Renewable energy company Zelestra has initiated construction on two major solar energy projects in Texas, the largest photovoltaic (PV) plants the company has developed in the US.

The Echols Grove project in Lamar County and the Cedar Range project in Hopkins County are set to deliver 253MW-direct current (MWdc) and 188MWdc, respectively.

McCarthy Building Companies has been appointed as the lead engineering, procurement and construction contractor for both sites.

The projects are supported by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Meta.

These agreements are part of a broader collaboration between the two companies involving seven projects with a total capacity of 1.2GWdc, aimed at bolstering Meta’s commitment to clean and renewable energy.

McCarthy renewable energy group president Dhruv Patel said: “Breaking ground on the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities represents more than new energy infrastructure – it is a long-term investment in Texas communities.

“These projects will generate quality jobs and create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, while prioritising 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.”

Construction commenced at both locations in January 2026, with completion and full commercial operations expected by late 2027.

The development of these projects will contribute significantly to local employment, generating more than 400 jobs and around $20m in local economic activity.

A total of 704,000 bifacial solar modules are set to be installed across 2,400 acres.

Zelestra, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is expanding its presence in the US renewable energy sector, providing solutions to meet the growing demands of large-scale corporate partners.

The company is currently working on a diverse portfolio comprising approximately 15GW of renewable energy initiatives across various key markets.

Zelestra US CEO Phil North said: “Following our rapid growth in 2025, Zelestra’s expansion in the US energy landscape continues to accelerate in 2026.

“Echols Grove and Cedar Range are two major projects in our partnership with Meta, which will see 1.2GW of new clean energy capacity online in the US soon.

“We are pleased to be supporting local jobs and local supply chain companies, and we are delighted to have McCarthy onboard to help ensure the projects are delivered safely, on time and on budget for our customer.”

Last month, Zelestra initiated construction at the Babilonia solar facility, a 242MWdc project in Arequipa, Peru.