The Starfire Solar project slated to become Kentucky’s largest solar farm has received the official green light to begin construction. The project will rise on the site of the former Starfire coal mine, which spans across Breathitt, Knott, and Perry counties in Eastern Kentucky.
In early August, the Kentucky Public Service Commission’s Electric Generation and Transmission Siting Board approved the first phase of the project, marking a major milestone for renewable energy development in the state.
Multi-phase solar development to replace former coal mine
The Starfire Solar project is being developed by BrightNight, a private renewable energy company, in collaboration with Edelen Renewables, a Kentucky-based solar firm. When complete, the project is expected to cover nearly 8,000 acres and generate up to 800 megawatts (MW) of clean energy. BrightNight recently completed the construction of the 300MW Box Canyon Solar project, Arizona.
Phase one, now approved, will see the installation of a 210 MW solar facility on approximately 1,980 acres. According to BrightNight’s executive vice president of development, David Gil, construction is expected to begin early next year and continue into 2027, lasting between 12 to 18 months.
Job creation and regional impact
The first phase alone is projected to create 250 direct construction jobs, with over $16 million in wages and benefits injected into the local economy. Matthew Benedict of the Starfire Community Coalition noted that the solar array in phase one will consist of approximately 1,385 acres of solar panels.
Each subsequent phase will require separate applications and approvals, but the long-term vision is clear: the Starfire Solar project aims to transition Eastern Kentucky from a coal-driven past to a clean energy future.
Factsheet: Starfire Solar Project, Kentucky
Project Name: Starfire Solar Project
Location: Former Starfire Mine, Breathitt, Knott, Perry Counties, KY
Developer: BrightNight (with Edelen Renewables)
Total Planned Capacity: 800 MW
Total Site Area: ~8,000 acres
Phase 1 Capacity: 210 MW
Phase 1 Area: ~1,980 acres (1,385 acres of panels)
Jobs Created (Phase 1): 250 direct jobs
Estimated Payroll (Phase 1): $16+ million in wages and benefits
Construction Timeline: 2026–2027 (Phase 1)
Approval Authority: Kentucky Electric Generation & Transmission Siting Board
