The primary way that renewable energy developments affect individual local pocketbooks is through landowner payments. Typically, renewable project developers will pay landowners who allow them to place the wind turbines, solar arrays, or associated equipment on their property. In addition, it is becoming more common that developers may also make payments to landowners surrounding the development, even if no equipment is directly on their property - these are often referred to as friendly neighbor agreements. There are also some situations where more community members receive payments than just those that host projects or are adjacent to projects, but these payments are usually smaller than to those directly involved.
Landowner payments allow property owners who host renewable energy projects to receive supplementary income, which can be particularly helpful to farmers and allow them reinvest it into their property and equipment or to help reduce the risks of farm operation.