Lightsource bp has powered up a 288 MW solar portfolio in Texas. Vesper Energy completes 600 MW Hornet Solar project in Swisher County, Texas. LeFrak completes a milestone project on a high-rise rental building in New Jersey. Read more about these initiatives in the latest edition of Projects Weekly.
Texas is reaping the benefits of $348 million in new renewable energy generation as a Lightsource bp 288 MW solar portfolio enters commercial operation. The portfolio includes two utility-scale projects:
With this expansion, Lightsource bp’s operational fleet in Texas grows to 1,051 MW, further diversifying and strengthening the state’s electric grid.
“Our solar projects are a testament to the power of private investment in strengthening energy security and supporting economic growth,” said Helen Brauner, interim COO for Lightsource bp USA. “By delivering reliable, homegrown energy, we’re helping Texas build a more resilient grid while creating opportunities for American manufacturing and local communities.”
Cool factor: Solar panels are mounted on posts that use less than 5% of the land, preserving ample space for vegetation to thrive. With a focus on enhancing biodiversity within the first five years of operation, ongoing land stewardship initiatives across the Starr and Second Division projects include:
- Pollinator-friendly habitats with a custom seed mix planted beneath the panels.
- Integrated agriculture through sheep grazing, set to begin in 2025.
- Habitat structures designed to support small mammal populations.
- Wetland enhancement, protecting an adjacent wetland complex with vegetative filter strips and pollinator habitat to improve water quality.
Vesper Energy completes 600 MW Hornet Solar project
Vesper Energy has installed the final module on its 600 MWac Hornet Solar project Swisher County, Texas. The project features more than 1.36 million modules, spanning more than 6 square miles.
“The seamless coordination between our team and our EPC partner, Blattner, has enabled us to remain ahead of schedule and on budget while ensuring quality throughout the process,” said Juan Suarez, co-CEO at Vesper Energy. “Most notably, the team accomplished this task with zero recordable injuries, underscoring a commitment to safety and excellence.”
Cool factor: The Hornet Solar project features bifacial photovoltaic modules mounted on a single-axis tracking system. The project is interconnected to Oncor Electric’s transmission system within ERCOT and is contracted to provide power to four off-take partners through individual Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs). The Hornet Solar project remains on track to reach full commercialization by the spring of 2025.
LeFrak completes largest solar installation on high-rise multifamily building in N.J.
New York-based real estate developer LeFrak completed a 180 kW, 450-panel rooftop solar system at The Beach, a 336-unit rental tower in Jersey City’s waterfront Newport neighborhood. In the last decade, LeFrak has invested well over $100 million in energy conservation and decarbonization measures throughout its national portfolio, including nearly $1 million for this installation.
“LeFrak is committed to community development and promoting environmental sustainability,” said Charles Burton, head of community relations for LeFrak.
Cool factor: The project is the largest solar panel installation on a high-rise multifamily residential building in New Jersey. The new rooftop system will offset 13% of the building’s carbon emissions, including energy produced by electrical systems used in The Beach’s common area spaces, such as those that power elevators and lighting, as well as cooling and ventilation in the building’s lobby and amenities. The innovative design of The Beach’s roof and the orientation of the building optimize the amount of solar power generated by the system. The system was installed by Sunkeeper Solar, a Brooklyn-based solar energy company.
“Newport’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint is a prime example of the smart, sustainable development we strive to achieve citywide,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “A solar panel installation of this size in Jersey City sets the standard for future projects across the state and country. Our thanks to Newport for leading by example as a forward-thinking community within our city.”
Tags: commercial and industrial, utility-scale
