Author: Tomasz Jankowski

In today’s article, we will analyze what type of land is suitable for an energy storage facility. This topic might be new to you, as discussions about leasing land for solar or wind farms are far more common. However, due to the rapid development of storage systems and the growing market needs, leasing land for this type of investment can prove to be very beneficial.

Read the article and find out if your land can be used to build an energy storage facility.

What conditions must the land meet to be leased for electric energy storage facilities?

Land suitable for an energy storage facility must meet several key requirements. We will now discuss each of them in turn.

Access to the power grid

The key difference between leasing land for electric energy storage facilities and a solar installation is that a BESS project (Battery Energy Storage System) should be located closer to a transformer station or transmission line. However, it is worth noting that this is not always necessary.

It is therefore important to check whether the local grid has sufficient capacity to handle the energy released by battery storage systems and that the cost of connecting to the grid is not too high.

Topography of the land for energy storage

Similar to a solar farm, the land intended for a BESS energy storage project should be relatively flat, not located in wetland areas, and have access from access roads during both construction and maintenance.

Land area for energy storage

Land for an energy storage facility can usually be smaller than that for building a solar or wind farm. This can be a good opportunity for owners of smaller agricultural plots.

We have over 20 years of experience in the energy industry and know how to fully utilize the potential of your plot. Fill out the form at: We are looking for land and we will determine how best to use it.

Geotechnical stability of the land for energy storage

The land for an energy storage facility should be geotechnically stable to safely store energy batteries and other storage components. Stable land minimizes the risk of infrastructure damage related to ground movements.

Distance from the road and buildings

Access to the road is crucial both during the initial installation of the project and at later stages for maintenance purposes. Locations should not be at risk of flooding. Maintaining a sufficient distance from buildings ensures adequate fire protection.

Environmental safety

It may be necessary to implement appropriate environmental protections to safeguard nearby ecosystems from the negative impacts of energy storage exploitation. This can be achieved, for example, through proper waste management or groundwater protection.

Compliance with applicable regulations

All activities related to the construction and operation of an energy storage facility must comply with local building regulations, environmental protection regulations, and occupational safety regulations.

How can BESS projects be more attractive to property owners than solar farms?

One advantage of an energy storage project on your property compared to a solar farm is that it requires less space. The exact number of modules that can be installed on one property depends on technical and economic factors.

We design solar farms, wind farms, energy storage facilities, and hybrid installations.

Read also: Solar Power System Design – What You Need to Know?

How do I find out if my property qualifies for a BESS project?

Leasing land for energy storage involves a series of analyses to maximize the potential of your land.

Fill out the form to tell us about your property:

We are looking for land for energy storage

What determines the amount of rental income?

The amount of rent depends on the number of units that can fit on a given plot and the cost of connecting to the grid. If costs are low, this can positively affect the amount of rent you receive.

We can conduct a review of your plot to analyze its potential.

Is it worth it? Absolutely!

We sign a lease agreement with the landowner usually for a long period. Owners receive payment (rental income – paid upfront with annual indexation), and the responsibilities related to the operation and maintenance of the storage facility rest on us (limiting the owner’s involvement to the necessary minimum). This way, you can earn income with virtually no involvement in the project.

Read also: Initial and basic rent in a lease agreement

Now you know what type of land is suitable for an energy storage facility and what is important for the investment to be successful. And if you are interested in this topic, also read: Leasing Land for Solar Panels and Energy Storage

Leasing land for solar panels and energy storage is a very interesting solution that effectively combines two sources of income. This allows for the maximization of profits from both the land lease and the entire investment.

This is because the rates offered for leasing land designated for energy storage and a solar farm are higher than if we were only talking about the solar installation. Therefore, today we will look at important aspects that will help you determine whether leasing land for solar farm with energy storage is feasible and worth considering.

Solar energy with battery storage – How Does It Work?

A solar energy with battery storage combines photovoltaic (PV) modules with energy storage systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), allowing for more efficient collection and utilization of energy.

When sunlight is at its peak, the panels produce the most energy. This energy can be used immediately or stored. For example, when energy production exceeds the current network demand, its surplus can be directed to the energy storage.

Learn more: How Solar plus Storage Systems Work?

Profitability of Leasing for Solar System and Energy Storage

An energy storage system integrated with a photovoltaic installation stores the excess energy produced. The stored energy can then be sold during hours when energy prices are higher, such as in the evening hours. Higher investor profits usually mean better leasing terms for the landowner.

Leasing Land for Solar Panels and Energy Storage in 3 Steps

Let’s start with the fact that you own land, perhaps you are a farmer or an entrepreneur, and you are wondering if leasing could bring you a stable income with minimal time investment. At the same time, you don’t need any capital contribution other than the land you are bringing to the investment.

Let’s now look at what steps you would need to take to successfully lease land for solar power with an energy storage system.

Step 1: Is Your Land Suitable for an Installation with Energy Storage?

At Electrum Ventures, we conduct advanced analyses that form the basis for fully utilizing the potential of your property.

If you want to assess the potential of your land, fill out the form at: We are looking for land

• Technical analysis – analysis of whether the land has suitable technical conditions (e.g., soil class, sunlight, terrain).
• Legal analysis – verification of whether photovoltaic systems and energy storage can be installed on your land.
• Access to the power grid – checking if access to the local power grid for energy transmission is possible.
• Environmental and planning approvals – ensuring there are no planning obstacles, such as collision objects or wooded areas.

Also read: Energy Storage Site Selection: What Land is Suitable?

Step 2: Land Lease Agreement Provisions

• Financial conditions – determining the amount of rent, forms, and payment terms.
• Obligations and rights of the parties – the lease agreement parties specify their obligations and rights.
• Duration of the agreement – determining the lease period and conditions for its extension or termination.
• Penalties for breach of the agreement – specifying the legal consequences in case of breach of the agreement terms.

A secure land lease agreement ensures the protection of the rights and obligations of both parties, which is why we recommend cooperating with a trusted partner. At Electrum, we have over 20 years of experience. Learn more about what we do here: What we do.

Step 3: Signing the Lease Agreement and Earning Profits

After signing a secure agreement, the owner of the leased land can start earning.

• Lease rent – regularly receiving lease payments will provide you with a steady income for a long-term period (agreements are usually signed for a longer period).
• Annual adjustment – allows adjusting the rent amount to inflation or other cost of living indices. This protection against the loss of rent value due to price increases ensures income stability for the landowner.
• Property tax refund

Also read: Initial and Basic Rent in a Lease Agreement

Summary – Benefits of Leasing Land for Solar Panels and Energy Storage

The benefits of leasing land for photovoltaics with energy storage include not only financial aspects but also environmental ones. The lessor contributes to the energy transition and the reduction of CO2 emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.

Are you considering leasing your land for photovoltaics and energy storage? Go through the entire process with professionals. If you have questions, feel free to Contact us.

Also read: Leasing Land for Solar Farm: Essential Information

What You Need to Know About Leasing Land for Photovoltaic Installation

Do you own land and are wondering if leasing it for photovoltaics is a good idea?
Or perhaps you want to lease land from someone to invest in a photovoltaic installation?

In this guide, we will cover all the essential aspects both from the perspective of the landowner and the investor looking for a suitable plot.

For Landowners

How much can you make leasing land for solar farm?

A photovoltaic plot can yield various profits depending on factors such as:

• the location, size, and renewable energy potential of the property (learn more: How to Choose the Best Location for Solar Panels?),
• the projected production profile,
• the possibility of further scaling the project,
• the property’s location relative to technical infrastructure,
• applicable legal regulations concerning renewable energy in the area.

Earnings from 1 hectare dedicated to building a farm are therefore highly dependent on the individual situation and are subject to negotiation.

How to Assess Your Land’s Potential for a PV Farm?

A photovoltaic investment is a venture that must be preceded by a series of analyses. Self-assessment requires time and extensive knowledge, so we encourage you to contact us.

We are a Polish leader in the alternative energy sector (Read more: What We Do – Designing Farms and Developing Renewable Energy Projects).

Analysis includes:

• terrain shape,
• land use structure,
• availability of infrastructure, such as access roads,
• presence of collision objects limiting the possibility of PV farm implementation, such as technical infrastructure zones, wooded areas, ponds,
• location relative to the DSO/TSO infrastructure,
• location relative to legal nature protection forms,
• legal aspects, such as ownership or spatial development plans,
• sunlight levels.

More detailed information about assessing the potential of a plot for a photovoltaic farm can be found in this article: Solar Power System Design – What You Need to Know?

Key Elements of a Land Lease Agreement for Photovoltaics

A land lease agreement for photovoltaics includes several essential points that should be clearly regulated to ensure clarity and security for both parties. Here are the most important ones:

Definition of the Contract Subject

This includes the precise definition of the cadastral numbers and land and mortgage register numbers of the property or its parts that will be leased for photovoltaic installation. The area should be specified accurately to 1m². Additionally, the lease object is also presented in a graphic attachment representing its boundaries on a basic/topographic or orthophoto map.

Contract Duration

Specifying the duration for which the land lease agreement is made. For photovoltaic installations, contracts are long-term. A lease agreement can be made for a fixed period, but not exceeding 30 years.

Amount and Method of Determining the Lease Rent

The lease rent amount depends on the rate agreed upon through negotiation expressed in PLN/ha/year and the leased area expressed in ha (hectare).

Payment Models and Financial Structures

One of the key elements when leasing land for a photovoltaic farm is determining the payment model. Important elements to define in the lease agreement are:

• payment periods (annual, semi-annual, quarterly) and whether it is paid in arrears or in advance,
• rules for annual rent indexation,
• additional payments,
• formal-accounting issues.

Land Lease for Solar Farm, Initial and Standby Rent

Initial rent in land lease agreements is a fee that the lessee (e.g., an energy company) pays to the landowner from the day the lease agreement is signed until the day construction begins.

Standby rent is a regular fee that the lessee pays to the landowner from the day construction begins throughout its duration.

Learn more: Initial and Basic Rent in a Lease Agreement | Electrum Ventures

Rights and Obligations of the Contracting Parties

The specification of rights and obligations applies to both the lessee and the lessor. The most significant issues include:

• Scope of investment that can be realized on the leased property.
• Scope of actions that the lessee can take under the contract and actions that they cannot take.
• Scope of actions that the lessor cannot undertake as they may negatively impact the investment (mainly its productivity).
• Defining the factors whose occurrence allows the parties to terminate the contract.

Regulations Regarding Land Leasing for Photovoltaic Installations

In Polish legislation, there are commonly legal acts that significantly limit the use of real estate. These include provisions regarding:

• Land class – the best will be class V, VI, and IV lands. Classes I-III lands are protected, as are Ls class lands.
• Land origin – the best will be mineral-origin lands. Organic-origin lands are protected.
• Non-transferability and non-leasability of the property within 5 years of acquisition.
• Additionally, mention should be made of local legal acts, i.e., local spatial development plans, where there are often provisions completely prohibiting construction or limiting it to a strictly defined type and function of construction. Important provisions may also appear in land and mortgage registers, where properties or their parts subject to transmission and passage easements and properties heavily mortgaged are excluded from construction.

With us, you will quickly find out the potential of your land:
Fill out the form

Leasing Land for solar farm and Lease Tax

Whether income from leasing agricultural land is subject to personal income tax depends on the purpose for which the land is leased. If it is for agricultural purposes, the lease income is not subject to personal income tax. However, if it is for a non-agricultural purpose (e.g., leasing land for solar panel installations), the farmer is obliged to pay personal income tax.

Personal Income Tax (PIT)

Land lease until the end of 2022 was taxed according to general rules based on the tax scale specified by the PIT Act. From 2023, land lease is taxed the same way as private rental, i.e., in the form of a lump sum on recorded revenues.

In 2024, the lump-sum rate on lease revenues is: 8.5% up to the amount of PLN 100,000; the excess over this amount is taxed at 12.5% of revenues.

Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

Legal entities, such as capital companies or other legal forms, that derive income from leasing land for a photovoltaic farm are subject to corporate income tax (CIT).

The CIT rate is generally 19% on pre-tax income. Companies classified as small taxpayers and those starting business operations can benefit from a reduced 9% corporate income tax rate.

Non-Agricultural Lease and Property Tax

Leasing agricultural land for non-agricultural purposes means it no longer falls under agricultural tax but is subject to much higher property tax to the extent the land is used for business activities.

For Individuals or Companies Wanting to Lease Land from Landowners

How to Find Suitable Land for a Photovoltaic Installation?

Land suited to the nature of the investment is key to success. Searching for a plot for a photovoltaic farm requires taking several steps that can have a decisive impact on the success of the entire investment. The steps are described in this article in the section: How to Assess Your Land’s Potential for a PV Farm?

More detailed information on finding the ideal land can be found in the guide: How to Choose the Best Location for Solar Panels?

Leasing Land for Photovoltaics and Ecological Benefits and Promoting Sustainable Development

Leasing land for a PV installation, besides financial benefits, brings a range of positive changes towards sustainable development:

• Clean energy production – photovoltaic installations enable the production of electricity using renewable energy sources (RES), which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.
• Sustainable development – investments in photovoltaics support sustainable development goals by reducing dependence on traditional energy sources, such as coal. They help minimize the negative impact on the natural environment.
• Job creation – the construction and operation of photovoltaic installations create new jobs in the renewable energy sector, supporting local economies.
• Improving energy security – renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, reduce dependence on energy imports and minimize the risk of energy supply disruptions.
• Long-term energy stability – solar power offer long-term energy stability due to low operating costs and predictable electricity production costs.
• Natural resource protection – investing in photovoltaics helps protect natural resources, such as water and soil, by limiting the exploitation of non-renewable raw materials.
• Additional revenue for the municipality budget – the investment generates additional revenue from property tax and partially from CIT tax.

We specialize in designing and developing photovoltaic farms.
Check the potential of your land here:
We are looking for land

Leasing Land for Solar Power Plant – Summary

Leasing agricultural land for solar farms can generate stable income. Before deciding to lease, it is necessary to thoroughly assess the land’s potential in terms of sunlight, topography, and infrastructure availability. Signing a clear land lease agreement is crucial to protecting the interests of both parties. The contract should include provisions on rent amount, contract duration, parties’ obligations, and all land use rules.