Idaho just switched on a big solar farm and a much larger one is next
8 hours ago
- Idaho's 125-megawatt solar farm, Pleasant Valley Solar 2, has come online, and construction has started on the larger 400 MW Blacks Creek Energy Center.
- rPlus Energies has now developed over 1 GW of solar and storage in Idaho, including operating, under construction, or under contract projects.
- Idaho, though a hydropower state, has 1,301 MW of installed solar as of June 2026, supplying 9.01% of its electricity and attracting $2 billion in investment.
- The two projects represent a combined investment of over $750 million, creating hundreds of construction jobs and permanent onsite jobs upon completion.
- The projects will generate ongoing revenue via Idaho's 3.5% solar energy tax and support local businesses through construction and operations spending.
- Pleasant Valley Solar 2's partners contributed $375,000 in workforce development scholarships for students at Boise State University and College of Western Idaho.