For landowners & farmers

Real numbers for the lease conversation

If you've been approached about a wind, solar, or battery lease — or you're thinking about asking — start here. Compare the income against your current operation, then dig into contract terms before you sign anything.

Most-asked questions in this section

What's a typical solar lease worth per acre in Michigan?
Will wind turbines stop me from farming around them?
What contract clauses should I never sign without?
What happens at the end of the lease — who pays to remove it?

Start here

Run the income calculator

Compare farming, wind, and solar income on your acres with Michigan-specific defaults.

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Contract checklist

What to look for — and look out for — before signing a wind or solar lease.

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Go deeper

Farm vs. lease income

Side-by-side comparison: cropland rent, wind payments, solar lease ranges.

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Wind in Michigan

Footprint, payments, and how farming continues around turbine bases.

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Law & PA 233

What state law and your local ordinance actually require.

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Stay informed

Get notified when this section is updated

We'll email when new Michigan data, ordinance language, or law changes affect this audience. Property rights & local control, in plain English.

Voices from Michigan

Real perspectives from farmers, township leaders, and residents navigating wind, solar, and storage in their communities.

“The lease income evens out the bad crop years. We still farm most of the ground; the panels just sit on the corner that always flooded anyway.”

Tom R.

Fourth-generation farmer

Gratiot County

Illustrative example

“I read three different leases before I signed. The ranges on this site lined up with what the developer offered — that gave me confidence to negotiate.”

Dale W.

Landowner & retired ag teacher

Branch County

Illustrative example

“Wind has been good to us — the turbine sits on a half-acre of corner ground and we farm right around it. The check is steady whether or not it rains.”

Janet K.

Cash-grain farmer

Tuscola County

Illustrative example

Have a story to share? Tell us your experience →