Contract law and wind energy on farms.

Landowners may approach or may be approached by a wind development company to contract a portion of their land for a wind farm. Wind farms now produce 2% of electric energy needs. Some believe wind energy could provide 20% of our electrical needs. Touted as 'green' energy, wind farms have received tax incentives to build. But wind farms require two of a landowner's assets: wind and an access to land for turbines and transmission wire placement. As in any contractual arrangements, both parties must understand the terms of the contract and the pitfalls of the contract. The money for the farm may glitter until the landowner and their lawyer reviews the hundreds of contractual provisions that must be resolved. Mistakes on the part of parties can result in a transfer of wind or land rights for all time and allow practices that could cost the landowner money and land. Landowners must do their homework and review over 200 issues that can make or break a financial deal. Not all land is worthy of a wind turbine and not all developers have the ability to address the legal needs of the landowner. Wind farms can be forever. Never sign your name to a one-way prison ship or a wind farm contract without consulting your lawyer.