Morrow lake solar
Frio County, Texas
Project Overview
Morrow Lake Solar, LLC (“Morrow Lake Solar”) is constructing 200-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility approximately 60 miles south of San Antonio, Texas. The proposed facility will be located on approximately 2,000 acres along Interstate 35 in Frio County.
Construction on the project began in mid-2023 and Morrow Lake Solar is expected to be operational by late-2024.
Morrow Lake Solar is expected to operate for approximately 30+ years providing significant economic investment in the community, a substantial property tax base for the county and schools and, generate emission-free renewable energy.
Project location
Timeline
Community Involvement
Morrow Lake Solar is committed to being a dedicated member of the community and to work hard to earn the trust of our neighbors. Our engagement with the community goes well beyond job creation, economic investment, and providing clean, renewable energy. We strive to build lasting partnerships with civic leaders, property owners, and community members. We pride ourselves on being transparent in our communication and highly responsive to public feedback throughout the life of the project. We also believe being involved means giving back. We get to know our neighbors and have a long history of supporting local causes the community is passionate about. Whether through employee volunteer opportunities or corporate-level sponsorships, we are always looking for positive ways to stay actively engaged with the community and to serve as a good corporate neighbor.
About Us
Morrow Lake Solar, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, a leading renewable energy producer dedicated to sustainably powering the future. LRE currently owns and operates 24 renewable energy facilities across nine states, totaling more than 2,500 MW of installed capacity.
LRE purchased the Morrow Lake project in 2023 from Red River, a joint venture of SunChase Power and Eolian, which initiated development of the project in 2017. LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS infrastructure, a preeminent global infrastructure investment arm of OMERs, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with over C$121 billion in net assets (as of December 31, 2021)
For more information, visit www.leewardenergy.com.
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety. Recent community partnerships Leeward has engaged in include sponsorship and donations to the annual Cops Shop with Kids event in Ohio, support for school lunch programs in North Carolina and the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Texas.
CLICK HERE for more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC.
RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
Responsible development is an ethos that runs deep at Leeward Energy and our subsidiary companies. We develop, own, and operate renewable generation assets for the long term, and are committed to leaving a positive impact on the communities where we operate. We achieve this by prioritizing our values of community partnership, sustainability, and safety.
PROJECT DOWNLOADS
Morrow Lake Solar Fact Sheet Download Here
Solar frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What will the solar facility look like?
The Morrow Lake Solar facility will primarily consist of rows of photovoltaic electric generating modules mounted to steel frames installed on driven steel posts with central inverters spaced throughout the site. The entire perimeter of the project site will be fenced for security and safety.
Will the solar facility reduce my property value?
Well-developed solar projects will not negatively impact property values. A solar energy facility such as Morrow Lake Solar is a low-intensity, passive use of land. Once constructed, solar projects do not possess the negative qualities that could theoretically impact property values such as hazardous materials, odor, noise, and excess traffic. Enhanced setbacks and professional landscaping will also be used to mitigate visual impact.
Will the solar facility produce glare or noise?
Solar panel technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The Morrow Lake Solar solar panels are manufactured with tempered glass and anti-reflective coatings, minimizing glare. The moving mechanical parts of a solar facility produce minimal noise and are typically inaudible beyond the property boundaries based on the setbacks that are included in the facility’s design.
Is this project safe for the community and environment?
Yes. Solar power generation produces no air pollution or greenhouse gases and has a positive, indirect effect by reducing the use of other energy sources. When it’s operational, Morrow Lake Solar can produce enough energy to power approximately 40,000 average Texas homes without contributing carbon emissions. The solar panel materials are enclosed, and don’t mix with water or vaporize into the air, meaning there is no threat of chemicals releasing into the environment during normal use. In addition, the panels are manufactured to endure all weather conditions, and are sealed shut to further ensure public safety.
What is the impact on farmland?
Utility scale solar facilities such as Morrow Lake Solar are generally located on agricultural land, shifting farms from growing crops to generating clean energy. It’s not such a far reach as many farmers today are already in the energy production business. In addition to supporting farmer’s land-use rights, solar farms put significant dollars into communities and solar-hosting farmers have a reliable source of revenue for years to come. Finally, the total project acreage of Morrow Lake Solar would utilize less than 1% of the farmable land in Frio County, and at the end of operation all equipment would be removed and the land restored to its prior use.
Who will maintain the property and vegetation?
Morrow Lake Solar will be responsible for maintaining the solar facility property. We work diligently with consultants and local stakeholders to ensure proper ground cover, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management. We also implement vegetation management plans and best management practices to promote the establishment of native vegetation and the proper mitigation of overgrowth and invasive plant species.
What happens at the end of the Project’s life?
At the end of the life of the Project, Morrow Lake Solar will be responsible for removing equipment and restoring the site to its original use. As part of the permitting review process, Morrow Lake Solar submits a decommissioning plan to ensure that ample consideration and protections will be provided.
How will development of the solar facility affect my community?
Construction brings new employment opportunities, a large direct investment in the community, and local business generated from the purchase of food, fuel, accommodations, and other local supplies. During the construction period there will be a relatively short-term increase in traffic volume and noise, typical of similar projects.
Once the project is operational, daily traffic to and from the site will be minimal. Throughout its life, the project will not burden Frio County services and utilities; however, it will contribute substantial revenue to local tax authority and provide clean energy in Texas.
How long will the solar facility be operational?
The average life of a solar facility is approximately 30-40 years, but with proper maintenance, it can last longer.
complaint resolution
If you have a question, concern or complaint about any aspect of the Morrow Lake Solar facility, you can call the project phone line @ 830-461-5879, email info@morrowlakesolar.com, or complete the form below. If you choose to register your concern by phone, please be prepared to provide the information requested on this form.