Zelestraa renewable energy company, has begun construction on its two largest U.S. solar projects to date. Head of EPC McCarthy Building Cos. has started work on both 253 MWdirect current Echols Grove in Lamar County, Texas, and the 188 MWdirect current Cedar Range in Hopkins County.
The Jasper County Solar Project in Indiana. Zelestra
“Following our rapid growth in 2025, Zelestra’s expansion across the U.S. energy landscape continues to accelerate in 2026,” said Phil North, Zelestra’s U.S. CEO. “Echols Grove and Cedar Range are two major projects in our partnership with Meta, which will soon bring 1.2 GW of new clean energy capacity online in the US. We are pleased to support local jobs and local businesses across the supply chain, and we are excited to have McCarthy on board to ensure the projects are delivered safely, on time and on budget for our client.”
Facebook parent company Meta has signed power purchase agreements for both projects. Construction of both locations began in January 2026 and full commercial operation is expected by the end of 2027. Together the projects will support more than 400 local jobs. A total of 704,000 bifacial modules will be installed on 2,400 hectares.
Meta signed another PPA for Zelestra’s Skull Creek Solar Plant in Texas in early February. Through Zelestra alone, Meta has PPAs for 1.2 GWdirect current of solar energy to support data center activities.
“The breakthrough of the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities represents more than new energy infrastructure – it is a long-term investment in Texas communities,” said Dhruv Patel, president of McCarthy’s Renewable Energy group. “These projects will generate quality jobs and create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, while prioritizing safety and workforce development. We are proud to partner with Zelestra to deliver reliable, domestically produced energy in a way that reflects the values of the communities we serve.”
News item from Zelestra
