Utility-Scale Solar

Solar energy, or solar power, is energy from the sun that is converted into thermal or electrical energy for domestic, commercial, or industrial purposes. There are several ways to harness solar energy. Cypress Creek uses photovoltaic (PV) panels which generate electricity from sunlight by using semiconductor materials. Solar energy that is generated is typically measured in megawatts (MW).  

Utility-scale, or transmission-scale, solar facilities are larger projects that sell electricity to wholesale utility buyers, rather than end-use customers. Utility-scale solar facilities provide cheap, emission-free electricity during peak demand periods, and many of these facilities include energy storage.  

These types of projects typically include ground-mounted photovoltaic PV solar panels, inverters to transform the direct current (DC) electricity produced from the panels to alternating current (AC) electricity that can be transported onto the electrical grid, and transformers that step up or step down the voltage rating needed by the transmission equipment. Projects can range in size from tens to thousands of acres.  

Photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity directly from sunlight using semiconductors. Electrons in these materials are freed by solar energy and can be induced to travel through an electrical circuit, powering electrical devices or sending electricity to the grid. 

PV technology can be used to power anything from small electronics such as calculators and road signs up to homes and large commercial businesses. 

Cypress Creek Renewables has developed, financed, operated, and owned solar projects for over a decade. The company has over 400 employees and operates projects in 24 states. Our Cypress Creek Solutions division operates approximately 5GW and maintains our own solar facilities as well as other customers who choose to partner with us.   

Solar energy is one of the safest ways to generate electricity. Solar panels are emission–free, operate quietly, and have a negligible impact on soil and water, if any. Additionally, all large-scale electric generation sites, including utility-scale solar facilities, must follow strict local, state, and federal regulations.  

Developing a solar facility takes about 4 to 6 years, but development timelines vary depending on the project’s size and location. The development process typically includes siting (selecting the solar facility’s location), permitting and environmental review, community engagement, construction, commercial operation, and on-going maintenance. 

Most solar facilities are designed to operate for about 30-35 years. Some may even keep generating electricity longer than that, depending on various factors like maintenance and technological updates. 

Solar energy projects stimulate economic growth, especially in rural areas. Projects contribute to state and local revenues, supporting essential public services and infrastructure improvements at no extra cost to the community. Building a solar facility creates many temporary jobs, and once the facility is operational, it needs people for ongoing maintenance and operations. 

The money made from solar projects mostly stays in the communities where they are located. This includes payments to farmers who host solar panels on their land, providing them with a reliable income. This often helps maintain the agricultural nature of the community and supports its traditional lifestyles.  

Yes, solar facilities have a low impact and can coexist safely with neighboring agricultural properties. Cypress Creek Renewables installs panels on driven metal pilings, allowing the land to rest and rebuild during operation. At the end of the solar facility’s useful life, the pilings are removed, and the land can be returned to its original state. 

Having a solar facility nearby can help reduce electricity costs for everyone in the area. By adding cheaper renewable energy to the grid, there’s less need for more expensive fossil fuel power. 

Solar energy cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and reduces air pollution, which is important for protecting wildlife, people, and ecosystems.  

At the end of a solar project’s economic life, the owner must decide whether to apply for a new permit to keep the project running or to shut it down completely and start the decommissioning process. 

If it is determined that the site will not be repowered, the project is decommissioned in accordance with landowner preferences and federal, state, and local regulations. Typically, PV panels or modules are collected for recycling, Additionally, inverters are collected for refurbishing and other hardware is salvaged for re-use. The land can then be returned to agriculture or other uses, depending on the wants and needs of the landowner.  

Our solar modules (interconnected solar panels) come from various places depending on the market and commitments made at the time of development. Cypress Creek is firmly committed to creating and maintaining an ethical supply chain and continues to work with our industry partners to live up to our shared values.  Current U.S. incentives have increased the availability and feasibility of domestically produced modules. 

Most solar panels in the U.S. are designed to last over 30 years. Because of this long lifespan, there aren’t many panels needing recycling right now. However, as more panels age and reach the end of their useful lives, recycling opportunities are expected to grow. Cypress Creek is currently recycling panels and other materials to the greatest extent feasible and practical.