Battle Butte Solar: Puget Sound Energy Starts Construction on 130-MW Montana Solar Park

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Washington state utility Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has stated that it has launched the construction of a 130-MW solar park in Montana. The solar project is in proximity to its 248MW Beaver Creek wind farm in the northwestern US state.

Also, the launched Battle Butte Solar project will support PSE’s clean energy goals in compliance with Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA).

Timeline, Location, and Capacity

The solar project commissioning is targeted for mid-2028. It is located in the high plains near the Rapelje community in Stillwater County. Furthermore, the photovoltaic (PV) farm is expected to have an annual output that will be equal to the electricity consumption of around 20,000 homes.

Moreover, the plant will cover 1,400 acres of flat, open ranch land. Additionally, it will utilise existing transmission infrastructure near the Beaver Creek wind farm, which was brought online in the summer of 2025.

Job Creation

PSE foresees the construction phase of the Battle Butte project to open around 250 jobs. “Battle Butte solar represents a critical component of our clean energy strategy,” said Craig Pospisil, senior vice president at PSE, adding that the utility will build upon its positive relationships with the Stillwater County community.

Lastly, as of end-2025, PSE has already eliminated coal from its energy portfolio. The utility delivers electric and natural gas service to the Puget Sound region of Western Washington.

Battle Butte Solar Project Factsheet

Project Name: Battle Butte Solar Project

Developer / Owner: Puget Sound Energy (PSE)

Location: Stillwater County, Montana (High plains near Rapelje; 15 miles north of Columbus)

Capacity: 130 MW

Estimated Generation: Equivalent to the annual power consumption of 20,000 homes

Land Footprint: 1,400 acres of flat, open private ranch land

Target Completion: Mid-2028

Grid Infrastructure: Co-located near PSE’s 248-MW Beaver Creek Wind Farm; utilizes existing Colstrip Transmission Line capacity

Economic Impact: 250 construction jobs; local tax revenue generation for Stillwater County

Regulatory Drivers: Supports Washington’s Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) goals