landowner
Landowners are the backbone of our operations. We work closely together during the development process, consulting the landowner to identify best infrastructure placement. We also do our best to ensure that our upgrades and development of existing and new roads are also to the benefit of the farming operations – maximising the net positive gain to the landowner.
Benefits to landowners
Landowners can receive a guaranteed income generation source by leasing a small percentage of their land for wind farms, enabling additional income while continuing with their everyday farming activities. Several aspects impact the potential rental income, including: the number of turbines on the property, the project size, the wind speed, the proximity to the grid, and the bid tariff agreed with Eskom or private offtaker.
Development Process
The development process can take between four and seven years. This entails land identification, wind measurement, environmental impact assessment, permitting, engineering studies, and concluding commercial agreements with electricity offtakers. Red Cap coordinates closely with landowners to optimise the layout of the wind farm and minimise impact to existing land use.
Construction
Once agreements are in place, the construction phase typically spans 18 to 36 months, depending on the project's scale. Activities include building access roads, pouring foundations, and installing turbines. The project owner coordinates closely with landowners to minimise disruptions, allowing agricultural or other land uses to continue alongside construction activities.
Operations and Maintenance
After construction, the wind farm enters the operational phase, typically lasting 20 to 30 years. During this period, the project owner handles regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Landowners receive ongoing compensation through lease payments or royalties linked to production of the wind farm, providing a stable, long-term income stream.
Partnerships with landowners
We approach every development as a partnership with landowners - taking the time to form relationships that are built on trust and strong enough to span years of development. Meet Oloff Cilliers, a dairy farmer based in Oyster Bay near Humansdorp, Eastern Cape, whose farm has prospered through a combination of hard work and smart farming - with an added boost from hosting wind turbines on his farm.
Your land. Our word.
A mutual commitment.
The Red Cap Compact is our mutual agreement with every landowner we work with. It contains five commitments that describe what you can expect from us from the moment we shake hands. They are grounded in the same values that shape every partnership we build, and they hold for as long as we’re on your land.
We treat you and your land with genuine care.
Our relationship with you is personal, not transactional. We listen, keep you informed, and always put your interests on the table alongside ours.
We find solutions, not obstacles.
Complex land structures, environmental sensitivities, community dynamics - we’ve navigated all of it before. Where others walk away from difficulty, we find a way that works for you and for the project.
We are committed to a successful development.
We work hard to get things over the line, we don’t take shortcuts, and we show up fully for every stage we’re part of. Where Red Cap is involved, you will always have a named contact who knows your farm and your story.
We move at a pace that respects your time.
We respond quickly, communicate proactively, and make sure you’re never in the dark about where the project stands or what’s coming next.
We are honest with you from day one.
Before you sign anything, we explain every stage of the process - what happens, when it happens, what it means for your farm, and what your rights are at every step. No buried clauses, no surprises after signature.