Prairie Ronde Solar goes online

Lightsource bp solar project in Louisiana goes online, driving US manufacturing and local economic growth 

• 180-megawatt project supports made-in-America products, produces enough energy to power 31,000 homes
• Homegrown energy boosts energy security, fortifies grid reliability and reduces reliance on foreign imports
• Project will provide $20m investment in St. Landry Parish community resources

Lightsource bp’s 180 megawatt (MWdc) solar project in St. Landry Parish, Louisiana, has entered commercial operation. The $170 million privately funded solar farm serves as a concrete example of the ways investing in homegrown energy delivers real, measurable benefits to local communities and the broader economy. 

Located about 30 miles north of Lafayette, Prairie Ronde Solar aims to increase America’s renewable energy dominance, revitalize domestic manufacturing, and drive investment into communities historically reliant on conventional energy sources. 

Emilie Wangerman, Chief Operations Officer of Lightsource bp USA, said: “The Prairie Ronde solar project is a powerful example of domestic energy investment in action. Working together with our partners, we are building a more resilient grid with US-made products, supporting underserved communities, creating jobs, introducing homegrown energy solutions and reducing our nation’s dependence on foreign imports.” 

Stimulating made-in-America and the local economy

The Prairie Ronde solar project features solar equipment sourced from U.S. manufacturers:  solar panels from Arizona-based First Solar and smart solar trackers from New Mexico-based Array Technologies.  

Additionally, the Prairie Ronde solar farm will provide a boost of more than $20 million to St. Landry Parish throughout the life of the project. This revenue, including $8.3 million in the first five years after construction begins, will bolster public resources such as local school systems and emergency services. An additional $3.9 million annual operating budget will be spent primarily in the region as well.  

Jessie Bellard, St. Landry Parish President, said: “Lightsource bp’s investment in St. Landry Parish represents a new day for our community and our schools. Their funding boosts job-creating development projects, stronger infrastructure, and better education for our children. With this support, St. Landry Parish is poised to become a regional leader in innovation and opportunity for all.” 

In 2023, Lightsource bp established the St. Landry Parish Community Fund as part of its commitment to supporting the communities that are home to its projects. The company collaborates closely with local residents to ensure the fund addresses the community’s most urgent needs, with resources directed toward initiatives focused on education and community development, including a new Welcome Center for the St. Landry Parish Veteran’s Memorial and funding for classroom learning and athletics in the Parish’s schools.  

Resources

Prairie Ronde solar project website 

Habitat creation and preservation at Prairie Ronde 

Image library (For media use only – Please credit Lightsource bp)