FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio — Clean energy developer Invenergy has officially begun construction on the 240-megawatt Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center, marking a major renewable energy investment in the heart of Ohio.

Located in Galloway, just west of Columbus, the Pleasant Prairie facility is expected to contribute $230 million in economic benefits to Franklin County over the life of the project, through lease payments to landowners and new tax revenue to local governments and schools.

Construction is slated to continue into early 2027, with the project entering commercial operations thereafter. At peak activity, the site will support up to 300 construction jobs, and three full-time employees will manage ongoing operations once the site is online.

“We are excited to break ground on the Pleasant Prairie Solar Energy Center,” said Mick Baird, chief development officer at Invenergy.

“Pleasant Prairie represents our commitment, along with project landowners and our partners in Franklin County, the Pleasant and Prairie Townships, Illuminate USA, and Blattner, to meet growing demand with domestic energy and strengthen U.S. energy independence.”

Blattner is serving as the EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractor for the project, reinforcing Invenergy’s reliance on experienced partners to deliver large-scale energy solutions efficiently.

The solar facility will be powered by American-made panels from Illuminate USA, a state-of-the-art solar panel manufacturer majority-owned by Invenergy. The company’s Pataskala, Ohio-based factory produces high-efficiency modules that are also being deployed at other Invenergy projects in the state, including Hardin III Solar (operational) and Cadence Solar (under construction).

To further enhance its community impact, Pleasant Prairie has partnered with Ohio State University’s Battelle Center for Science, Engineering and Public Policy. This collaboration will provide educational opportunities and hands-on experience for students pursuing careers in clean energy and policy.

The milestone was commemorated with a groundbreaking ceremony on June 10, featuring remarks from Invenergy leadership, local landowners, and manufacturing partners. Attendees included Squire Galbreath, a project landowner, and Brittany Rogers from Illuminate USA. Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a reception at the Darby House, a historic venue located on the Darby Dan Farm near the project site.

Pleasant Prairie Solar is part of Invenergy’s broader strategy to develop utility-scale clean energy infrastructure that addresses growing electricity demand while promoting domestic manufacturing, job creation, and regional economic growth.

Once completed, the solar center will help reduce carbon emissions, strengthen grid reliability, and contribute to the U.S. energy transition—all while powering thousands of Ohio homes and businesses with clean, locally generated electricity.

Originally reported by Kelsey Misbrener in Solar Power World Online.