LRE’s White Wing Ranch solar project in Arizona begins operations

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has announced the start of commercial operations at its 179MW White Wing Ranch solar project in Yuma County, Arizona. 

This project boosts LRE’s operating capacity to over 3.3GW and is the first large-scale installation of American-made First Solar Series 7 photovoltaic modules, known for enhanced efficiency and a lower carbon footprint.

White Wing Ranch, spanning 1,400 acres, will supply renewable energy to the bulk electric grid via the 500kV Hoodoo Wash Switchyard. Developed with sustainable land management practices, the project is expected to support native desert ecosystems and deliver economic benefits, including significant property tax contributions to Yuma County. Backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with Verizon Communications, the project aligns with Verizon’s sustainability goals.

At peak construction, the project created over 200 jobs and utilized Terabase Energy’s Terafab technology. Verizon’s chief sustainability officer James Gowen praised the collaboration, highlighting its role in Verizon’s clean energy initiatives.