Idaho’s solar buildout advanced on two fronts on July 21, 2026, as the 125-megawatt Pleasant Valley Solar 2 project entered commercial operation and construction began on the 400-megawatt Blacks Creek Energy Center in Ada County.

The two facilities push developer rPlus Energies past 1 gigawatt of solar and storage capacity operating, under construction, or under contract across the state, counting projects at various stages of development.

Investment and Local Impact

The combined projects carry a price tag exceeding $750 million and are expected to generate hundreds of construction jobs, along with permanent positions once operational. Idaho’s 3.5% solar energy tax on gross earnings means the facilities will also generate ongoing revenue for state and local taxing entities.

Idaho Power, which has contracted for output from the projects, framed the additions as part of a broader push to diversify the state’s generation mix as demand grows. Company leadership pointed to the need for a balanced resource portfolio to keep power reliable and affordable for customers.

Workforce Development Tied to Pleasant Valley Solar 2

Ahead of the project’s commissioning, partners behind Pleasant Valley Solar 2 funneled $375,000 into scholarships for students at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho, aimed at building a pipeline of skilled workers for the state’s growing energy sector.

What’s Next

With Pleasant Valley Solar 2 now generating power and Blacks Creek Energy Center entering construction, rPlus Energies has signaled continued investment in Idaho’s energy infrastructure, building on a series of solar and storage acquisitions and financings in the state over the past year. Idaho’s solar pipeline continues to expand elsewhere in the state as well, with the Orchard Solar and Energy Project currently under active construction.

Additionally, Across the United States, solar and clean energy construction continues to advance, with the start of construction on three Illinois solar projects under Meta power agreements marking another milestone in the sector’s growth.

Factsheet: rPlus Energies Idaho Solar Milestones

• Pleasant Valley Solar 2: 125 MWac, commissioned today
• Blacks Creek Energy Center: 400 MWac, construction started today; located in Ada County
• Combined investment: More than $750 million
• Total rPlus Energies Idaho portfolio: Over 1 GW (operating, under construction, and under contract)
• State tax impact: 3.5% solar energy tax on gross earnings applies to both projects
• Workforce scholarships: $375,000 awarded to Boise State University and College of Western Idaho students tied to Pleasant Valley Solar 2
• Power offtaker: Idaho Power