Zelestra has begun construction on two large utility-scale solar projects in Texas, marking the company’s largest photovoltaic developments in the United States to date.

The Echols Grove Solar project in Lamar County will have a capacity of 253 MWdc, while the Cedar Range Solar project in Hopkins County will deliver 188 MWdc. Combined, the installations will add 441 MWdc of solar capacity to the grid.

Construction began in January 2026, with McCarthy Building Companies serving as the lead engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for both projects. The facilities are expected to reach full commercial operation by the end of 2027.

Both projects are supported by long-term power purchase agreements with Meta, part of a broader collaboration between the companies that includes seven projects totaling 1.2 GWdc of renewable energy capacity in the United States.

According to Zelestra, the two projects will involve the installation of approximately 704,000 bifacial solar modules across around 2,400 acres of land. Construction is expected to support more than 400 local jobs and generate roughly $20 million in local spending.

Phil North, U.S. CEO of Zelestra, said the projects represent continued expansion of the company’s renewable energy portfolio in the country following strong growth in 2025.

Dhruv Patel, president of the renewable energy group at McCarthy Building Companies, said the projects will contribute to new energy infrastructure while supporting local employment and supply chains.

Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Zelestra is developing a renewable energy pipeline of approximately 15 GW across several key markets.

Source: zelestra.energy