Google taps Hecate’s Texas PV project to feed global clean energy drive

October 2, 2019
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Source: Phil Roder, Flickr

Google has signed a deal for 250MW of solar energy from installations planned in Texas by Chicago-based developer Hecate Energy.

The deal will spur the construction of 500MW of new Hecate solar facilities in the southern state, in a project that is estimated to rack up costs of US$275 million.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

The power purchase agreement (PPA) is part of a broader renewable energy procurement splurge unveiled by the internet giant in mid-September.

The technology firm has secured a raft of 18 global renewable energy deals totalling 1.6GW and spread across three continents. The spree – which it claims is its largest renewables purchase of all time – has doubled the firm's contracted global power volume, to 5.5GW. The majority of the 720MW worth of solar contracts secured by Google in the US are projects in Texas, at 490MW.

The deal with Hecate is the latest in a flurry of corporate solar procurement and investment activity in the Lone Star state. In September, Microsoft purchased 85MW of Texas solar energy from Engie and Honda bought 200MW from an unidentified Texan plant in a virtual PPA. For its part, Ikea outlet owner Ingka bought a 49% stake in a duo of projects, including one in Texas.

Texas is the sixth largest solar producer in the US, according to the Solar Energies Industry Association. The industry group estimates that the state will install 9,115MW over the next 5 years, making it the second fastest growing market in the US.

US solar prospects amid PPA uptake and a changing policy landscape will take centre stage at Solar Media's Solar & Storage Finance USA in New York on 29-30 October 2019.

16 June 2026
Napa, USA
PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 16-17 June 2026, will be our fifth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2027 and beyond.

Read Next

October 23, 2025
The average price of a solar PPA signed in Europe in Q3 2025 fell below €35/MWh, reaching €34.25/MWh, according to LevelTen Energy.
October 23, 2025
US solar manufacturer T1 Energy sold approximately 725MW of solar modules in Q3 2025, as it continues to expand US manufacturing capabilities.
October 22, 2025
Recurrent Energy, Ampliform and Dimension Energy have announced new financing rounds this month for US solar projects.
October 22, 2025
Leeward Renewable Energy has started commercial operations at its 177MW Ridgely solar project in the US state of Tennessee.
October 22, 2025
US thin-film manufacturer First has revealed another transfer of its 45X manufacturing tax credits in a deal worth around US$775 million.
October 22, 2025
Abigail Ross Hopper, the president and CEO of US trade association the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), has decided to step down from her roles at the end of January 2026.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 25, 2025
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
December 2, 2025
Málaga, Spain
Solar Media Events
February 3, 2026
London, UK
Solar Media Events
March 10, 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
Solar Media Events
March 24, 2026
Lisbon, Portugal