Quick answer
The plant came online in 2016.[1] The plant uses a tracking system that follows the sun.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caprock Solar 1, LLC | 2016 | 25 | Tracking |
Source: U.S. Large-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Database (USGS, LBNL), version 4.0, released April 14, 2026. Data compiled November 1, 2026.
Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2] 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.
Quay County, New Mexico has one utility-scale solar plant of at least 1 MW, with 25 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 plant is Caprock Solar 1, LLC (2016, 25 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.
The plant came online in 2016.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby New Mexico counties with utility-scale solar plants include San Miguel County (26.5 MW AC), Chaves County (173.1 MW AC), Colfax County (41.4 MW AC), Torrance County (52 MW AC) and Taos County (22 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in New Mexico
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Oil and gas mineral rights in Quay County, New Mexico
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in Quay County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in San Miguel County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Chaves County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Colfax 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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