Landowners get expert help navigating the financial and operational impacts of renewable energy
Hosting a renewable energy project is more than a land-use decision. It’s a long-term financial commitment that can impact business operations, tax planning and legacy goals. That’s why the Renewable Energy Farmers of America (REFA) offers dedicated tax and advisory services tailored for farmers and ranchers considering or managing wind, solar, battery storage or high-voltage transmission agreements.
These services are made available through REFA’s partnership with Pinion, a leading advisory and accounting firm for the food and agriculture industry with a 90-year legacy. Pinion advisers bring deep knowledge of farm and ranch activities, helping landowners make informed, confident decisions that protect their land and legacy.
Advisory Services: Protecting the Operation and Planning for the Future
REFA’s advisory services are designed to support landowners on critical business decisions related to renewable energy projects. These services help assess how projects might affect long-term business planning, finances, risk management and insurance.
Common areas of support include:
- Financial strategies: strategic financial consulting, business valuation, wealth management planning with renewable energy income, insurance strategies, incorporating lease payments and retirement planning
- Succession planning: family business advising, next generation and estate planning with long-term lease considerations, and leadership development for multi-generational operations
- Agricultural consulting: farm program services impact, land advisory including irrigation and tile mitigation for renewable energy projects, risk management strategies for hosting energy projects, and sustainability planning
Accounting & Tax Services: Navigating Complexity With Confidence
New revenue streams from renewable energy can introduce unfamiliar tax and accounting considerations. REFA’s accounting and tax services offer landowners a clear understanding of tax implications and accounting complexities that may arise from renewable energy income.
Topics frequently addressed include:
- Tax compliance and strategy: tax analysis for renewable energy lease payments, compliance with tax laws for energy income, and advisory on deductions and credits related to renewable projects
- Accounting services: solutions for tracking renewable income separately from farm operations, integrated office solutions for managing multiple income streams, and payroll and time management considerations for new job responsibilities created by renewable energy projects
What REFA Members Receive
With their REFA membership, farmers and ranchers receive:
- A free 30-minute assessment call with Pinion’s agricultural business, tax or accounting specialists
- Access to Pinion’s knowledge base via phone, email or meetings
- Initial consultations on any business concerns, accounting or tax questions at no cost
- Professional services and project work available for an additional fee (rates vary by project scope)
These services are intended to complement existing relationships with a landowner’s CPA or financial advisory by offering additional expertise specific to renewable energy projects on agricultural land.
Long-term land use decisions deserve thoughtful, experienced input. With these services available, landowners gain a trusted partner for navigating the full life cycle of energy development, from early exploration to long-term legacy planning.
