Quick answer
The plants came online between 2010 and 2023.[1] Two of the 24 plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and 22 use fixed-tilt panels.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broad River Solar, LLC | 2019 | 50 | Tracking |
| Ayrshire | 2017 | 19.4 | Fixed tilt |
| Hutchinson Farm | 2014 | 5 | Fixed tilt |
| Roper Farm, LLC | 2015 | 5 | Fixed tilt |
| Waco Farm | 2013 | 5 | Fixed tilt |
| SID Solar I, LLC | 2015 | 4.9 | Fixed tilt |
| Sophie Solar | 2016 | 4.5 | Fixed tilt |
| Beetle Solar | 2016 | 4 | Fixed tilt |
| Belwood Farm | 2012 | 4 | Fixed tilt |
| Dixon Dairy Road Solar | 2011 | 4 | Fixed tilt |
| Warbler Holdings | 2021 | 4 | Fixed tilt |
| Audrey Solar | 2016 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| Battleground | 2013 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| 231 Dixon 74 Solar I, LLC | 2017 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| 232 Long Branch 29 Solar I, LLC | 2017 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| 233 Randolph 74 Solar I, LLC | 2023 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| County Home Solar Center, LLC | 2016 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| Lux Solar, LLC | 2016 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| Neisler Street Solar | 2015 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| Innovative Solar 23 | 2015 | 1.9 | Fixed tilt |
| Lafayette Solar I, LLC | 2015 | 1.9 | Fixed tilt |
| Shelby Randolph Road Solar 1, LLC | 2015 | 1.9 | Fixed tilt |
| York Road Solar I, LLC | 2015 | 1.9 | Fixed tilt |
| Shelby Solar Energy Generation Facility | 2010 | 1 | 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 2010.[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.
Cleveland County, North Carolina has 24 utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 136.4 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 Broad River Solar, LLC (2019, 50 MW AC), Ayrshire (2017, 19.4 MW AC), Hutchinson Farm (2014, 5 MW AC), Roper Farm, LLC (2015, 5 MW AC), Waco Farm (2013, 5 MW AC), SID Solar I, LLC (2015, 4.9 MW AC), Sophie Solar (2016, 4.5 MW AC) and Beetle Solar (2016, 4 MW AC), plus 16 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, 22 came online in the 2010s and two in the 2020s.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby North Carolina counties with utility-scale solar plants include Rutherford County (121.7 MW AC), Gaston County (56.3 MW AC), Catawba County (170.3 MW AC), Cabarrus County (186.2 MW AC) and Union County (80.2 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in North Carolina
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Rutherford County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Gaston County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Catawba 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