time, Mission will conduct a more thorough analysis of your property, including studying the land for topography, delineating wetlands, and evaluating flood risk. In the case of a solar project, we will also study the solar insolation at the particular property and other weather elements which could include the deployment of a small meteorological (or “Met”) station. The Met station would occupy a small portion of the property. Normal Operations can continue on the land while Mission pays the property owner Option Payments. The full purchase amount or lease payments will occur after the Option Period.
What if the property isn’t zoned correctly?
Mission manages all stages of the project. We work with the County and local regulators to ensure the property adheres to all permitting requirements, whether that means obtaining a conditional use permit or going through the rezoning process.
What happens at the end of the life of the project?
The battery or solar project will be fully decommissioned and removed at the end of the project’s life. Mission is responsible for the removal of the project. In the case of a Lease agreement, the land will be restored to the condition of its original use.