Vistra’s Brightside Solar Facility in Live Oak County, Texas, is online and generating electricity. The 50 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project is part of the company’s growing portfolio of zero-carbon power generation assets, known as Vistra Zero. Brightside Solar Facility is one of seven new energy storage and renewable projects that Vistra Zero will be bringing online in Texas over the next few decades. Vistra has invested nearly $1 billion in Texas to create the Texas-sized zero-carbon package. It includes all projects located within ERCOT.
“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,” says Curt Morgan, CEO of Vistra. “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 260 MW/260MWh DeCordova Energy Storage Facility in Hood County and the 108-MW Emerald Grove Solar Facility in Crane County are also expected to go online in spring 2022.
Brightside, located on 430 acres in Live Oak County is made up of 147,732 solar panels. These panels can generate enough electricity for approximately 25,000 homes in the ERCOT market under normal grid conditions. In January 2021, the initial construction of the project began.
“With unmatched development, commercial and operational teams, requisite capabilities, and access to capital, we are proud to be playing a leading role during this great energy transition,” adds Morgan. “For 140 years, Vistra and its predecessor companies have generated affordable and reliable electricity. We are committed to providing essential products while maintaining a balance between our commitment to the environment, and our commitments to the communities in which our employees and their families live. The way we produced power in 1882 looks very different now – but our commitment to our fellow Texans remains the same.”
Brightside Solar Facility uses First Solar’s solar panel technology. Burns & McDonnell provided engineering and construction expertise.