## SB Energy’s Orion Solar Belt Powers Up, Delivering American-Made Solar to Google’s Data Centers
In a major boost for American-made solar energy, SB Energy has announced the commercial operation of its Orion Solar Belt, a massive 875 MWdc solar project located in Milam County, Texas. The Orion Solar Belt is a landmark achievement, boasting over 1.3 million American-made solar modules, U.S. steel, and other domestically manufactured components. This achievement is expected to be the first to qualify for the domestic content bonus credit established by the Inflation Reduction Act.
The project’s significance extends beyond its impressive scale. The Orion Solar Belt is delivering clean energy directly to Google’s data centers in Ellis County, Texas. This represents Google’s largest solar energy investment globally and underscores the company’s commitment to achieving carbon-free operations by 2030.
The celebratory event marking the Orion Solar Belt’s commencement included the participation of U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, local and state officials, American-made suppliers, Google representatives, and investors. Secretary Granholm lauded the project as a testament to the Biden-Harris Administration’s vision for clean energy, emphasizing its potential to power American companies and communities.
The Orion Solar Belt’s impact extends beyond energy production. The project is estimated to have created 3,000 jobs during the manufacturing and construction phases. Notably, the solar modules were manufactured by First Solar at its Perrysburg, Ohio facility, while the structural steel was sourced from Gerdau steel mills in Texas and Georgia. The project also incorporates Nextracker’s smart solar trackers, with a majority of the components being manufactured domestically.
“SB Energy is committed to creating a roadmap for American jobs and providing power to the world’s largest energy users,” said Rich Hossfeld, SB Energy Co-CEO. “We are thankful for the support from Secretary Jennifer Granholm and the many federal, local, and statewide leaders, as well as Google. We hope the Orion Solar Belt serves as a catalyst for growing investments in a robust American-made supply chain for solar.”
The Orion Solar Belt’s impact on the Midlothian, Texas community extends beyond clean energy provision. SB Energy’s procurement of Midlothian-made steel from Gerdau’s local steel mill signifies a commitment to local economic development. Chia Yuan Wang, Gerdau’s President for its North American Long Steel Operation, highlighted the Orion Solar Belt’s positive impact on the U.S. solar industry, noting that the project led to expanded operations at Gerdau’s facilities in both Texas and Georgia.
The Orion Solar Belt is a significant addition to Texas’s thriving renewable energy landscape. The state currently leads the nation in both total energy consumption and installed renewable energy capacity, with nearly 30% of its energy coming from renewable sources. The Orion Solar Belt is estimated to contribute $100 million to local services over its lifespan, solidifying SB Energy’s role as a local partner in the Milam County community.
This landmark project showcases the power of collaboration and innovation in advancing a clean energy future. The Orion Solar Belt serves as a testament to the potential of American-made solar energy to power our economy, create jobs, and contribute to a sustainable future.