Quick answer
The plants came online between 2011 and 2021.[1] Two of the 13 plants with a recorded mounting type use tracking systems that follow the sun, and 11 use fixed-tilt panels.[1] Two plants have battery storage on site.[1]
| Plant | Online | Capacity (MW AC) | Mounting |
|---|---|---|---|
| GMP Solar/Storage-Milton Hybrid | 2019 | 5 | Fixed tilt |
| GMP Solar-Williston | 2016 | 4.7 | Fixed tilt |
| GMP Solar/Storage-Essex Hybrid | 2019 | 4.5 | Fixed tilt |
| Chittenden County Solar Partners | 2011 | 2.2 | Tracking |
| Claire Solar Farm | 2014 | 2.2 | Tracking |
| Limerick Road Solar Farm | 2013 | 2.2 | Fixed tilt |
| Whitcomb Solar Farm | 2014 | 2.2 | Fixed tilt |
| Charlotte Solar, LLC VT | 2014 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| Jericho Gravel Solar Farm | 2021 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| Jericho Landfill Solar Farm | 2021 | 2 | Fixed tilt |
| GMP Solar-Richmond | 2016 | 1.9 | Fixed tilt |
| 158th Fighter Wing Solar Farm | 2011 | 1.3 | Fixed tilt |
| VEC Magee Hill Solar | 2017 | 1.3 | 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 2011.[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.
Chittenden County, Vermont has 13 utility-scale solar plants of at least 1 MW, with 33.5 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 GMP Solar/Storage-Milton Hybrid (2019, 5 MW AC), GMP Solar-Williston (2016, 4.7 MW AC), GMP Solar/Storage-Essex Hybrid (2019, 4.5 MW AC), Chittenden County Solar Partners (2011, 2.2 MW AC) and Claire Solar Farm (2014, 2.2 MW AC).[1] The next are Limerick Road Solar Farm (2013, 2.2 MW AC), Whitcomb Solar Farm (2014, 2.2 MW AC) and Charlotte Solar, LLC VT (2014, 2 MW AC), plus five 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, 11 came online in the 2010s and two in the 2020s.[1] Solar lease agreements can last 20 to 30 years.[2]
Nearby Vermont counties with utility-scale solar plants include Rutland County (20.4 MW AC) and Windsor County (28.6 MW AC).[1]
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Vermont
Selling Solar Lease Payments and Solar Royalties
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in Chittenden 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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