Ridgely Solar Brings Clean Energy, Community Investment to Tennessee

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has completed construction on the 177-megawatt (MW) Ridgely Solar project in Lake County, Tennessee. 

The project is LRE’s first operating asset in the state and a testament to the company’s desire to advance U.S. energy solutions. 

Ridgely Solar will supply power to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) under a long-term agreement to help TVA deliver reliable, clean power and meet the region’s growing demand.  

During construction, the project created approximately 700 jobs and will generate around $3 million in property tax revenue over its useful life, going toward supporting schools and public services. 

Ridgely Solar supports initiatives that strengthen education, safety, and family well-being, as it has funded scholarships through the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Northwest, helped build an inclusive playground for children with disabilities, and supported the American Red Cross Mid-South’s local flood relief efforts. It has also contributed to public safety infrastructure for first responders and provided resources for The Nest, a free daycare at Margaret Newton Elementary. 

“Ridgely Solar is a significant milestone as LRE’s first project in Tennessee,” said Eran Mahrer, Chief Commercial Officer at LRE, in a statement. “The project delivers reliable energy, drives investment in Lake County, and demonstrates our role as a community partner by supporting local priorities. Further, by building on our long-standing relationships with U.S. technology leaders, prioritizing domestic jobs and manufacturing, and integrating innovative solutions that reduce impacts and speed deployment, Ridgely shows how forward-looking projects can strengthen the communities where we operate and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security.” 

LRE’s engineering team collaborated with Nextracker and First Solar to complete the project. 

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