Host wind turbines — $7,000 to $12,000 per turbine, per year.
If you own land in a top wind state, a single turbine can generate decades of passive royalty income while leaving 95%+ of your acreage usable for farming or grazing.
How it works
- 1Site assessment
Developers map wind resource, terrain, transmission, and parcel size. They typically need 80+ contiguous acres to fit a single turbine with setbacks.
- 2Option period
A 3-5 year wind easement / option agreement pays modest annual fees while developers build out a project area with neighboring landowners.
- 3Construction
On project approval, turbines are installed (6-12 months). You receive a construction-period payment plus ongoing royalties.
- 4Royalty stream
30+ year royalty based on per-turbine annual payment, percentage of gross revenue, or production-based formula.
Deal structures
Flat $7k-$12k per turbine per year, escalating. Most common deal structure.
Typically 3-5% of project gross revenue allocated across hosting landowners.
Some landowners sell wind rights outright for a lump sum — generally less lucrative long-term.
Frequently asked
Yes. Turbines occupy 0.5-1 acre each. The rest of the leased land remains in active agricultural use.
Typically 30-50 years with extensions. Initial easement option period is 3-5 years before construction.
No. The developer owns and operates them. At end of term, they remove turbines and restore the site.
Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming. The 'wind belt' runs from West Texas up through the Dakotas.
Free, instant assessment — and matched providers in your state.