Irving-based Vesper Energy hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 10 to launch commercial operation of Hornet Solar, its flagship energy project south of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. The project contains 1.36 million solar modules spanning more than six square miles near Tulia in Swisher County.
“Hornet Solar is a testament to how large-scale energy projects can deliver reliable, domestic power to American homes and businesses,” Vesper co-CEO Juan Suarez said in a statement. “This project isn’t just about solar panels—it’s about making energy more affordable while strengthening our nation’s energy security. With Hornet Solar fully operational, we’re helping power a community with domestically generated electricity, ensuring businesses & communities have the energy they need to grow and thrive.”
The company said that making the facility operational marks a major milestone not only for Vesper Energy, but also for Texas as a national leader in solar energy production.
Hornet Solar is one of the largest solar installations in the U.S., Vesper said, adding that it will contribute more than $100 million in new tax revenue to Swisher County and deliver 600 MWac of energy.
Vesper Energy began construction on Hornet Solar in fall 2023 and announced that it secured $590 million in financing to further advance the project in January 2024. Since its inception, Hornet Solar has achieved several major milestones, including the installation of its one-millionth solar panel in December 2024 and the installation of its final module in January 2025.
“The scale of Hornet Solar speaks for itself—1.36 million panels, over six square miles, and 600 MW of capacity. But the real impact is what this project delivers to Swisher County: more than $100 million in new tax revenue and meaningful investments in schools, infrastructure, and healthcare,” Zach Wald, vice president, EPC at Vesper, said in a statement.
Vesper said the project created over 300 jobs during construction and will contribute new tax revenue to essential public services, including $61 million for the Tulia Independent School District, $25 million for the county, and $12 million for the Swisher Memorial Hospital District.
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R E A D N E X T
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Located in Swisher County at the base of the Texas Panhandle, Vesper's Hornet Solar project is slated to feature 1.36 million solar panels and will deliver 600 MWac of renewable energy—enough to power 160,000 homes annually.
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