Quick answer
The plants came online between 2015 and 2021.[1] Two of the eight plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and six use fixed-tilt panels.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar Solar, LLC | 2021 | 60 | Fixed tilt |
| 1008 Matthews Solar | 2021 | 4.9 | Fixed tilt |
| 1009 Yadkin Solar | 2021 | 4.9 | Fixed tilt |
| 1051 Lucky Solar, LLC | 2021 | 4.8 | Tracking |
| Ashley Solar Farm | 2015 | 4 | Fixed tilt |
| Yadkinville Solar | 2015 | 3.5 | Fixed tilt |
| 1047 Little Mountain Solar, LLC | 2019 | 3 | Tracking |
| Yadkin 601 Farm | 2015 | 3 | 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 2015.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2] The newest came online in 2021.[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.
Yadkin County, North Carolina has eight utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 88.1 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 Sugar Solar, LLC (2021, 60 MW AC), 1008 Matthews Solar (2021, 4.9 MW AC), 1009 Yadkin Solar (2021, 4.9 MW AC), 1051 Lucky Solar, LLC (2021, 4.8 MW AC), Ashley Solar Farm (2015, 4 MW AC), Yadkinville Solar (2015, 3.5 MW AC) and 1047 Little Mountain Solar, LLC (2019, 3 MW AC).[1] The next are Yadkin 601 Farm (2015, 3 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.
Of the plants with a recorded year, four came online in the 2010s and four in the 2020s.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby North Carolina counties with utility-scale solar plants include Surry County (85.3 MW AC), Davie County (47.9 MW AC), Stokes County (58.9 MW AC), Rowan County (51.2 MW AC) and Catawba County (170.3 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in North Carolina
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Surry County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Davie County
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Stokes 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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