Solar energy systems can offer significant benefits, including reduced energy costs and a lower environmental impact, but the contractual aspects of such arrangements can be complex. As such, there are several key points that anyone considering a solar contract should...
Texas Energy Law Blog
Contract considerations for dual-use wind farms
Combining renewable energy initiatives with traditional farming has gained traction over the last decade or some. This approach offers a sustainable and efficient use of land resources. This dual-use approach maximizes land use and provides multiple income streams for...
Who has eminent domain authority?
Eminent domain is the process by which the government can lawfully take property from private landowners. This is also called condemnation. It generally happens when the government needs to use the land in question for some type of public work, such as building a...
3 issues related to battery storage that affect renewable energy
One of the most common criticisms people have about renewable energy is how unpredictable it can be. The sun only shines for part of the day, and even in West Texas, the wind generally only blows about a quarter of the time. Therefore, relying on electricity generated...
Setting a reasonable fair market value when facing condemnation
Texas state law allows for the non-consensual acquisition of property in a handful of circumstances. Condemnation is the legal process through which state authorities and those managing projects intended for public benefit can complete eminent domain sales with...
The growing complexity of surface and mineral rights
Climate change provided the proverbial fuel that resulted in the record production of renewable energy, including solar. With that growth comes countless companies scrambling to secure land rights, including those that no longer or never produced oil and gasoline....
Does the government need to pay you if it engages in eminent domain?
When using eminent domain laws, the government has the ability to take property from landowners. This property can then be used in certain ways, generally for projects that are of a benefit to the public. In other words, government officials cannot take property to...
How does oil and gas leasing work?
Allowing an oil or gas company on your property and giving them the right to extract natural resources therein can be intimidating but also lucrative for property owners. To protect their interests, these individuals must fully understand the agreements they're...
Why are title opinions so crucial in Texas?
If you are a landowner or energy company in Texas, you have likely heard of a title opinion. And if you haven't, there's a good chance you'll need one in the future. But what is a title opinion? And what purpose does it serve? To shed some light on these questions,...
How can property owners protect themselves from eminent domain?
Property rights have extensive statutory protection at both the federal and state levels. As a result, those who invest in land or real property either as a residence or an investment, typically trust that they will have control over that property as long as they pay...