The 177 MW Ridgely Solar project in Lake County, Tennessee, is now online for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The project, located about 100 miles north of Memphis, was designed by LRE.
Ridgely Solar began development in 2020 and created approximately 700 jobs during construction. LRE’s engineering team worked with Nextracker and First Solar, continuing the long-standing partnership with both US-based leaders. Nextracker’s NX Horizon-XTR terrain-following solar tracker systems, together with First Solar’s thin-film solar panels, deliver industry-leading performance and reliability.
“Ridgely Solar marks a significant milestone as LRE’s first project in Tennessee,” said Eran Mahrer, Chief Commercial Officer at LRE. “The project will deliver reliable energy, stimulate investment in Lake County, and demonstrate our role as a community partner by supporting local priorities. By building on our long-standing relationships with America’s technology leaders, prioritizing domestic jobs and manufacturing, and integrating innovative solutions that reduce impact and accelerate deployment, Ridgely is demonstrating how forward-thinking projects can benefit the communities where we are active can strengthen and contribute to our country’s long-term energy security.”
In addition to providing reliable and cost-effective energy, Ridgely Solar has become a partner in the Lake County community, supporting initiatives that strengthen education, safety and family well-being. The project has funded scholarships through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Northwest, helped build an inclusive playground for children with disabilities, and supported the American Red Cross Mid-South’s local flood response efforts. Ridgely Solar has also contributed to public safety infrastructure for first responders and provided resources for The Nest, a daycare center at Margaret Newton Elementary that provides free childcare to local families.
“Projects like Ridgely Solar make a lasting difference to our community,” said Lake County Mayor Danny Cook. “This project expands opportunities and supports long-term growth for Lake County while contributing to reliable energy for the region.”
News item from LRE