May 4, 2026
Continue this week Projects weeklyCanadian solar power plant PowerBank Corp. offered a new update on its community solar project in Nova Scotia. Just south of the Great White North, Distributed Energy Infrastructure has completed two solar projects in upstate New York, near Syracuse. In Maryland, Ameresco and Montgomery County Public Schools cut the ribbon on two new roof installations that are part of a larger energy modernization for the district. After a successful VPPA deal in Spain, Graphic Packaging Holding Co.’s solar strategy has been updated. crossed the Atlantic for a new deal in Texas, in partnership with NextEra Energy Resources. Also in Texas, Energea has started construction on its first industrial-scale solar project in the US, which is expected to come online in early 2029. Keep reading for all the details!
Energea finances the start of construction of a utility-scale project in Texas
Energea is gearing up for its first industrial-scale solar project in the United States. The global renewable energy developer has begun construction on the Iron Spur Solar project, located in the west Texas city of Snyder. Construction of the utility-scale project, which is expected to generate approximately 140 MWdc of solar energy, is expected to be completed in early 2029.
Bright spot: The project’s strategic location allows it to be integrated into one of the most established utility-scale solar markets in the United States. The facility is expected to generate approximately 317 GWh of electricity annually once operational, and is supported by a 35-year land lease.
Mike Silvestrini, co-founder and managing partner at Energea, calls the project a “significant evolution” for the company’s U.S. solar portfolio.
“We see excellent investment opportunities in industrial-scale solar and expect to expand beyond the distributed generation projects we are known for, while maintaining Energea’s focus on immediate cash returns and strong contractual protections,” he says. “The Iron Spur Project reflects our focus on risk-adjusted returns, providing secure debt protection today while retaining the ability to transition to majority equity ownership once the project reaches key milestones.”
EPC company for solar energy and batteries Distributed energy infrastructure (DEI) has completed two solar projects near Lysander, New York. Located approximately 15 miles north of Syracuse, the projects total 7.9 MW of community solar and are expected to add both renewable energy and operations jobs to the New York State landscape. Developed for an energy investment platform Generate capitalThe two locations are DEI’s first installations in the central New York area and will aim to come online to the state’s broader network sometime in the second quarter of 2026.
“Completing these projects during one of Central New York’s harshest winters is a testament to what our team is capable of,” said Mike Wilkinson of Distributed Energy Infrastructure. “Our crews worked through snowy, muddy and icy conditions to stay on schedule and build safely.”
Bright spot: The two projects generated “significant local economic activity” during the construction period in late 2025. The installation was carried out by the local IBEW union, and used technology to maximize energy output.
Technology enhancements for the projects include single-axis ATI tracking systems and bifacial solar panels, the company says. The new modules will deliver 30-40% higher electrification efficiency ratings than standard panels, delivering more energy to the Empire State’s currently stressed electrical grid.
“West Genesee and Cold Springs are a great example of what is possible when the right team, the right financing and the right community come together,” said Peggy Flannery, managing director of Generate Capital’s investment team. “We are proud to bring clean energy and local jobs to Lysander and support Central New York’s growing role in the clean energy transition.”
Ameresco hosts a ribbon cutting for a school district project
Ameresco Inc. and Rockville, Maryland Montgomery County Public Schools hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the district’s two new rooftop solar installations.
With a total of 802.4 kWdc, the two installations on the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and Germantown Elementary School are expected to provide nearly 1 million kWh of solar energy annually. The county says this will not only save money on energy costs, but also further Montgomery County’s energy goals.
“We often talk about the future as something that happens to us, a distant destination that we are just waiting for. By looking at our rooftops, we can see that we are not just waiting for the future; we are building it,” says Brandi K. Overton, director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School. “The installation of solar panels at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School is more than just an upgrade to our infrastructure; it is a commitment to a smarter, cleaner way of life.”
Bright spot: The installations are a small part of a broader energy savings performance contract between Ameresco and the school district. The $23 million contract includes 25 schools across the district and aims to modernize the district’s buildings while improving their energy efficiency and resiliency.
“In addition to the energy and cost savings, projects of this scale create environments where students can connect to real-world energy solutions and become active participants in shaping a more resilient energy future,” said Peter Christakis, COO of Ameresco.
The comprehensive energy initiative aims to save more than 5.9 million kWh of electricity each year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2,000 tonnes per year.
PowerBank realizes network interconnection for the Nova Scotia project
Canadian solar infrastructure developer Power Bank Corp. has announced the implementation of the Standard Small Generator Interconnection and Operating Agreement (SSGIA) for its ground-mounted community solar project in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
With a capacity of approximately 2.43 MW, the project will power approximately 222 homes in Nova Scotia annually. The PowerBank project also aims to provide local residents and businesses with access to solar energy without the need for rooftop installations, and will further the province’s renewable energy goals.
Bright spot: PowerBank also says the company has received the necessary permits for construction and completion from local authorities. The company plans to break ground on the project in the fall of 2026, but the project still needs to be approved and funded.
PowerBank estimates that it will generate approximately $1.79 million in electricity savings for the community in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia over the life of the project. The area, a city of just 110,000 residents, will be critical to achieving the province’s broader goals of net-zero emissions by 2035.
Graphic Packaging Holding signs North American solar energy deal
Following the successful support of a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) in Spain, Graphic Packaging Holding Co. (GPK) has announced a new agreement with NextEra energy sources.
Under the terms of the new agreement, NextEra will build a 250 MW solar facility in west Texas, the company said. The project will advance GPK’s company-wide sustainability program, which the company says aims to reduce emissions to zero by 2050 or sooner.
Bright spot: The project marks a milestone as GPK’s largest VPPA deal to date, the company said. Called the Selenite Springs Energy Center, the project is expected to begin commercial operation in late 2027 and will cover approximately 43% of GPK’s 2025 electricity consumption in the U.S. and Canada.
“Our partnership with NextEra Energy Resources will advance our path to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions and a renewable future,” said Michelle Fitzpatrick, Chief Sustainability Officer at Graphic Packaging. “By purchasing renewable electricity for nearly half of our global electricity needs, we are better positioned to support our customers, the world’s leading consumer brands, as they make progress toward their sustainability goals.”
Tags: Community Solar, modules, projects, Projects Weekly, utility scale
