The Big Rooter Power solar project has broken ground in Robertson County, marking a major renewable energy investment between Houston and Dallas. The $1.7 billion project is planned for the Twin Oaks power station site and is expected to become one of the largest solar developments in Texas.
Panamint Capital, a Nevada-based energy investment firm, is developing the 1.2-gigawatt direct current solar project. The company says the project will be built on an existing coal mining site, making it the largest solar project of its kind in North America.
Big Rooter Power Solar Project Planned in Two Phases
The project will move forward in two major phases. The first phase, Big Rooter West, is now under construction and will include 491 megawatts of solar capacity.
Big Rooter West is expected to begin commercial operations in August 2028. The second phase, Big Rooter East, will add 658 megawatts of capacity.
Construction on Big Rooter East is scheduled to begin in December 2026. That phase is expected to start commercial operations in August 2029.
Together, the phases are expected to create more than 800 construction jobs. The first phase alone is expected to add more than $66 million to the local economy, according to project announcements.
Former Coal Site Becomes Renewable Energy Hub
The project is located at the Twin Oaks power station in Robertson County. The area sits roughly halfway between Houston and Dallas, giving it a central position in the Texas power market.
Panamint Capital said the development will use about 2 million U.S.-made solar panels and more than 34,000 tons of American steel. The company described the project as part of a larger energy complex that could include solar generation, thermal power, battery storage and data center infrastructure.
The project also reflects a broader shift in Texas energy. Former coal mining land is being reused for solar power at a time when electricity demand continues to rise across the state.
Texas remains the nation’s top energy producer. It has also become a leading state for solar power, especially as population growth, industrial development and data centers place more pressure on the grid.
Texas Demand Keeps Growing
The groundbreaking comes as Texas faces record electricity demand during intense summer heat. The state’s main grid operator, ERCOT, has seen demand rise as homes, businesses and major facilities rely heavily on air conditioning.
Solar power has played a larger role during peak demand periods. Recent reporting noted that solar supplied nearly one-third of ERCOT’s electricity during a record demand period.
That growth matters because Texas often sees its highest electricity needs in the late afternoon and early evening. Solar power can help meet daytime demand, while battery storage can support the grid when sunlight drops.
The Big Rooter Power solar project could add a large new source of electricity once both phases come online. Its planned capacity also makes it significant for the state’s long-term energy mix.
Local Impact Could Be Significant
For Robertson County and nearby communities, the project could bring construction jobs, local spending and new tax revenue. Large energy projects often support contractors, suppliers, hotels, restaurants and service businesses during construction.
The long-term workforce is usually smaller after construction ends. However, large solar sites still require maintenance, operations support and security.
The project may also draw attention from companies seeking access to reliable power. Developers have increasingly looked at Texas for energy-intensive operations, including data centers and advanced manufacturing.
For residents across Texas, the project highlights how the state’s energy landscape is changing. Oil, gas and coal remain major parts of the economy, but solar is growing quickly.
As Big Rooter Power moves through construction, local leaders and energy officials will watch its timeline, job impact and role in meeting future power demand. The project places Robertson County at the center of a major Texas energy story.