US utility Vistra has brought online the 50MW Brightside solar farm in Live Oak County, Texas.
Brightside is the first of seven new renewable and energy storage projects that the company is bringing online across Texas over the next few years.
The projects, all located within the ERCOT market, are part of a near $1bn capital investment by Vistra first announced in September 2020.
Brightside is located on 174 hectares of land and comprises 147,732 solar panels that can generate enough electricity to power approximately 25,000 average residences in the ERCOT market during normal grid conditions.
Initial project construction began in January 2021.
Brightside uses First Solar PV panels, with Burns & McDonnell having provided engineering and construction expertise to the project.
Vistra chief executive Curt Morgan said: “With Brightside and additional Vistra Zero projects poised to come online across Texas, our vision of transitioning our fleet to cleaner electric generation is becoming a reality.
“As Texas continues its rapid rate of economic and population growth, Vistra is investing in the grid of the future while serving the needs of its customers who are increasingly seeking green alternatives.
“We’re proud of our long history of powering Texas and look forward to continuing to strengthen the ERCOT grid with additional power to help build the sustainable future all Texans deserve.”
The company also expects to start commercial operations in Texas in spring 2022 at the 260MW DeCordova energy storage facility in Hood County and the 108MW Emerald Grove solar farm in Crane County.