A 288-MW solar project portfolio in Texas valued at $348 million is entering commercial operation. The portfolio is composed of two utility-scale projects developed by Lightsource bp:
- 163 MW Starr Solar in Starr County
- 125 MW Second Division Solar in Brazoria County
Second Division Solar. Lightsource bp
Combined, the two projects can generate enough electricity to power more than 50,000 homes annually.
With this expansion, Lightsource bp’s operational fleet in Texas grows to 1.051 GW. Lightsource bp’s Texas projects have provided power during extreme weather events like winter storms Uri and Heather and recent heat waves.
“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.”
The portfolio is situated within critical energy communities, and supports U.S. domestic manufacturing with solar panels from Arizona-based First Solar and solar trackers from New Mexico-based Array Technologies.
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
News item from Lightsource bp
