Episode Notes
Chad Hughes welcomes Paul Scannell, Manager of Real Estate and Title for Geenex Solar LLC, to the show to talk about title in relation to access. Paul has the better part of 15 years of experience in the sector and sheds light on the intricacies of title, including how minerals for subsurface can affect surface rights.
Paul Scannell started in oil and gas research after college before meeting someone who identified his knack for understanding title. That meeting led him into doing title work for solar and wind projects in Texas. Paul explains title as “an evidence chain of ownership of a piece of property” which goes from patent – the first deed given from the government to a private owner – to present.
Paul explains the importance of obtaining proper title for a project early to avoid running into incomplete records or multiple owners who object to the project. Paul breaks down the nuances of mineral estate versus surface estate rights in the US, how the two titleholders can be different, and whose is the dominant estate. He shares stories to illustrate title issues involving mineral rights and he imparts valuable advice for anyone starting a project on how to approach title correctly and sooner rather than later.
“There were a lot of times where I sat in planning meetings and I asked, ‘Have you considered any issues with minerals’, and they go, ‘We’ll burn that bridge when we cross it’. And I just… my head would sink. So my advice to anyone developing a project, especially in a mineral heavy area, is don’t be scared of it. But be prepared, okay? Know what you’re getting yourself into, speak to someone who has done this before.” – Paul Scannell
About Paul Scannell
Paul Scannell is based out of Charlotte, North Carolina and works for Geenex Solar LLC. Paul has been in the renewable space for around 10 years and has been involved in several of the early-stage activities when it comes to developing renewable projects. His focus has primarily been on the title side of things with an emphasis on Mineral Title. Paul earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Sam Houston State University and a certificate of Petroleum Land Management from the University of Houston. He began his title career in the Permian Basin of West Texas and developed skills that later helped him advise developers of the risks associated with minerals for Solar and Wind projects.
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Chad Hughes | CEO, Entrepreneurial Leader, Author: website | linkedin
Paul Scannell | Manager of Real Estate and Title, Geenex Solar LLC.: website | linkedin
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