Texas continues to lead the nation in renewable energy development, and more landowners than ever are being approached by wind and solar companies seeking to lease their land. While these projects can bring substantial financial opportunities, they also introduce long-term obligations and legal risks that are often overlooked.

For landowners, signing a renewable energy lease is not just a business decision—it’s a legacy decision. Understanding the stakes and securing the right legal guidance is critical to protecting your land, your rights, and your future.

What Is a Renewable Energy Lease?

A renewable energy lease is a long-term legal agreement between a landowner and an energy developer granting the developer rights to use the land for wind or solar power generation. These contracts often span 25 to 50 years, covering development, construction, operation, and decommissioning phases.

While the financial incentives may be appealing, what’s written in the fine print can shape your land’s future for generations. What starts as an opportunity can quickly become a limitation—unless you’re prepared.

Why Landowners Need Legal Protection

At Braun & Gresham, we’ve worked with landowners across Texas who were initially excited by the prospect of renewable energy income—but were unaware of the trade-offs until it was too late. From unexpected land use restrictions to vague decommissioning plans, even the most “standard” lease agreements can leave landowners vulnerable.

Many key issues aren’t obvious in early conversations with developers. That’s why involving an experienced attorney from the start isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.

Top Questions Every Landowner Should Ask

Before entering negotiations, every landowner should be asking:

• How long could this agreement last—and what happens if my plans for the land change?
• Am I being compensated fairly across all phases of the lease?
• What limitations will be placed on how I use the rest of my land?
• Who’s responsible for cleanup when the project ends—and is that backed by a financial guarantee?
• Can the developer assign this lease to another company without my input?
• How does this lease impact my estate plan, heirs, or future property sale?

If you don’t have clear, documented answers to these questions, you are not ready to sign.

The Role of a Landowner-Focused Attorney

Our attorneys don’t just review contracts—we advocate for your vision of what your land should provide now and for generations to come. Here’s how Braun & Gresham add value at every stage of a renewable lease:

• Clarifying Your Rights: We break down technical legal language and highlight areas of concern specific to your land.
• Negotiating Stronger Terms: From compensation structures to termination rights, we ensure your interests are prioritized—not just protected.
• Preserving Future Flexibility: We evaluate how lease terms align with your estate planning, land use goals, and family legacy.
• Safeguarding the Endgame: We insist on decommissioning provisions that ensure your land is restored—backed by enforceable financial guarantees.

Our team includes attorneys deeply experienced in Texas land law, renewable energy projects, estate planning, and rural property stewardship. We know how to translate these complex legal topics into practical strategies for landowners.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Work

No two properties are the same, and no two landowners have the same goals.

That’s why template leases offered by developers are written to serve their interests—not yours. Even leases that look “simple” can contain provisions that:

• Limit your ability to build, farm, hunt, or graze
• Restrict future development or subdivision
• Silence you from sharing lease details with others
• Transfer lease rights to third parties you’ve never met
• Omit clear timelines or responsibilities for land restoration

Without experienced legal review, these details can go unnoticed—until you’re living with the consequences.

Real Protections Require Real Planning: Renewable energy leases are not quick deals.

They are long-term relationships with long-term impacts. Whether you are evaluating your first offer or comparing multiple proposals, the decisions you make today will influence your property’s value and usability for decades.

That’s why we often recommend landowners work with a team—not just an attorney. At Braun & Gresham, we frequently collaborate with financial advisors, environmental consultants, and land planners to ensure your agreement supports every aspect of your vision.

Experience You Can Trust

Attorney Laura Bowen leads Braun & Gresham’s renewable energy practice and has helped landowners across Texas navigate wind, solar, battery storage, and hybrid energy leases. As both a fifth-generation Texas rancher and a skilled land lawyer, Laura brings a personal and practical understanding of rural land use that few others can match.

Whether your land has already been scouted by developers or you’re anticipating future inquiries, Laura and our team are ready to help you protect what matters most.

What’s at Stake? Your Legacy.

The bottom line: this isn’t just a financial transaction—it’s a legal decision with personal, generational, and economic consequences. The stakes are too high to go it alone or rely on the developer’s assurances.

By partnering with Braun & Gresham, you gain a strategic ally committed to honoring your goals and safeguarding your land’s future.

Ready to Talk?

If you’ve been approached about a renewable energy lease—or are simply curious about your options—contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’ll help you assess the offer, identify risks, and explore alternatives that work for you.

Contact Braun & Gresham today to schedule a consultation—and take the next step with confidence.