Vesper Energy Unveils Hornet Solar Project in Texas
Irving-based Vesper Energy celebrated the commencement of its Hornet Solar project with a ribbon-cutting event on April 10, marking the start of its commercial operations. Situated south of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle, the project encompasses 1.36 million solar panels spread across more than six square miles in Swisher County near Tulia. “Hornet Solar showcases the potential of large-scale energy initiatives to provide dependable domestic power for American households and enterprises,” stated Vesper co-CEO Juan Suarez. “This initiative extends beyond mere solar technology; it aims to enhance energy affordability while reinforcing our nation’s energy independence. With Hornet Solar now fully operational, we are supplying a community with locally sourced electricity, helping to ensure that businesses and residents have the energy necessary for growth and prosperity.”
Significance of Hornet Solar for Texas and Local Economy
According to the company, the operational launch of the facility represents a significant achievement not just for Vesper Energy, but for Texas as a prominent player in solar energy production. Vesper highlighted that Hornet Solar ranks among the largest solar power installations in the United States, projected to generate over $100 million in new tax revenue for Swisher County while delivering 600 MWac of energy. Construction for Hornet Solar commenced in fall 2023, with the company announcing in January 2024 that it had secured $590 million in financing to propel the project forward. Over its development, Hornet Solar reached several key milestones, including the installation of its one-millionth panel in December 2024 and the completion of its final solar module in January 2025.
Economic Impact and Job Creation from Hornet Solar
“The enormity of Hornet Solar is evident—1.36 million panels, over six square miles, and 600 MW of capacity. However, the true significance lies in what this project brings to Swisher County: over $100 million in new tax revenue and substantial investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare,” stated Zach Wald, vice president of EPC at Vesper. The project has also generated more than 300 jobs during its construction phase and is expected to provide vital tax revenue for essential public services. This includes $61 million allocated to the Tulia Independent School District, $25 million for the county, and $12 million for the Swisher Memorial Hospital District.
Looking Ahead: Innovations in Clean Energy
Vesper’s Hornet Solar project, located in Swisher County at the Texas Panhandle’s edge, is set to feature 1.36 million solar panels, providing 600 MWac of renewable energy—sufficient to power approximately 160,000 homes each year. DirectH2 announced that the financing will expedite the development and commercialization of its innovative hydrogen technologies in partnership with Rice University in Houston, tackling vital issues within the clean energy field. Additionally, the TXU Energy & Sunrun Battery Rewards program, unveiled by Vistra Energy in Irving, aims to consolidate energy stored in residential solar-powered batteries, creating a virtual power plant that can supply energy back to the grid during peak demand periods. In a leadership change, Krish Koomar will take over from Robert Scheuermann in January, as Scheuermann has opted to explore other ventures. Scheuermann will assist Koomar through December for a seamless transition. WATTER, a spinoff from Dallas’ Hunt Innovative Technologies, offers advanced water heaters that utilize cloud computing to “generate revenue while heating water, resulting in net-zero computing.” This approach is designed to alleviate stress on the energy grid while providing economic benefits to both homeowners and businesses.
