Vesper Energy inaugurates Hornet Solar, a 600 MW plant across over 15 km² in Texas

Vesper Energy has launched operations at its Hornet Solar project, a 600 MW facility in Swisher County, generating over $100 mn in local tax revenue.

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Vesper Energy celebrated on April 10 the commercial commissioning of Hornet Solar, a large-scale photovoltaic power station developed in Swisher County, Texas. Spanning more than 15 square kilometres, the site hosts over 1.36 million solar modules, making it one of the largest single-phase solar projects in the United States. Hornet Solar has a production capacity of 600 megawatts alternating current (MWac) and is expected to generate over $100 mn (approximately €93 mn) in tax revenue for the county.

Infrastructure financed through a $590 mn investment

Launched in autumn 2023, construction was completed in January 2025 with the installation of the final solar panel. Vesper Energy announced in January 2024 it had secured $590 mn (approximately €548 mn) in private financing to support the realisation of the project. This capital raise enabled the completion of the entire facility, including the milestone of installing the one-millionth panel in December 2024.

The inauguration ceremony brought together local officials, including Michael Clawson, Swisher County Judge, and Mark Stover, Executive Director of the Texas Solar and Storage Association, alongside representatives from electricity buyers. The event featured site tours and institutional discussions.

Fiscal returns for the host region

The Hornet Solar project is also presented by Vesper Energy as a local economic driver. Zach Wald, Vice President of Engineering, Procurement and Construction, stated that the tax revenues—estimated at over $100 mn—are expected to contribute to funding schools, infrastructure and healthcare services within the county.

The strategic location of the site in a high-sunlight, low-density region aligns with a broader trend of deploying large-scale solar plants in the United States, supported by growing private investment in the energy sector.

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