Michigan State University
The process of evaluating a wind energy development contract can be complex, and the signing of such a contract involves a long-term commitment by the landowner.
Wind energy development contracts are typically provided in two forms – as leases or as easements. Regardless of the type of contract used, the issues involved in a lease or an easement are similar – the duration of the contract (ranging from a period of years to a permanent transfer of rights), the landowner’s compensation payments, the liability of each party, the transfer of the contract to third parties, and many other issues – must be resolved between the parties negotiating the contract.