Starr Solar construction update
As of July 2024
Construction is underway at the 163MW Starr Solar farm in Starr County, Texas. The project entered construction in 2023. The project is expected to finish construction in late 2024. The project did not sustain any damage from Hurricane Beryl, and construction is moving forward as planned.
See below for the latest update on project construction. We understand that construction can be disruptive to the community, and we’re working to minimize disruption. With questions, comments or concerns, please reach out to USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com or fill out the form below.
Equipment and installation
Our construction crew is hard at work installing new infrastructure for Texas’s energy security and independence. When complete, the solar arrays, inverters, transformers, substation and other equipment at Starr Solar will generate home-grown electricity for Texas homes and businesses.
Our latest update:
- 85% of solar panels from U.S.-based manufacturer First Solar have been installed. Full solar panel installation should be completed this summer.
- Post driving is complete.
- Work on the substation is underway, estimated to be completed in late summer 2024.
- All 39 inverters and transformers are installed. These help turn DC power generated by the solar panels into usable AC power that can power homes and businesses via the electrical grid.
- Installation of farm-style game fencing is underway.
- Most major deliveries have been completed, with very little delivery traffic expected for the duration of the project.
Labor
Solar construction creates career opportunities in your community. Our latest update:
- There are currently about 160 workers on site each day. At the peak of construction, there were around 200 workers on site. The number of daily workers will continue to decline for the duration of the project.
- SOLV Energy LLC is the construction contractor for the facility.
- Weekend work is expected on occasion in the near-term.
Responsible Solar
Lightsource bp has a deep commitment to delivering safe, clean and affordable energy, as well as maximizing environmental sustainability and positive social impacts for each of our projects. We call this approach Responsible Solar. We pay attention to every detail, from the fencing we choose to the vegetation we plant. As the project owner and operator, we want our Second Division Solar farm to be a great project for the local community.
- Throughout construction, the site array area has been seeded with 11 kinds of native grasses and flowering plants to stabilize the soil. This practice assists with soil and vegetation stabilization, along with weed suppression and stormwater management. Post-construction, for the life of the project, Lightsource bp creates vegetation plans that establish healthy groundcover that aids in holding stormwater and reducing erosion.
- Lightsource bp is also committed to recycling all solar panels used at our sites, including any damaged during construction. Any damaged solar panels are sent back to their manufacturer to be recycled as well.
Solar construction basics
Check out these additional resources that break down the components of a solar farm, as well as the solar construction process.