Zelestra Advances Major Solar Expansion With Two Large-Scale Projects in Texas
Zelestra, a global renewable energy developer known for its multi-technology and customer-focused approach, has officially begun construction on two of the largest solar projects in its United States portfolio. The company recently initiated work on the Echols Grove Solar Project and the Cedar Range Solar Project in Texas, marking a significant milestone in Zelestra’s ongoing expansion in the American renewable energy market.
The two solar developments—located in Lamar County and Hopkins County—represent Zelestra’s largest solar installations in the United States to date. With combined capacity exceeding 400 megawatts direct current (MWdc), the projects will play an important role in delivering clean electricity to the grid while supporting local economies and helping major corporate buyers achieve their sustainability targets.
Construction work on both sites began in January 2026, and the projects are expected to reach full commercial operation by the end of 2027. Once completed, the solar facilities will contribute significantly to expanding renewable energy generation in Texas, one of the fastest-growing renewable power markets in the country.
Two Major Solar Installations in Northeast Texas
The first of the two projects, the Echols Grove Solar Project, is located in Lamar County, Texas. With a generation capacity of 253 MWdc, it will become one of the largest solar installations in the region once operational. The project will occupy a large tract of land and will incorporate advanced photovoltaic technology designed to maximize energy generation throughout the day.
The second development, the Cedar Range Solar Project in Hopkins County, will have a capacity of 188 MWdc. While slightly smaller than Echols Grove, Cedar Range remains a major renewable energy project that will contribute substantial clean power to the Texas electricity grid.
Together, the two solar projects will have a combined generation capacity of 441 MWdc, making them critical additions to Zelestra’s growing renewable energy portfolio in the United States.
Both projects will feature large-scale solar arrays using bifacial photovoltaic modules. In total, approximately 704,000 solar panels will be installed across the two sites. These bifacial modules are designed to capture sunlight from both the front and back surfaces of the panel, enabling higher electricity generation compared to traditional single-sided modules.
The installations will span approximately 2,400 acres of land, demonstrating the scale of these solar developments and the substantial infrastructure investment required to bring them online.
Partnership With Meta to Deliver Clean Energy
A key factor enabling the construction of these projects is Zelestra’s long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the technology company Meta. These agreements ensure that the electricity generated by the solar facilities will be purchased over a long-term contract, providing financial certainty that supports project development and construction.
The Echols Grove and Cedar Range projects are part of a broader partnership between Zelestra and Meta that encompasses seven renewable energy projects across the United States. In total, the partnership represents approximately 1.2 gigawatts direct current (GWdc) of clean energy capacity.
Through these agreements, Meta continues to expand its renewable energy procurement strategy as part of its commitment to operate on 100 percent clean and renewable energy. Large technology companies increasingly rely on power purchase agreements to secure renewable energy supplies for data centers and other operations while simultaneously supporting the development of new energy infrastructure.
For Zelestra, the collaboration with Meta demonstrates the growing demand for renewable electricity among corporate buyers and highlights the role of independent power producers in enabling large-scale clean energy procurement.
Construction Led by McCarthy Building Companies
To oversee construction of both solar projects, Zelestra has partnered with McCarthy Building Companies, which will serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor.
McCarthy’s renewable energy division has extensive experience delivering utility-scale solar installations across the United States. As the lead EPC contractor, the company will manage project design, equipment procurement, site preparation, installation of solar modules, and the construction of supporting infrastructure such as electrical systems and grid interconnections.
The involvement of an experienced contractor is critical for large renewable projects, as it ensures efficient construction timelines, safety management, and adherence to project budgets.
Local Economic Benefits and Job Creation
Beyond the environmental benefits associated with renewable energy, the Echols Grove and Cedar Range projects are expected to deliver meaningful economic advantages to local communities.
During the construction phase, the projects will support more than 400 local jobs. These positions will include a wide range of roles such as construction workers, electricians, engineers, equipment operators, and project management staff.
The projects are also expected to generate approximately $20 million in local spending. This investment will flow into surrounding communities through the use of local contractors, suppliers, lodging providers, restaurants, and other service businesses.
Large infrastructure projects often provide a significant boost to regional economies during construction, and solar installations are no exception. The influx of workers and project-related spending can help stimulate economic activity in rural areas where many renewable energy projects are located.
Additionally, once operational, the solar facilities will contribute long-term property tax revenue that can support local schools, public services, and infrastructure development.
Leadership Perspective on U.S. Expansion
According to Phil North, the U.S. Chief Executive Officer of Zelestra, the launch of construction on these projects reflects the company’s strong growth trajectory in the American renewable energy market.
North noted that after a period of rapid expansion in 2025, Zelestra is continuing to accelerate its presence across the U.S. energy landscape in 2026. The Echols Grove and Cedar Range projects represent key milestones in the company’s broader strategy to deliver large-scale clean energy infrastructure to corporate customers.
He also emphasized the importance of local partnerships and workforce participation, highlighting the role of regional supply chains and skilled labor in successfully delivering major renewable energy developments.
North expressed confidence that with McCarthy Building Companies leading construction efforts, both projects will be delivered safely, efficiently, and within budget while meeting the expectations of Zelestra’s corporate customer partners.
Commitment to Community Engagement and Workforce Development
Dhruv Patel, President of the Renewable Energy group at McCarthy Building Companies, also highlighted the broader significance of the projects for local communities in Texas.
According to Patel, breaking ground on the solar facilities represents more than simply building new energy infrastructure. The projects reflect long-term investments in regional economies and workforce development initiatives.
He noted that construction will create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers while maintaining a strong focus on worker safety and skills development. Large renewable energy projects frequently involve training programs and workforce initiatives designed to equip workers with specialized skills related to solar construction and operations.
Patel added that McCarthy is proud to collaborate with Zelestra to deliver reliable, domestically produced energy while supporting the communities where the projects are being built.
Zelestra’s Growing Renewable Energy Portfolio
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Zelestra has been rapidly expanding its renewable energy development activities across multiple global markets. The company focuses on delivering integrated energy solutions that combine solar power, energy storage, and other renewable technologies to meet the evolving needs of corporate and utility customers.
In the United States alone, Zelestra is developing a large pipeline of renewable energy projects. The company’s portfolio currently includes approximately 15 gigawatts of renewable capacity under development across key energy markets.
This diverse project pipeline reflects the increasing demand for clean energy solutions driven by corporate sustainability commitments, government policies, and growing electricity demand from digital infrastructure such as data centers.
Recognition Among Leading PPA Providers
Zelestra’s growing influence in the corporate renewable energy market has also been recognized by industry analysts. In February 2026, the company was ranked among the top ten sellers of power purchase agreements to corporate customers in the United States by BloombergNEF.
Corporate PPAs have become one of the primary mechanisms enabling companies to procure renewable electricity while supporting the development of new energy generation projects. By securing long-term electricity contracts with large corporations, developers like Zelestra can finance and build projects that might otherwise struggle to obtain funding.
The ranking underscores Zelestra’s success in building partnerships with major corporate buyers and delivering large-scale renewable energy projects that meet their sustainability objectives.
Supporting the Future of Clean Energy
As construction progresses on the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities, the projects represent an important step forward for both Zelestra and the broader renewable energy sector in the United States.
Once completed, the installations will deliver hundreds of megawatts of clean electricity, contribute to regional economic development, and support the continued transition toward a more sustainable energy system.
With strong corporate partnerships, a growing development pipeline, and expanding operations across key markets, Zelestra is positioning itself as a significant player in the global renewable energy landscape. The company’s latest Texas solar projects illustrate how collaborative efforts between developers, corporate energy buyers, and construction partners can accelerate the deployment of clean energy infrastructure while delivering tangible benefits to communities and businesses alike.
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