Frio County, TX
LRE subsidiary Horizon Solar, LLC is a 200–megawatt (MW) solar facility on 1,640 acres of privately–owned land near the city of Pearsall in Frio County, Texas.
The project connects to South Texas Electric Cooperative’s electric system via a new 138kV switching station connecting to the Pearsall substation.
Horizon Solar is expected to operate for 30+ years, providing significant economic investment to the community, a substantial property tax base for the County and schools, while generating emission-free renewable energy.
Horizon Solar began construction in 2022, and began operating in late-2023.
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Horizon Solar is committed to being a dedicated member of the community and to work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our engagement with the community goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and community members. We pride ourselves on being transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback throughout the life of the project. We also believe being involved means giving back.
We get to know our neighbors and have a long history of supporting local causes the community is passionate about. Whether through employee volunteer opportunities or corporate-level sponsorships, we are always looking for positive ways to stay actively engaged with the community and to serve as a good corporate neighbor.
Founded in Texas in 2003, LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) owns and operates 30+ wind, solar, and energy storage projects totaling over 4GW nationwide. LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. We prioritize domestic jobs, local community partnerships, and protecting the land in our long-term approach to meet American energy needs. To learn more, visit www.lreus.com.
This project represents significant financial investment and will generate economic development and employment opportunities, as well as funding for public services through tax revenues. The majority of the job opportunities will be during the construction phase, which will contribute to an increase in purchases of local goods and services by the workforce. There will be an increase in traffic, water use to control dust, and noise onsite during certain periods of construction. Once operational, the site typically will have limited activity and require minimal public resources while generating a local source of emission-free energy.
The ultimate goal is to have a positive environmental impact overall. Both the project financing and permitting process include extensive reviews that reduce risks. LRE begins the development process with environmental studies to confirm site conditions. These studies inform project design and management plans for all aspects of the project. In addition, the industry is continually improving technology and management best practices. LRE has a company culture that focuses on reducing risks and increasing safety and is committed to being a good, long-term neighbor and contributor to the community.
LRE will be responsible for maintaining the solar facility and property including access roads, buildings and energy infrastructure. We implement vegetation and biodiversity management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and reduce invasive plant species and typically include pollinator-friendly seed mixes. On some projects, we partner with shepherds to manage vegetation, while others use mechanical mowing to reduce fire and operations risk.
Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. LRE typically uses thin-film solar with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are typically inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks that are included in the facility’s design.
The project design will include several wildlife management features requested by local community members and in consultation with relevant authorities. In addition, LRE is committed to implementing land stewardship best practices with vegetation and biodiversity management plans.
The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30 to 40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer. Many projects may also be “repowered” to extend the productive life of the project. This includes upgrading existing components to improve performance or increase capacity, which requires additional reviews and permits. At the end of the life of the project, the Horizon Solar project will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site.
If you have additional questions about Horizon Solar, please fill out the form or contact
Horizon Solar Public Affairs
reports@syntrio.com
877-847-0828
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