Lightsource bp announced two solar power projects in Texas with a combined 288 MW of generation capacity are now online, pushing the company’s operational fleet in that state to more than 1 GW of power production.
The company on Jan. 31 said the 163-MW Starr Solar project in Starr County, along with the 125-MW Second Division Solar installation in Brazoria County, represent a $348-million investment.
“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.”
Lightsource bp said the projects created about 400 jobs during the construction phase. The facilities feature panels from Arizona-based First Solar, and smart solar trackers from New Mexico-based Array Technologies. The company said the two projects annually will offset 381,000 metric tons of carbon emissions each year.
Officials said the installations promote environmental sustainability and responsible land stewardship. The solar panels are mounted on posts that use less than 5% of the land, preserving ample space for vegetation. Lightsource bp said the projects will focus on enhancing biodiversity during their the first five years of operation, with ongoing land stewardship initiatives that nclude:
- 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.
Commercial operation of the two new Lightsource bp solar projects comes one week after the company completed the Peacock Solar project in San Patricio County. The 187-MW solar installation will provide power to a nearby Gulf Coast Growth Ventures manufacturing facility.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
