Zelestra has started construction of the 253MWdc Echols Grove and 188MWdc Cedar Range solar projects in Texas.
The projects, located in Lamar County and Hopkins County, were enabled through long-term power purchase agreements with Meta, according to Zelestra.
Construction began at both sites in January 2026 and full commercial operation is scheduled by the end of 2027.
Zelestra is leading construction of the projects with McCarthy Building Companies appointed as lead EPC contractor.
Together the projects will install 704,000 bifacial modules across 2400 acres.
Phil North, US chief executive of Zelestra, said: “Following our rapid growth in 2025, Zelestra’s expansion in the U.S. energy landscape continues to accelerate in 2026.”
North said: “Echols Grove and Cedar Range are two major projects in our partnership with Meta, which will see 1.2 GW of new clean energy capacity online in the U.S. soon.”
North said: “We are pleased to be supporting local jobs and local supply chain companies, and we are delighted to have McCarthy onboard to help ensure the projects are delivered safely, on-time and on budget for our customer.”
The projects will support more than 400 local jobs and generate about $20m in local spending.
Zelestra and Meta have power purchase agreements for seven projects totalling 1.2GWdc.
Dhruv Patel, president of McCarthy’s renewable energy group, said: “Breaking ground on the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities represents more than new energy infrastructure – it’s a long-term investment in Texas communities.”
Patel said: “These projects will generate quality jobs and create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, while prioritizing safety and workforce development.”
Patel said: “We’re proud to partner with Zelestra to deliver reliable, domestically produced energy in a way that reflects the values of the communities we serve.”