Quick answer
The projects came online between 2014 and 2022.[1] Turbine makers represented in the county: GE Wind (8 turbines).[1]
| Project | Online | Turbines in the county | Capacity in the county (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dole Fresh Vegetables | 2022 | 2 | 5.6 |
| City of Soledad Water Reclamation Facility | 2014 | 1 | 1.9 |
| Scheid Vineyards | 2017 | 1 | 1.9 |
| Taylor Farms | 2014 | 1 | 1.9 |
| Correctional Training Facility | 2018 | 1 | 1.7 |
| Mann Packing | 2019 | 1 | 1.7 |
| Salinas Valley State Prison | 2018 | 1 | 1.7 |
Source: U.S. Wind Turbine Database (USGS, ACP, LBNL), version 9.1, released September 28, 2026. Data compiled November 3, 2026.
Turbines at the oldest project in the county have been in place since 2014.[1] Wind power leases generally have terms of 20 to 40 years, often with an option to extend, while a typical utility-scale wind power project has a useful life of 20 years.[2] The newest project here came online in 2022.[1] In royalty arrangements, the developer pays the landowner a percentage of the revenue received from the electricity produced by the turbines.[2] Minimum payments serve as a floor so landowners receive some revenue even when maintenance outages or lower winds cut production in a given year.[2]
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. A wind lease rents land for a term of years, and wind power leases generally have terms of 20 to 40 years, often with an option for extending the lease.[2] Under a wind lease, the landowner typically keeps the right to continue to grow crops, raise cattle or otherwise use the land outside the project.[2]
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.
Monterey County, California has seven operating wind projects with 8 turbines and 16.4 MW of recorded capacity in the county, according to the U.S. Wind Turbine Database (version 9.1, released September 28, 2026).[1]
The projects are Dole Fresh Vegetables (2022, 5.6 MW), City of Soledad Water Reclamation Facility (2014, 1.9 MW), Scheid Vineyards (2017, 1.9 MW), Taylor Farms (2014, 1.9 MW), Correctional Training Facility (2018, 1.7 MW), Mann Packing (2019, 1.7 MW) and Salinas Valley State Prison (2018, 1.7 MW).[1]
Buckhead Energy buys wind lease payments and wind 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 projects with a recorded year, six came online in the 2010s and one in the 2020s.[1] Wind power leases generally have terms of 20 to 40 years, often with an option to extend, while a typical utility-scale wind power project has a useful life of 20 years.[2]
Nearby California counties with wind projects include San Joaquin County (3.5 MW), Alameda County (212.9 MW), Contra Costa County (113.9 MW), Solano County (1,095.7 MW) and Santa Barbara County (95.3 MW).[1]
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in California
Selling Wind Royalties and Wind Lease Payments
Oil and gas mineral rights in Monterey County, California
Solar Lease Payments and Royalties in Monterey County
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in San Joaquin County
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in Alameda County
Wind Royalties and Lease Payments in Contra Costa County
[1] U.S. Wind Turbine Database (version 9.1, released September 28, 2026) — U.S. Geological Survey, American Clean Power Association and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (accessed November 1, 2026)
[2] New York Wind Energy Guide for Local Decision Makers: Land Agreements — New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) (accessed November 1, 2026)
Buckhead Energy buys wind lease payments and wind royalties.
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