Mockingbird Solar Center

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Delivering clean energy, conserving Texas’ native prairie and supporting Lamar County

Name: Mockingbird Solar Center
Location: Lamar County, Texas
Capacity: 468 MW
Homes powered: 80,000
Interconnection via: ERCOT
Operations: October 2024
The Mockingbird Solar Center is Ørsted's largest solar project not just in the U.S., but globally. Located in Lamar County, Texas, this groundbreaking facility will generate enough clean energy to power 80,000 homes and businesses while promoting environmental conservation through a donation of nearly 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie habitat to The Nature Conservancy.

Beyond clean and reliable energy, the project is set to generate millions in tax revenue over its lifespan, fostering local economic development in Lamar County and delivering long-term financial support to North Lamar and Chisum Independent School Districts.

Stewardship of the land

At Ørsted, environmental and land stewardship are central to each stage of our projects, from development to operations. Throughout construction and ongoing operations, we implement best-in-class site management practices, ensuring safety and security while maintaining our commitment to environmental conservation efforts.

By approaching renewables with a nature-conscious mindset, we’re building clean energy projects that benefit ecosystems, wildlife, and communities. Prairies are some of the hardest working ecosystems, essential for water filtration, carbon storage, and supporting the biodiversity of a region. Ørsted understands the importance of native grasslands to Lamar County and we are dedicated to promoting the habitat's conservation. That is why we have donated almost 1,000 acres of the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland adjacent to the Mockingbird Solar Center to The Nature Conservancy.

A blue pictogram of a flower, representing the native Kansas grasses being protected by Ørsted's biodiversity initiative.

The largest remaining preserved prairie

Smiley Meadow is the largest unplowed tallgrass prairie in Texas, and it is vital to the local environment. Preserved through Ørsted’s donation to The Nature Conservancy, it’s ensured to thrive for years to come.
Read more about this prairie
A blue pictogram of a bee, one of many pollinating species who depend on healthy native tallgrass prairies to thrive.

A vital habitat for pollinators

Tallgrass prairies like Smiley Meadow provide essential habitats for pollinators such as bees, monarch butterflies, and various bird species. Preserving these areas supports biodiversity and enhances ecosystem health across Texas.
A blue pictogram of a leaf, representing native tallgrass prairies' ability to store carbon and slow climate change.

An important preservation effort

Only 1% or less of Texas's native prairies remain, making the Smiley Meadow one of the last of its kind. This preservation effort honors Texas's natural heritage, helping restore prairie lands and their rich biodiversity.
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Investing in Lamar County


Mockingbird Solar Center will deliver a substantial economic boost to Lamar County, injecting an estimated $75 million into the local economy over its lifespan. This project will establish a reliable source of tax revenue for the North Lamar and Chisum Independent School Districts, as well as other taxing entities.

Additionally, at least 200 jobs were created during construction and the center will require ongoing support for operations and maintenance, further contributing to local employment and economic stability throughout the region.

Giving to local fire departments

 
We’ve donated over $50,000 to support the Brookston and Roxton Volunteer Fire Departments near our Mockingbird Solar Center, reinforcing our commitment to community well-being.

Supporting local businesses


Ørsted actively supports the local economy, by partnering with businesses across the community. To date, we’ve sourced 199,000 tons of materials from Drake Construction, purchased 2,000 square hay bales from Pfifer Farms, spent approximately $150,000 at local hardware suppliers and over $35,000 with local catering companies. These partnerships not only meet our project needs but also drive significant economic growth and support for local enterprises.
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Working with landowners

 

With decades of experience in solar and wind projects, Ørsted is dedicated to being a reliable, long-term partner to American communities. Our projects are meticulously designed with landowners and communities in mind, ensuring minimal impacts on neighboring areas and strong commitment to protecting soil health and land integrity. We uphold these standards from the initial stages of development through the project’s eventual decommissioning, reflecting our promise to care for the land as if it were our own.


Utility-scale solar facilities represent a highly productive, low-impact use of the property, contributing to the region's economic development. We are proud to work with landowners across Texas like the Buster Family in Lamar County.

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Five generations of the Buster Family have lived and worked in and around Lamar County since the early 1900's. We are excited about the benefits that (the project) will bring to the county, local schools, and local businesses


– Mark Buster and Family, Lamar County Texas

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A trusted partner in renewables 

Ørsted is a leading clean energy company that develops, constructs, and operates wind and solar farms, battery storage systems, and hydrogen facilities. As a longtime partner in renewables, we’re shaping an industry that works for workers, suppliers, and the environment, while delivering reliable energy to homes and businesses across America.

With decades of experience in clean energy, Ørsted knows how to develop, construct, and operate projects the right way. We see the buildout of American renewables as an opportunity to create jobs, boost economies, strengthen industry, improve energy security, and preserve nature. To achieve this, we partner with local communities across the country, working with tradespeople, business owners, conservationists, and policymakers.

Explore our solar portfolio

Through an established execution model developed over decades of experience, we are delivering clean energy and transforming local economies across the U.S. Check out some of our solar projects below.
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Frequently asked questions about Mockingbird Solar
  • How will this project impact our community in Lamar County?
    The Mockingbird Solar Center will deliver substantial long-term benefits to Lamar County and the state of Texas. The project is expected to generate over $75 million in tax revenue, supporting local schools, infrastructure, and community services—without increasing local taxes. It will also create both temporary and permanent local job opportunities. Additionally, the project will contribute to the continued preservation of local prairie habitat, helping preserve the region’s unique ecosystem for future generations.
  • What are the benefits of solar energy?
    Utility-scale solar energy projects have the power to transform local economies, enhancing community opportunities and quality of life. By generating reliable, clean energy through long-term, fixed-price contracts, solar provides affordable electricity that does not fluctuate with market changes.

    The cost of installing ground-mounted solar systems has dropped by 90% over the last decade, making solar energy financially competitive with traditional power plants. This dramatic cost reduction, paired with the abundant and free nature of sunlight, allows utilities and large companies to lock in a predictable, cost-effective energy supply for the long term.

    With the influx of millions in new tax revenue or payments in lieu of taxes, local communities can invest in vital infrastructure—building new schools, improving roads and bridges, and expanding services—all without raising property taxes. This economic boost supports both the growth of clean energy and the well-being of the community.
  • How does Ørsted ensure high standards for health, safety, and maintenance?
    At Ørsted, we are committed to the highest quality standards to guarantee the safety and reliability of our solar and battery energy systems. This involves careful sourcing of materials, strict adherence to construction standards, and ongoing maintenance throughout the project's life. Additionally, we have partnered with local fire departments to develop comprehensive risk mitigation plans, ensuring swift and effective responses in the unlikely event of an emergency. Our dedication to safety extends from the initial development phase all the way to decommissioning.
  • Who is Ørsted?
    Ørsted is a global clean energy leader that’s driving growth in America’s clean energy sector.

    Today, Ørsted has a total U.S. land-based capacity of nearly 6 gigawatts across wind, solar, storage technologies and e-fuel in operation and under construction across Texas, the Midwest, and the Southeast. Ørsted also holds the top position in offshore wind energy with approximately 5 gigawatts in development and operates America’s first offshore wind farm, located off the coast of Block Island.

    With over 800 employees working across 14 offices, we are combining our global experience and our local expertise to strengthen the American economy and build greater energy security through our integrated clean energy solutions.

    Learn more about Ørsted’s U.S. portfolio by visiting our website

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Clean energy connects us all 

A global clean energy leader, Ørsted develops, constructs, and operates offshore and land-based wind farms, solar farms, energy storage facilities

See our portfolio at us.orsted.com