Elm Branch Solar | 163MW in Texas
About the Elm Branch Solar project
The Elm Branch Solar project is located in Ellis County, Texas, about 40 miles south of Dallas. The project finished construction and entered full commercial operation at the end of 2021.
L3Harris Technologies, a global aerospace and defense technology innovator, entered into a long-term virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Lightsource bp for renewable energy to help reach its emissions reduction goal. The company plans to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions companywide by nearly 30% by 2026.
Under this agreement, L3Harris will receive renewable energy certificates from the solar project, for up to 100 megawatts of capacity. L3Harris’ agreement is the equivalent of eliminating about 110,000 metric tons of CO2 per year or removing 24,000 cars from the road every year.
VPPAs are a great mechanism for corporate entities such as L3Harris to achieve their sustainability goals and contribute to the construction of new renewable energy projects without having to physically install solar at their corporation’s location.
163MWᴅᴄ
/135MWᴀᴄ home-grown renewable energy
156,000 metric tons
carbon emissions abated each year for healthier air
33,700
fuel-burning cars taken off road (equivalent)
24,790
equivalent US homes powered per year
300
jobs created during construction, supporting local labor
Site selection & preliminary design
Stakeholder outreach
Permitting & environmental studies
Land management & biodiversity planning
Final engineering, financing & construction
Operation & maintenance
Decommissioning & recycling
Community support: Social & environmental benefits for Texas
The project is bringing numerous social and environmental benefits to Texas communities, in addition to improving air quality by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation.
- 50 Texas veterans received on-the-job training during project construction as participants in a solar apprenticeship program through veteran-owned Adaptive Construction Solutions
- Family farms tend flocks of sheep across the full Elm Branch solar sites, helping manage vegetation through paid grazing contracts. Several of these families are also leasing their own land to the solar farm. These partners may see as many as three revenue streams from their land: lease payments, grazing contracts and agricultural products.
- Native vegetation, including several types of grasses and the Texas Bluebonnet flowers grow under and around the solar panels.
- Lightsource bp is a proud supporter of the Italy Independent School District in Ellis County. Our donation is supporting renovations to special education facilities, where students with disabilities will have a place to practice and acquire independent life skills.
Check out the stories below to learn more about some of these initiatives!
Supporting sheep and local biodiversity at Elm Branch and Briar Creek solar farms
Environmental stewardship at Elm Branch Solar
Video: Veterans help build new Texas solar farms
On-the-job training for Texas veterans at Elm Branch
Community dialogue – we want to be a good neighbor
We have a dedicated Community Relations team that’s here to answer your questions and ensure that Lightsource bp is an active member in your community. To connect with a Community Relations Manager please email USCommunityRelations@lightsourcebp.com.
Elm Branch Solar Photo Gallery
Information and resources
We’ve put together a collection of resources for anyone who’d like to know more about utility-scale solar energy.
Solar farm FAQs
We’ve put together a list of the most commonly asked questions, and their answers.
Solar energy basics
National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL)
Lightsource bp educational materials
Solar panel safety and recycling
Explore our other Texas solar farms
Briar Creek Solar
153 MW
Navarro County, Texas
Energy partner: Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty
