Solar energy farmers left in the dark
More than 20,000 acres are now under some form of a solar energy contract, but farmers still do not have clarity from Government on basic questions such as financial support that will be available through the REFIT tariff, according to IFA Renewables Project Team Chairman James Murphy.
“It is wrong of Government to allow this flux to continue,” he warned.
He said farmers need to know how many megawatts of solar energy will receive financial support; what tariff premium will be provided where communities are involved in the renewable projects; will all those who have signed contracts get access to the new solar tariff; and if not, what is going to happen to the thousands of farmers who have signed contracts with legitimate expectations.
Mr Murphy advised any farmer approached by a solar development company, who has not yet signed an exclusivity agreement or other paperwork, to think carefully, “as these farmers are at the back of a long queue”.
“It is important that farmers understand that exclusivity agreements are unnecessary, and only buy time for the development company. Instead, a full suite of option and lease contracts should be sought, and the term of the option should be no longer than three to five years.
“If a project has not progressed by then, it may be unlikely to happen.
“The contract must also include a clause stating that if the project is not developed on the lands, the associated grid reverts back to the landowner.”
“Above everything else, it is vital that farmers get good independent legal advice before signing anything.
“Remember, you are making decisions not just for you but also for the next generation,” said Mr Murphy.
