Invenergy, a top developer and operator of sustainable energy projects, has started commercial operations at its Hardin II Solar Energy Center in Hardin County, Ohio. The facility has a capacity to produce 150 MW of clean energy. Meta has agreed to purchase the renewable energy generated by Hardin II Solar, as revealed last month. This project adds more energy capacity to the region, improving the stability and reliability of the local power grid.

Michael Kaplan, Senior Vice President of Development at Invenergy stated, “We are grateful to work alongside the Hardin County community and our project partners to bring Hardin II Solar to fruition. As energy demand continues to rise, committed partners like Meta are helping Invenergy bring more clean energy online.”

Urvi Parekh, Global Head of Energy, Meta, mentioned, “Meta continues to invest in opportunities that support our efforts to match our electricity use with 100 percent clean and renewable energy. Through Hardin II Solar’s Environmental Attribute Purchase Agreement, we take another step in achieving our energy goals while helping bring more economic benefits to project communities and delivering more reliable energy to the local grid.”

Tim Scarbrough, a Hardin II landowner, commented, “I’m happy to participate in a project that enables many farmers, like me, to add a different and steady income stream. The Invenergy team has also spent time giving back to the whole community by supporting local events and increasing funding for schools, and emergency fire and EMS services.”

Invenergy’s solar projects contribute significantly to local economies by supporting public schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. The Hardin II Solar Energy Center created over 400 construction jobs and will provide more than $78 million in community investment through property taxes, landowner payments, and employee wages and benefits. Invenergy’s solar presence in Ohio continues to expand. Hardin III Solar is expected to begin operations next year, with two additional solar projects planned to start construction in 2025.