Typically, these projects involve a straightforward dynamic: the landowner receives rent, and the developer installs the necessary infrastructure to generate solar energy. However, if you, as a landowner, have specific energy needs or interests beyond just leasing your land, this could significantly alter the nature and terms of the agreement. You will need to evaluate the developer's track record and experience with similar projects to ensure they can successfully bring the project to fruition.

Is your land suitable for solar energy production? Factors such as the site's location, its gradient, and ease of access play a significant role in determining the project's viability. Access is particularly crucial, especially if reaching the site requires crossing third-party land. For the project to run smoothly, the access needs to be straightforward and uncomplicated.

Securing a grid connection and obtaining necessary planning permissions can take months, if not years (depending on the scale of the scheme). Any length of an option agreement needs to be long enough to allow for the planning permission and grid connection to be obtained, with either some contingency or an ability to extend where either of these items are outstanding at the end of the initial option period.

Are there any existing tenancies or land use arrangements that could affect the project? This includes assessing any financial implications, such as who is responsible for professional costs and any compensation for disturbances or changes in land use. You will need to carefully examine the specifics of the option agreement, including land requirements, option period, fees, and the mechanism for exercising the option, to ensure they meet your needs.

An often-overlooked aspect is the project's end-of-life phase. Landowners should consider the decommissioning and reinstatement obligations to make sure that they are clearly defined. You may wish to consider security for reinstatement, which could be a bond, guarantee or decommissioning account at a suitably early point in the project's life to set aside or make available monies for decommissioning at the end of the project. Additionally, you should consider the project's environmental impact, including biodiversity net gains and any compensatory planting requirements, to ensure the project positively contributes to the local ecosystem. This is a mandatory component of any planning permission in England and Wales since February 2024 (and part of planning policy in Scotland).