Pollinator-friendly Bellflower Solar coming online in Indiana via SOLV Energy, Lightsource bp
In Henry and Rush Counties about 40 miles east of Indianapolis, Lightsource bp has successfully closed a $376 million multi-project financing package and commenced construction on its 173 MW (dc) Bellflower Solar project. A power purchase agreement with Verizon Communications Inc. announced in early 2021 was key to achieving this project milestone.
Bellflower Solar is part of a 466 MW, $376 million portfolio financing package for multiple solar projects. The tax equity investment for the portfolio was secured from Bank of America, marking its fourth transaction with Lightsource bp over the past two years.
Projects like Bellflower Solar can help strengthen local rural economies. The project is expected to generate $30 million in property tax revenue to Rush and Henry Counties over its life, benefitting local schools and other community public services. Its operations budget of $2.4 million each year will be primarily spent in the region. And the Bellflower project will create about 200 jobs during construction.
Construction has started with commercial operation expected by late 2022. SOLV Energy was selected by Lightsource bp as the EPC for the project. SOLV has a proven track record of successfully building and operating large utility-scale projects across the U.S., including Lightsource bp’s Impact Solar project in Texas.
George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy: “Solar is a nationwide industry and job creator, and we’re beginning to see large-scale PV projects growing in size and impact throughout the Midwest. Projects like Bellflower are not only expanding access to clean power across the country, but also providing valuable job and training opportunities to American workers in rural communities. SOLV Energy is excited to partner with Lightsource bp in Indiana.”
An action plan is underway for Bellflower Solar that aims to enhance local biodiversity while contributing to pioneering research on co-located pollinator habitat on solar farms, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technology Office. The site will host over 1,000 acres of high- and low-density pollinator-friendly plantings to boost biodiversity and inform future low-impact solar development. The research team consists of the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, the Argonne National Laboratory, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
