How a Solar Lease Transformed One Colorado Landowner’s Retirement
Frank Wilcox had always believed in the power of hard work. For most of his 70 years, he woke up before dawn to tend to his family’s farmland on the wide, wind-brushed plains of eastern Colorado. The land had been in his family for generations—a patch of earth filled with history, memories, and the rhythm of life guided by the seasons.
But times were changing.
Farming wasn’t what it used to be. Equipment was more expensive. Crop yields were unpredictable. And no matter how much he gave to the land, the returns kept shrinking. Retirement loomed, and though Frank wasn’t one to complain, he knew something had to give. Selling the land wasn’t an option—emotionally or financially. He needed a solution that honored the past while preparing for the future.
That’s when he heard about solar leasing.
An Unexpected Opportunity
The idea first came up during a conversation with a neighbor over coffee. Frank had heard about solar panels on rooftops, but the thought of leasing land for a solar farm? That was new.
Curious but cautious, he started asking questions. A bit of online research led him to K2 Renew—a company that helps landowners explore renewable energy land leasing without giving up ownership. It sounded promising: steady, passive income from land, no upfront costs, and a way to preserve the family legacy while supporting clean energy development.
“I figured it couldn’t hurt to learn more,” Frank recalled. “I wasn’t looking to get rich. I just wanted peace of mind.”
The Land Evaluation
Soon after reaching out, the K2 Renew team visited Frank’s property. They walked the perimeter, studied the topography, and explained what made land suitable for utility-scale solar leasing. His acreage, which had once been filled with rows of wheat and alfalfa, turned out to be an excellent fit: good sunlight exposure, proximity to a power substation, and minimal shading.
“They didn’t sugarcoat anything,” Frank said. “They told me exactly what to expect and how long it might take.”
The transparency made a difference. Frank appreciated the way K2 Renew took the time to explain how solar energy site assessment works, how utility partnerships are formed, and what the lease terms would look like over time. Most importantly, they made it clear: the land remained his. The lease simply gave it a new purpose.
A New Kind of Harvest
Within months, Frank signed a lease for 120 acres. He continued living on the remaining land, watching as the development slowly took shape. By the time the solar installation was fully permitted, the income started rolling in—predictable, monthly payments that covered more than his farming had in years.
With that income, Frank didn’t just cover his bills—he funded repairs on the farmhouse, set aside money for his grandchildren’s education, and finally took a long-postponed trip to Yellowstone. “It wasn’t just the money,” he said. “It was the freedom.”
No longer bound by the pressure of seasonal harvests and fluctuating commodity prices, Frank found a new rhythm. And for the first time in years, he could see a future for his land that didn’t involve selling it off piece by piece.
Legacy and a New Kind of Independence
As his children visited from the city, they began to see the transformation too. At first, they weren’t sure what to make of their father’s decision. But as they listened to his reasoning—and saw the results—they came around. His lease wasn’t just providing retirement income. It was securing the land for the next generation.
“We thought Dad might sell one day,” his daughter said. “But this changed everything. Now, the land still belongs to us—and it’s part of something bigger.”
Frank now sees himself as part of the energy transition. His land, once used to grow crops, is now helping power homes across Colorado. And in the process, he’s contributing to something he never expected: energy independence for landowners like himself.
“It’s strange,” he says. “I never thought I’d be part of the renewable energy movement. But here I am—and I’m proud of it.”
Quick & Simple Recap
Frank Wilcox, a 70-year-old Colorado farmer, faced challenges with traditional agriculture and explored solar farm leasing for landowners.
With help from K2 Renew, he secured a lease on part of his land, creating reliable passive income without selling or giving up ownership.
The solar lease brought him financial peace of mind, helped preserve the family legacy, and made him part of Colorado’s clean energy future.
His story reflects the rising opportunities in sustainable land investments and renewable energy development for landowners across the country.
Call-to-Action: Watch This 2-Minute Video on Landowner Experiences
