Quick answer
The plants came online between 2009 and 2023.[1] Three of the 20 plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and 17 use fixed-tilt panels.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imclone Solar Electric Facility | 2014 | 7.7 | Fixed tilt |
| Pfizer Peapack Solar | 2016 | 6.2 | Fixed tilt |
| Canal Road Solar | 2023 | 5.5 | Fixed tilt |
| Franklin Solar 2, LLC Community Solar | 2023 | 3.8 | Fixed tilt |
| Franklin Solar 1, LLC Community Solar | 2023 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| Silvi Gibraltar Rock | 2016 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| Rotor Clip | 2018 | 2.7 | Fixed tilt |
| Skillman | 2011 | 2.7 | Fixed tilt |
| Bernards Solar | 2016 | 2.6 | Fixed tilt |
| Rariton OMP | 2012 | 2.4 | Fixed tilt |
| 10 Finderne Avenue Solar, LLC | 2017 | 2.3 | Fixed tilt |
| SCS Randolph 012175 Somerset, LLC | 2021 | 2.3 | Tracking |
| Raritan ITS | 2010 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| Carrier Clinic | 2009 | 1.5 | Fixed tilt |
| Dynamic Energy NJ - Ferrero | 2022 | 1.5 | Tracking |
| RB Manufacturing, LLC Belle Mead NJ | 2016 | 1.5 | Fixed tilt |
| Solar Star New Jersey NJ, LLC | 2012 | 1.5 | Tracking |
| Thermo Fisher | 2013 | 1.5 | Fixed tilt |
| L'Oreal Franklin | 2012 | 1 | Fixed tilt |
| Patriots Stadium | 2013 | 1 | Fixed tilt |
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 2009.[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]
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.
Somerset County, New Jersey has 20 utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 55.7 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 largest plants are Imclone Solar Electric Facility (2014, 7.7 MW AC), Pfizer Peapack Solar (2016, 6.2 MW AC), Canal Road Solar (2023, 5.5 MW AC), Franklin Solar 2, LLC Community Solar (2023, 3.8 MW AC) and Franklin Solar 1, LLC Community Solar (2023, 3 MW AC).[1] The next are Silvi Gibraltar Rock (2016, 3 MW AC), Rotor Clip (2018, 2.7 MW AC) and Skillman (2011, 2.7 MW AC), plus 12 more in the table above.[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, one came online in the 2000s, 14 in the 2010s and five in the 2020s.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby New Jersey counties with utility-scale solar plants include Middlesex County (173.5 MW AC), Hunterdon County (74 MW AC), Mercer County (64.5 MW AC), Morris County (61 MW AC) and Union County (31.8 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in New Jersey
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Middlesex County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Hunterdon County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Mercer 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.
Get a Free Written Offer