Quick answer
The plants came online between 2016 and 2023.[1] Three of the four plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and one use fixed-tilt panels.[1] One plant has battery storage on site.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuyama Solar, LLC | 2017 | 40 | Tracking |
| Vandenberg Solar Project | 2017 | 20.6 | Tracking |
| Broadway 3 - UCSB Lot 38 | 2016 | 1.8 | Fixed tilt |
| SEPV Cuyama Hybrid | 2023 | 1.6 | Tracking |
Source: U.S. Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database (USGS, LBNL), version 4.0, released April 14, 2026. Data compiled November 1, 2026.
The oldest utility-scale solar plant in the county came online in 2016.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2] The newest came online in 2023.[1] Federal guidance for farmers describes solar lease payments as typically structured as a fixed annual or monthly fee per acre, or as a percentage of the energy generated by the solar panels.[3] Rent during the operations period will likely include an inflation adjustment, which may be tied to a measure like the Consumer Price Index or set at a fixed rate.[4]
In 2025, Texas accounted for the largest share of total U.S. utility-scale solar electricity generation, followed by California.[5]
What Buckhead buys depends on the deal, and Buckhead tells the seller up front which interest it is offering to buy — for example, the payments for the rest of the current lease term, a term easement, or a longer-term interest. Solar rent is paid period by period, the operations period may last 20 years or more, and renewals are at the developer's option.[4] The land can be converted back to agricultural uses at the end of the installation's operational life.[3]
Educational information only — not legal, tax, or investment advice. The figures are public reference data, not a valuation or appraisal of any interest. Consult a qualified attorney, CPA, or landman about your specific situation.
Santa Barbara County, California has four utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 64 MW (AC) of capacity in total, according to the U.S. Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database (version 4.0, released April 14, 2026).[1] Utility-scale power plants have at least one megawatt of electricity generation capacity.[5]
The plants are Cuyama Solar, LLC (2017, 40 MW AC), Vandenberg Solar Project (2017, 20.6 MW AC), Broadway 3 - UCSB Lot 38 (2016, 1.8 MW AC) and SEPV Cuyama Hybrid (2023, 1.6 MW AC).[1]
Buckhead Energy buys solar lease payments and solar royalties. What Buckhead buys depends on the deal, and Buckhead tells the seller up front which interest it is offering to buy — for example, the payments for the rest of the current lease term, a term easement, or a longer-term interest.
Of the plants with a recorded year, three came online in the 2010s and one in the 2020s.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby California counties with utility-scale solar plants include San Luis Obispo County (853.2 MW AC), Kern County (5,692.8 MW AC), Los Angeles County (1,822.2 MW AC), Kings County (1,513.8 MW AC) and Tulare County (934.6 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in California
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Oil and gas mineral rights in Santa Barbara County, California
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in Santa Barbara County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in San Luis Obispo County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Kern County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Los Angeles County
[1] U.S. Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database (version 4.0, released April 14, 2026) — U.S. Geological Survey and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (accessed November 1, 2026)
[2] Solar Lease Considerations for Landowners — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (accessed November 1, 2026)
[3] Farmer's Guide to Going Solar — U.S. Department of Energy (accessed November 1, 2026)
[4] Farmland Owner's Guide to Solar Leasing — Ohio State University Extension and the National Agricultural Law Center (accessed November 1, 2026)
[5] Solar explained: Where solar is found and used — U.S. Energy Information Administration (accessed November 1, 2026)
Buckhead Energy buys solar lease payments and solar royalties.
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