Orion Solar Belt

The landscape of Texas is changing with the rise of renewable energy, and the recently completed Orion Solar Belt is at the forefront of that transformation. This massive solar project, located in Buckholts, Texas, is a critical step forward for clean energy in the U.S. and a key component in Google’s ambition to achieve carbon-free operations by 2030. With 1.3 million solar panels spread across three solar farms—Orion I, Orion II, and Orion III—this project demonstrates the potential for Texas to lead the charge in solar energy, boost the economy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Powering Google’s Carbon-Free Ambitions
To achieve carbon-free operations by 2030, Google has partnered with SB Energy Global to utilize 875 megawatts (MW) of clean energy from the Orion Solar Belt. While the energy generated could power around 105,000 homes, 85% of it will instead be directed to Google’s data centers in Ellis County and its cloud services in the Dallas region. This agreement is part of a $1 billion power purchase agreement between Google and SB Energy, reinforcing Google’s commitment to renewable energy as the foundation of its future operations.

As Ben Sloss, Google’s vice president of 24×7 and capacity, explained, “Our goal is to make sure that the services and products that people and customers use every day are powered by reliable carbon-free energy around-the-clock.” The Orion Solar Belt plays a vital role in this mission, showcasing how renewable energy can sustain large-scale technology operations while reducing carbon footprints.

Boosting the Texas Economy with American-Made Solar Components
One of the most exciting aspects of the Orion Solar Belt is its reliance on American-made solar components. The solar modules were manufactured by First Solar at their facility in Perrysburg, Ohio, and the 22,800 tons of structural steel came from Gerdau steel mills in Midlothian, Texas, and Cartersville, Georgia. Even the solar trackers, vital for maximizing efficiency by following the sun, were largely produced domestically.

This project not only provides clean energy but also stimulates the local and national economy by creating jobs and promoting American manufacturing. SB Energy estimates that 3,000 workers were involved in the manufacturing and construction phases of the project. Over its lifespan, the Orion Solar Belt is expected to contribute $100 million to local services, a boon for the small rural community of Buckholts.

The Role of the Inflation Reduction Act
The success of the Orion Solar Belt can be directly linked to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. This landmark legislation, passed without a single Republican vote, has been instrumental in incentivizing renewable energy projects across the U.S. Despite the bill’s lack of Republican support in Congress, Texas—one of the most conservative states—now stands to benefit greatly from its provisions.

The IRA promotes clean energy manufacturing in the U.S. by offering tax credits and incentives for companies that use domestically produced components. This motivated SB Energy to source the majority of its materials from within the U.S., qualifying the Orion Solar Belt for additional tax credits and ensuring that the project supports American jobs and industry. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm emphasized this point at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, stating that the project “showcases how American-made clean energy can power data centers and our future.” The Orion Solar Belt is a shining example of how policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions can also stimulate local economies and create high-quality jobs.

A Model for the Future
The Orion Solar Belt is more than just a collection of solar farms—it represents the future of energy in Texas and the U.S. This project exemplifies how large-scale renewable energy projects can contribute to corporate sustainability goals, bolster the local economy, and promote American-made products. By using domestic components and benefiting from the Inflation Reduction Act, the Orion Solar Belt has set a new standard for solar projects nationwide.

As more companies like Google strive to become carbon free, projects like this will be essential. And for Texas, this solar belt serves as a powerful reminder of the state’s potential to lead in renewable energy while benefiting from policies it once opposed. The Orion Solar Belt is proof that clean energy, economic growth, and technological advancement can thrive together, creating a brighter future for all.

Bringing the Benefits of Solar to You
Google is investing in solar and benefiting from government incentives to achieve carbon-free operations, and so can you! The same Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that helped make the Orion Solar Belt possible offers tremendous opportunities for residential and commercial solar installations.

At NATiVE Solar, we help Texans take full advantage of these incentives to maximize savings and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. Our team will work with you to design a custom solar power system tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you get the financial, environmental, and energy security benefits that solar power can provide. With NATiVE Solar, you can harness the power of the sun, just like the world’s largest tech companies, and play a part in building a cleaner, more resilient energy future. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you go solar. #TakeYourPowerBack