Need advice on leasing out land for turbine!

[Toby_renewable]

Hi im looking to lease out 14 acres for turbines, I've done basic research and heard stuff down the grape vine about turbines and renewables, and know my site is perfect for turbines.

How many turbines/what turnover could I make off of 14 acres?

Is there any legal/technical/other issues with leasing out my land and what happens with the land after the 20/25 year period? I've read something about it affecting inheritance tax, but didnt understand how.

 

[Exfarmer]

The only way to assess the suitability, is to have wind speed testing done. However before that you need to consider the local grid connections, for this you will have to apply to the DNO and they will advise the availability the cost of such.
Then there is the planning, in a good exposed location , you can expect objections from all and sundry about loss of view TV signal etc.etc.etc. And of course these will be the same Nimby’s who are clamouring for green power.
I would suggest speaking to a good Land agent who specialises in this work.
regarding IHT there are issues if you are just leasing to a power company, a pure investment with no risk as such carries no IHT relief, unlike farming your land in your own right, which carries 100 % relief. It is possible a joint venture with the landlord taking a proportion of the generation , may get round this.
After the lease ends it is critical to go for one of two options, first is that the lessee removes his equipment concrete base and restores. A big danger here is the lessee will be a limited company which will simply wind up in the last days leaving you high and dry.
My prefferred option would be a clause insisting that the equipment is given to yourself free of charge in working order to use for your own purposes to sell power to the grid.
whatever you do, make sure there are two things in the lease.
Firstly a bond to be held to guarantee rent is paid. Second a clause that in the event of the lessee going bust , all euipment becomes the property of the landlord.

 

[How much]

considering any turbines are likely to be built with borrowed capital its highly unlikely you will get a clause to state you would become the owner if the lessee went bust as that would null the finance companies claim to them so make obtaining finance pretty much impossible.

 

[Exfarmer]

considering any turbines are likely to be built with borrowed capital its highly unlikely you will get a clause to state you would become the owner if the lessee went bust as that would null the finance companies claim to them so make obtaining finance pretty much impossible.

Not so simple, for a lessee it gives protection from the banks, so is actually very desirable.
have been. There in a different situation.
Actually it is a fairly common clause

 

[wr.]

Use a good agent who knows the subject inside out. My son in law to be, is going through the process at the moment and he said it is crucial to have an expert on your side.