Construction has begun on the Nazareth Solar Project, a 201-megawatt utility-scale solar development in Swisher County, Texas. Developed by Vesper Energy, the project will add new renewable energy capacity to the ERCOT grid and expand the company’s operating portfolio alongside the neighboring 600 MW Hornet Solar facility.
Located on approximately 1,000 acres of private land, Nazareth Solar is expected to reach commercial operation by Fall 2027. Once complete, the project will generate enough electricity to power more than 53,000 Texas homes annually.
The project sits adjacent to Hornet Solar, one of the largest single-phase solar projects in the United States. During its first year of operation, Hornet Solar delivered more than 1.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity to the ERCOT grid and generated more than $5 million in local tax revenue, according to Vesper Energy.
Vesper Energy expects Nazareth Solar to build on those economic benefits. The company estimates the project will generate approximately $34 million in long-term tax revenue for Swisher County. The revenue will support schools, roads, emergency services, and county operations.
Construction activities will also create more than 200 jobs. The project will provide additional income opportunities for participating landowners throughout the region.
“Breaking ground on Nazareth Solar is another milestone for Vesper Energy,” said Juan Suarez, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Vesper Energy. “Nazareth Solar is the next step in that commitment.”
Financing and Development
Vesper Energy secured $236 million in financing for the project through a construction-to-term loan and letter of credit facility. The company said the financing supports its strategy of converting development-stage projects into operating assets across Texas.
According to the company, Nazareth Solar will contribute 201 MW of new generating capacity to the Texas grid. The project forms part of Vesper’s broader effort to meet growing electricity demand across the state.
Karl Smith, Senior Manager of Project Management at Vesper Energy, said the company will focus on delivering the project safely and on schedule while maintaining the standards established during construction of Hornet Solar.
Community Benefits
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Nazareth Solar presented the Tulia Fire Department with a $30,000 donation to support the purchase of a new pickup truck for emergency response operations.
Local officials highlighted the project’s expected economic impact on the region. In addition to construction employment, local businesses are expected to benefit from increased economic activity during the buildout phase.
Vesper Energy said it will continue engaging with the Swisher County community throughout construction and operations. The company plans to maintain local hiring efforts, community partnerships, and investment programs established through the Hornet Solar project.
With construction now underway, Nazareth Solar marks another expansion of Vesper Energy’s growing renewable energy portfolio in Texas and is expected to begin delivering power to the ERCOT grid in Fall 2027.
Nazareth Solar is among large-scale renewable energy projects advancing across the United States. In Arizona, the recently financed CO Bar Solar and Storage Complex secured approximately $2.6 billion in funding for a five-project portfolio that will deliver 1.2 GW of solar generation and 4.0 GWh of battery storage. Together, the projects highlight continued investment in utility-scale energy infrastructure as developers expand generation capacity to meet rising electricity demand.
Project Factsheet: Nazareth Solar in Swisher County, Texas
Developer: Vesper Energy
Project Type: Utility-Scale Solar Energy Project
Generating Capacity: 201 MW
Site Area: Approximately 1,000 acres
Commercial Operation Date: Fall 2027
Homes Powered: More than 53,000 annually
Construction Jobs: More than 200
Project Financing: $236 million
Economic Impact:
- Approximately $34 million in long-term local tax revenue
- Additional income for participating landowners
Grid Market: ERCOT
Adjacent Project: Hornet Solar (600 MW)
Community Investment:
- $30,000 donation to Tulia Fire Department
Status: Construction underway following groundbreaking ceremony
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