The Firefly solar project is a planned utility-scale solar facility in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, developed by Vesper Energy. The project was initially announced at around 200 MW capacity and intended to be built in North Beaver Township. The 200 MW installation was however cancelled in December 2024. A 400 MW installation also in Lawrence County under the same “Firefly” nameplate is now being developed by Vesper. The newer solar installation expects completion by December 2027. According to the developer, the Firefly solar project still involves local land-leases with farmers and is geared to generating local economic benefits.
Firefly Solar Project Factsheet
Location: Lawrence County, Pennsylvania
Developer: Vesper Energy
Planned Capacity: 401.6 MW
Site Area: Project will be situated on farmlands
Grid Connection: PJM
Project Timeline
March 2022: 200 MW project announced by Vesper Energy for North Beaver Township.
2022-2023: Land-lease agreements, local permitting, land-owner engagement and economic impact study as part of planning phase for the withdrawn 200 MW Firefly solar project.
December 2, 2024: 200 MW solar development stopped. The installation was to be completed in September 2026.
December 2027: Development for the revised 400 MW solar installation is to be completed.
The Withdrawn 200 MW Firefly Solar Project Installation in Pennsylvania
Reported April 6, 2022 – Vesper Energy announced the construction of its 200 megawatt Firefly Solar Project in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania. The renewable energy company is known for partnering with local landowners to build and operate various solar and energy storage projects across the US. This new utility-scale solar energy facility is on the lands of farmers located in North Beaver Township.
The power generated from the Firefly Solar Project will be supplied to the existing utility lines. According to Vesper’s economic impact analysis, the solar project is expected to create more than 300 employment opportunities during its construction phase. Firefly will also generate US$ 1.6 million annually in the form of municipal, county, state, and school taxes. It will also provide up to US$ 10 million in total economic activity in Lawrence County per year, over the course of its 40-year lifespan.
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Vesper also intends to preserve the agricultural character of the location. They plan on working with a landscape designer on the Firefly solar project to create and implement a plan for evergreen-type vegetative screening of the project’s site. This measure will be taken to help minimize or eliminate the visual impact of the solar equipment on the surroundings.
The Director of Development at Vesper Energy, Erin Baker also mentioned that Lawrence County would be directly impacted by the Firefly solar project. The county is expected to receive the lion’s share of benefits associated with the project. He also pointed out that the new jobs from this development would be available to local residents, and the solar project would also support local schools and public services in the region.
Benefits of Vesper’s Firefly Solar Project to Landowners
Baker also said that many landowners found the Firefly solar project ideal. This is because it allows them to keep their lands in the family for generations. In addition to this, there would be no chemical emissions associated with solar energy generation. There will also be no air or water pollution as well. Baker also said Vesper has worked in the region for about two years and the company was looking forward to continuing their work with landowners and local officials. This is to ensure this solar facility is remains beneficial to Lawrence County.
Pennsylvania is also increasing integration of renewables in its grid. This has even span the manufacturing sector. This push is evident with Incap’s launch of an on-site solar power plant at its Pittsburgh electronic manufacturing facility. The solar project has also benefited from tax incentives, signaling a policy-driven push to diversification of energy sources amid current political wrangle.
