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Key Insights
Nebraska's largest photovoltaic installation, the 8.5 MW Norfolk solar-plus-storage project, has been completed, integrating a 1 MW battery energy storage system.
Developed by GenPro Energy Solutions, Mesner Development, and Sol Systems, the project operates under a 30-year agreement with Nebraska Public Power District.
Part of NPPD’s SunWise Community Solar program, the initiative offers Norfolk residents fixed-rate clean energy without requiring rooftop panel installation.
The project incorporates pollinator habitats and provides scholarships to foster local clean energy workforce development, setting a model for future state projects.
NORFOLK, NEBRASKA – The Norfolk solar-plus-storage project, Nebraska’s largest photovoltaic (PV) installation integrated with battery energy storage, has officially commenced operations, significantly bolstering the state's clean energy capacity and grid resilience. This landmark 8.5 MW solar array, coupled with a 1 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), represents a critical advancement in delivering reliable, clean power to the local grid.
The project was a collaborative effort, developed, built, and now operated by a consortium comprising GenPro Energy Solutions, Mesner Development, and Sol Systems. GenPro Energy Solutions provided comprehensive Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services, alongside energy systems integration. Mesner Development managed site development and will oversee asset management, while Sol Systems is responsible for the system's long-term operation under a 30-year power purchase agreement with the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD).
Integral to NPPD’s SunWise Community Solar program, the Norfolk project empowers local residents and businesses to access clean solar energy at a fixed rate without the necessity of rooftop panel installations. This community solar model is designed to provide affordable, renewable power, helping to stabilize energy costs for subscribers and broaden access to sustainable electricity across Norfolk.
The 8.5 MW solar PV array, composed of over 25,000 solar panels, is complemented by the 1 MW battery energy storage system. This on-site battery system is engineered to store excess solar energy generated during peak production hours and discharge it daily to manage voltage fluctuations, stabilize frequency, and meet peak demand. The storage capacity alone is sufficient to power an average household for approximately two months, substantially enhancing local grid stability and resilience against potential outages.
Beyond its energy generation capabilities, the Norfolk site incorporates native prairie grasses and flowering plants, cultivating a vital habitat for local pollinator species like bees and butterflies. This ecological integration not only supports biodiversity but also aids in soil stabilization and overall ecosystem health. In a commitment to local economic development and workforce training, Sol Systems has partnered with Northeast Community College (NECC) to establish three scholarships for students enrolled in NECC’s Electrical Construction and Control Program. This initiative aims to cultivate a skilled local workforce, fostering careers within Nebraska's burgeoning clean energy sector.
The Norfolk solar-plus-storage project stands as a pioneering example for Nebraska’s renewable energy future. By combining utility-scale solar generation, accessible community solar options, and robust battery storage, it demonstrates a comprehensive approach to delivering stable, clean power, environmental benefits, and tangible local economic value. Industry leaders view this integrated model as instrumental in advancing affordable solar energy accessibility and significantly improving overall grid reliability across the state.