Zelestra, a global renewable energy company specialising in multiple technologies and focused on customer solutions, has begun construction on its two largest solar projects in the United States to date. The projects include the 253 MWdc Echols Grove facility in Lamar County, Texas, and the 188 MWdc Cedar Range facility in Hopkins County, Texas. McCarthy Building Companies has been appointed as the lead EPC contractor to manage the construction of both sites.
Both projects have been enabled through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Meta Platforms Inc.. These two projects are part of a broader collaboration between Zelestra and Meta, which includes seven projects with a combined capacity of 1.2 GWdc. The partnership supports Meta’s objective to expand renewable energy generation on the grid and ensure that its operations are matched with 100% clean and renewable energy.
Construction at Echols Grove and Cedar Range began in January 2026, with full commercial operation expected by the end of 2027. Collectively, the projects are expected to support more than 400 local jobs and contribute around $20 million in local spending. A total of 704,000 bifacial solar modules will be installed across 2,400 acres, reflecting the scale and ambition of these developments.
Phil North, Zelestra’s US CEO, commented on the projects, saying: “Following our rapid growth in 2025, Zelestra’s expansion in the U.S. energy landscape continues to accelerate in 2026. Echols Grove and Cedar Range are two major projects in our partnership with Meta, which will see 1.2 GW of new clean energy capacity online in the U.S. 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.”
Dhruv Patel, President of McCarthy’s Renewable Energy group, added: “Breaking ground on the Echols Grove and Cedar Range solar facilities represents more than new energy infrastructure — it’s a long-term investment in Texas communities. These projects will generate quality jobs and create opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, while prioritizing safety and workforce development. We’re proud to partner with Zelestra to deliver reliable, domestically produced energy in a way that reflects the values of the communities we serve.”
Zelestra continues to strengthen its presence in the U.S. renewable energy market by offering innovative, multi-technology solutions tailored to the needs of hyperscalers and corporate partners. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, the company is developing a portfolio of approximately 15 GW of renewable energy projects across key U.S. markets. In February 2026, BloombergNEF ranked Zelestra among the top 10 sellers of corporate PPAs in the United States, highlighting the company’s rapid growth and strong position in the market.
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