Invenergy has begun construction on the 240MW Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center in Franklin County, Ohio, marking a $230 million local investment and the latest addition to its growing clean energy portfolio in the state.
Located in Galloway, near Columbus, the solar project will create up to 300 construction jobs and employ three full-time staff when operational in early 2027.
“Pleasant Prairie represents our commitment to meet growing demand with domestic energy and strengthen U.S. energy independence,” said Mick Baird, chief development officer at Invenergy.
The project will use solar panels manufactured by Illuminate USA, a Pataskala-based company majority-owned by Invenergy. These same panels are also being deployed at the Hardin III and Cadence Solar projects elsewhere in Ohio.
“High-quality solar manufacturing is thriving in Ohio,” said Brittany Rogers, chief human resources officer at Illuminate USA. “We’re proud that panels made by our associates will help power local communities.”
Pleasant Prairie has also partnered with Ohio State University’s Battelle Center to support energy education initiatives and the training of future clean energy leaders.
A groundbreaking ceremony held on 10 June featured speakers from Invenergy, landowner Squire Galbreath, and Illuminate USA, followed by a reception at the nearby Darby House.
The facility is part of Invenergy’s growing investment in Ohio, which includes more than 1GW of solar capacity developed to date-enough to power nearly 200,000 homes.