US Solar Energy Industries Association SEIA has developed a comprehensive guide to help land owners understand the opportunities and implications of leasing their property for solar installations (»Guide to Land Leases for Solar«).
According to SEIA, large scale solar projects, such as community solar and investor-owned solar systems on farms, have expanded rapidly throughout the U.S. These projects can use approximately 6 to 7 acres for every MW of solar installed, so a 5 MW project would require 30 to 35 acres. As a result, solar developers contact farmers and other landowners to obtain sufficient land to develop a financeable project. The guide provides an overview, expert tips, questions property owners should ask before entering into an agreement, and links to other resources.
http://www.photon.info/en/news/seia-guide-land-leases-solar-facilities
http://www.seia.org/research-resources/seia-guide-land-leases-solar