Quick answer
The plants came online between 2009 and 2023.[1] Six of the 18 plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and 12 use fixed-tilt panels.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linden Hawk Rise Solar CSG | 2021 | 4 | Fixed tilt |
| Allied Beverages Elizabeth | 2018 | 3.2 | Fixed tilt |
| Bay Avenue CDG | 2023 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| Linden Solar Farm | 2010 | 2.7 | Fixed tilt |
| Jersey Gardens Phase 2 | 2012 | 2.3 | Fixed tilt |
| DG Infineum | 2020 | 2 | Tracking |
| Jersey Gardens Phase 1 | 2011 | 1.7 | Fixed tilt |
| PPL Renewable Energy Merck Solar | 2009 | 1.7 | Fixed tilt |
| Elizabeth Seaport Bldg A Solar | 2022 | 1.5 | Tracking |
| Connell East, LLC | 2013 | 1.4 | Tracking |
| Plainfield One Solar, LLC | 2011 | 1.3 | Tracking |
| BBB Corporate Headquarters | 2010 | 1 | Fixed tilt |
| Community Foodbank of NJ | 2012 | 1 | Tracking |
| Murray Hill Solar | 2011 | 1 | Tracking |
| NJ Airport Solar Project A | 2023 | 1 | Fixed tilt |
| NJ Airport Solar Project B | 2023 | 1 | Fixed tilt |
| NJ Airport Solar Project C | 2023 | 1 | Fixed tilt |
| NJ Airport Solar Project D | 2023 | 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.
Union County, New Jersey has 18 utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 31.8 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 Linden Hawk Rise Solar CSG (2021, 4 MW AC), Allied Beverages Elizabeth (2018, 3.2 MW AC), Bay Avenue CDG (2023, 3 MW AC), Linden Solar Farm (2010, 2.7 MW AC), Jersey Gardens Phase 2 (2012, 2.3 MW AC) and DG Infineum (2020, 2 MW AC).[1] The next are Jersey Gardens Phase 1 (2011, 1.7 MW AC) and PPL Renewable Energy Merck Solar (2009, 1.7 MW AC), plus 10 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, nine in the 2010s and eight in the 2020s.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby New Jersey counties with utility-scale solar plants include Essex County (25 MW AC), Hudson County (25.2 MW AC), Middlesex County (173.5 MW AC), Morris County (61 MW AC) and Somerset County (55.7 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in New Jersey
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Essex County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Hudson County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Middlesex 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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