Across the United States, solar developers are approaching rural property owners with option agreements that serve as the entry point to a long-term land lease. While these documents signal developer interest, they also establish foundational terms that carry directly into the final commercial solar lease agreement - often with limited room for renegotiation once a project advances.
TowerLeases.com is advising landowners to seek professional guidance during this critical early stage, before key provisions are locked in.
The Option Phase Sets the Terms That Follow
An option agreement grants a developer the exclusive right to evaluate a property for solar viability. During this window, which can extend for several years, the developer conducts site assessments, interconnection studies, and permitting work. The landowner, in turn, is typically restricted from pursuing any competing energy or lease arrangement on the same parcel.
What many property owners overlook is that developers routinely sign these agreements with multiple landowners at once, selecting only the most favorable sites to move forward. If a project never materializes, the land is released - but the owner has forfeited years of alternative opportunity with little to show for the holding period.
"Most landowners treat the option phase as a formality, but it is the single most consequential stage of the entire process," said David Espinosa, CEO of TowerLeases.com. "The rental structure, escalation terms, timeline commitments, and restriction language established here become the backbone of the final agreement. Adjusting those provisions after a developer breaks ground is rarely realistic."
Where Standard Proposals Fall Short
Option-phase compensation is frequently set well below what the restriction on the property justifies. Development timelines may lack firm deadlines, giving the developer wide latitude to extend the evaluation period at minimal cost. Some agreements also include confidentiality provisions that limit the landowner's ability to compare terms with neighbors or consult freely with outside advisors - further reducing their leverage.
TowerLeases.com reviews each proposal in detail, identifying where stronger hold-period compensation, defined development milestones, and narrower exclusivity windows can be negotiated before the landowner signs. This early-stage intervention ensures that the resulting commercial solar lease agreement reflects the property's actual value rather than a developer's opening position.
Strengthening the Foundation Before Construction Begins
"Property owners who address these provisions at the front end consistently secure stronger long-term outcomes," added Espinosa. "Our role is to make sure every clause serves the landowner's interests - not just the developer's timeline."
TowerLeases.com provides complimentary consultations to landowners who have received or are evaluating solar option proposals, helping them understand each provision and its long-term implications before any commitment is made.
About TowerLeases.com
TowerLeases.com is a national consulting firm specializing in the valuation and negotiation of cell tower and solar leases. With more than two decades of experience, the company provides expert, client-focused guidance to help landowners across the United States secure strong terms and protect the long-term value of their property assets.
Media Contact
Name
Tower Leases
Contact name
David Espinoza
Contact phone
866-416-0080
Contact address
30 N Gould Street, Suite R
City
Sheridan
State
WY
Zip
82801
Country
United States
Url
https://towerleases.com/
COMTEX_474091490/2888/2026-02-23T13:32:23