Idaho just switched on a big solar farm – and a much larger one is next

Idaho just brought a 125-megawatt (MWac) solar farm online – and construction has begun on another one more than three times its size. rPlus Energies has brought Pleasant Valley Solar 2 online and started building the 400 MWac Blacks Creek Energy Center in Ada County in the southwest. Counting projects that are operating, under construction, or under contract, the company has now developed more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar and storage in Idaho. Idaho isn’t a solar heavyweight yet – it’s actually a big hydropower state – but it’s making headway. As of June 2026, the state had installed 1,301 MW of solar, ranking 34th in the US, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Solar now supplies 9.01% of Idaho’s electricity, and the industry has attracted $2 billion in investment to the state. “Pleasant Valley Solar 2 and Blacks Creek Energy Center represent important additions to Idaho’s energy infrastructure as we work to meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said Lisa Grow, president and CEO of Idaho Power. “We appreciate our strong partnership with rPlus Energies and the role these projects will play in helping provide reliable, affordable energy for our customers and communities.” Pleasant Valley Solar 2 and Blacks Creek represent a combined investment of more than $750 million in Idaho. The projects are creating hundreds of construction jobs, as well as permanent onsite jobs once they’re both complete. They’ll generate ongoing revenue for state and local governments through Idaho’s 3.5% solar energy tax on gross earnings. rPlus says the spending tied to construction and operations will also support local businesses. Pleasant Valley Solar 2’s project partners contributed $375,000 in workforce development scholarships for students at Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho. The money is earmarked to help train the state’s next generation of skilled workers. “Pleasant Valley Solar 2 and Blacks Creek Energy Center are critical for supporting Idaho’s continued economic growth, and we envision this development as the next chapter in our long-term investment and commitment to the state,” said Luigi Resta, president and CEO of rPlus Energies. Read more: Utah’s largest solar + battery storage project is officially online If you’ve ever considered going solar, make it easy by finding a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing by checking out EnergySage. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online, and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.