The farmer and rancher association for renewable energy
Renewable energy decisions can go wrong without the right support. REFA can help you through challenges like drawn-out lease negotiations, operational issues that can damage your land, or decommissioning concerns decades down the road.
From $50 to $250 a year, you get the support you need – wherever you are in your renewable energy journey. From exploring your options to navigating an active lease negotiation, there’s a membership tier designed for you.
Membership has major benefits
Peer-to-peer network
Connect with farmers and ranchers who’ve been through the renewable energy development process. Our online community and in-person meetups give you a place to ask questions, share experiences and get honest advice from landowners who understand exactly what you’re facing.
Professional guidance where and when you need it
REFA fights for your interests by helping you navigate community conversations and work with local elected officials to build support for your projects.
At the state and federal level, we advocate for policies that protect landowner rights and create better regulatory frameworks for renewable development.
Professional services
Access expert guidance in critical areas, including:
- Lease Services: Non-legal lease review, edits, and developer negotiation
- Financial Advisory: Strategic finance consulting, wealth management, and estate planning advice
- Farm Management: Business planning, risk management, and insurance guidance
- Tax and Accounting: Renewable energy tax strategy, accounting services, and office solutions
Education, tools and resources
Get the information you need to make informed decisions.
- Educational guides: 10 questions to ask developers, dual use / farming with solar, construction expectations
- Member webinars: Lease negotiations, wealth management, agrivoltaics
- Expert Q&A: Ask REFA staff about land use impacts, construction concerns, or project specifics
- Real-world case studies: Learn from other landowners’ actual experiences
What REFA members are saying…
“
REFA has already been worth the $250 membership. What y’all are offering member landowners, farmers, and ranchers is an invaluable wealth of knowledge for this brave new world of energy and agriculture.
—Nathan & Ellen M., Texas
Become a REFA Member
Membership is open to all landowners – whether you’re farming, grazing or renting out your land. But especially if:
- You already host a large, renewable energy project on your land and want to share your story with other landowners.
- A renewable energy developer has approached you about leasing your land.
- You want to supplement your income without giving up control of your land.
- You need fact-based, non-biased information about renewable energy from other farmers.
- You want to understand all the pros and cons of leasing your land before making a 20+ year commitment.
Membership Dues
Choose the Membership That Fits Your Journey
Renewable Energy Host – $50/year
For landowners already hosting operational renewable energy projects
- Full access to education and peer-to-peer networking
- Aggie AI Knowledge Assistant via staff
- Webinars, digital resource library, and in-person learning opportunities
- Online community, forums, and member-to-member network
- Business advisory services through Pinion Global
Renewable Energy Explorer – $75/year
For landowners curious about renewable energy without an active project
- Full access to education and peer-to-peer networking
- Aggie AI Knowledge Assistant via staff
- Webinars, digital resource library, and in-person learning opportunities
- Online community, forums, and member-to-member network
- Learn from experienced hosts through mentorship opportunities
Renewable Energy Builder – $250/year
For landowners actively pursuing a renewable energy project - Everything in Explorer and Host tiers, PLUS:
- Free non-legal lease review and summary
- Business advisory services through Pinion Global
- Landscape analysis with environmental consultation
- Individual lease negotiation support available
- Full access to all REFA services
PArtnership
Are you a renewable-energy developer or farm supplier?
FAQs
Can any landowner join?
Yes. Membership is open to all private landowners, whether you are currently farming, ranching or renting out your land.
Can renewable energy developers and farm suppliers be members?
No. However, we will have partnership opportunities available for renewable energy developers and farm service providers.
Is there a professional membership category?
Yes, potential professional members include finance, insurance and legal providers. If you are interested in professional membership, contact us.
How much are membership dues for landowners?
REFA offers three membership tiers based on where you are in your renewable energy journey:
- Renewable Energy Host ($50/year): For landowners already hosting operational projects. Includes full education access and business advisory services.
- Renewable Energy Explorer ($75/year): For landowners exploring their options without an active project. Includes full education and networking access.
- Renewable Energy Builder ($250/year): For landowners actively pursuing a project—from initial developer contact through construction. Includes all REFA services including lease review and landscape analysis.
Members can move between tiers as their situation changes. For our professional members, contact REFA staff.
Where is the association’s headquarters?
REFA is headquartered in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The association has an office and personnel at our headquarters, as well as personnel working remotely.
Why is REFA being formed now?
Put simply – farmers and ranchers made it loud and clear that there’s a need for us.
We conducted primary research with over 100 farmers and ranchers who either host a renewable energy project or are actively considering it. Their response was overwhelming: There is a need for REFA and the benefits it provides
How is REFA funded?
The Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) is a national 501(c)(6) non-profit organization funded by membership dues, sponsorships and other mission-aligned donors.
Don’t solar panels require way more energy than they produce?
Solar panels produce far more energy than they consume. Currently, panels make back the energy they produce in less than 4 years, then generate clean power for 25-30+ years. Manufacturing has become increasingly efficient as the industry has scaled.
Do renewable energy projects decrease property value?
Not at all. Research shows solar farms have little to no negative effect on property value, and can even boost them. A Lawrence Berkeley Lab study of 1.8 million home sales found only a 0.5% average change, too small to matter in appraisals. Other recent studies in the Midwest and from Duke University found modest value increases, especially for farmland benefiting from extra income.
Do landowners get tax credits for leasing their land?
No. The tax credits go to whoever is managing the renewable energy project, like the developer, not the farmer or rancher.
Is REFA a national or state-based initiative?
While REFA is based in Illinois, we’re a nationwide non-profit dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers make informed choices about renewable energy on their land. We represent landowners and support whatever decision they feel is right for their land and legacy.
What impact has renewable energy made on energy consumption in the past? When is it projected to balance?
Wind and solar have grown very quickly over the last 20 years. In 2020, they grew by 45%, faster than any other type of energy. This growth comes from lower costs and strong efforts to cut pollution.
Looking forward, experts say the U.S. could get about half of its electricity from renewables in the next 10 years. With today’s technology and storage options, renewables can cover our electricity needs even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Take the first Step
Join REFA
Be better equipped to benefit from renewable energy developments.