Vistra said its 50-megawatt solar photovoltaic (PV) Brightside solar facility in Live Oak County, Texas, has gone online and generating electricity.
Brightside Solar Facility is the first of seven renewable and energy storage projects across Texas. The Texas-sized package of zero-carbon projects, all located within the ERCOT market, are part of a near $1 billion capital investment by Vistra first announced in September 2020.
“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,” said Curt Morgan, CEO of Vistra.
Also expected online in spring 2022:
DeCordova Energy Storage Facility, Hood County, TX – 260 MW/260 MW-hours
Emerald Grove Solar Facility, Crane County, TX – 108 MW
Brightside is comprised of 147,732 photovoltaic solar panels that can generate enough electricity to power approximately 25,000 average residences in the ERCOT market. Initial project construction began in January 2021.
Brightside Solar Facility utilizes solar panel technology from First Solar; Burns & McDonnell provided engineering and construction expertise.
Vistra plans to grow its zero-carbon fleet to more than 7,300 MW by 2026.