Quick answer
The plants came online between 2014 and 2020.[1] Three of the 10 plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and seven use fixed-tilt panels.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherford Farm | 2016 | 74.8 | Fixed tilt |
| Ruff Solar, LLC | 2020 | 22 | Tracking |
| Charlotte Solar | 2015 | 5 | Fixed tilt |
| Lincoln Solar, LLC (NC) | 2016 | 4.9 | Fixed tilt |
| Clear Solar I, LLC | 2020 | 3.6 | Tracking |
| Amethyst Solar | 2016 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| Gamble Solar | 2019 | 3 | Fixed tilt |
| Old Caroleen Solar Farm | 2018 | 2 | Tracking |
| Innovative Solar 18, LLC | 2015 | 1.9 | Fixed tilt |
| Innovative Solar 15, LLC | 2014 | 1.5 | 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 2014.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2] The newest came online in 2020.[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.
Rutherford County, North Carolina has 10 utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 121.7 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 Rutherford Farm (2016, 74.8 MW AC), Ruff Solar, LLC (2020, 22 MW AC), Charlotte Solar (2015, 5 MW AC), Lincoln Solar, LLC (NC) (2016, 4.9 MW AC), Clear Solar I, LLC (2020, 3.6 MW AC), Amethyst Solar (2016, 3 MW AC) and Gamble Solar (2019, 3 MW AC).[1] The next are Old Caroleen Solar Farm (2018, 2 MW AC), plus two 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, eight 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 Cleveland County (136.4 MW AC), Gaston County (56.3 MW AC), Catawba County (170.3 MW AC), Cabarrus County (186.2 MW AC) and Rowan County (51.2 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in North Carolina
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Cleveland 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.
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