Arizona-based solar technology firm Erthos has finalized a master agreement with Sky Community Solar (SCS) to develop a 180 MW community solar portfolio in Texas.
Projects Strategically Located Near Major Texas Urban Areas
Erthos, Inc., the company behind Earth Mount Solar technology, announced it has finalized a deal with Sky Community Solar for a 180-megawatt portfolio in Texas.
The projects, ranging from 9 MW to 18 MW, will be located near Texas’s major urban centers. Construction on the first project is scheduled to begin later this year, with the entire portfolio expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
Earth Mount Solar’s Simplicity a Key Factor in Deal
Erthos was selected for the portfolio because its innovative Earth Mount Solar technology places photovoltaic modules directly on the ground, eliminating the need for traditional driven piles and steel tracking structures.
Sky Community Solar, a San Antonio-based developer, cited standardization as a key factor in choosing Erthos, noting that the technology’s repeatable and modular design is ideal for a portfolio-wide master agreement.
Additionally, its high energy density and low vertical profile help maximize land use, reduce visual impact, and streamline community approvals.
Dudy Levy, a partner at Sky Community Solar, emphasized that this streamlined master agreement covering the entire portfolio was possible only because of the consistent simplicity of Earth Mount Solar.
Uniform Design Across Sites a Key Advantage
Levy noted that this consistency is a key advantage over traditional systems. “With tracker systems, site-specific factors like row spacing and subsurface conditions cause each site to be unique, making master agreements impractical. With Erthos, every site is the same,” he said.
The Earth Mount Solar system represents a major shift in the design of large-scale solar plants. By installing the PV modules directly on the ground, it bypasses the need for conventional driven piles and steel tracking structures.
This streamlined approach reduces installation time and material costs while simplifying operations and maintenance. As a result, the technology can achieve the lowest levelized cost of energy, allowing developers to optimize their project returns.
Cost-Effective and Unobtrusive Systems
Charles Pimentel, President of Erthos, commented, “We’re familiar with news reports of projects facing delays or cancellations due to community opposition, and we believe communities have valid concerns. Solar energy has the capacity to enhance lives globally, but it must be implemented in a manner that respects both the land and the residents.”
“Erthos is an excellent fit for our community solar endeavors,” Levy stated. “Their systems are both cost-efficient and unobtrusive, requiring minimal compromise from communities prioritizing clean energy. We’re excited to introduce these projects to Texas.”
The partnership between Erthos and Sky Community Solar marks a significant milestone for solar initiatives in Texas. Using innovative Earth Mount Solar technology, this collaboration is set to deliver efficient, community-friendly solar solutions to the region. With construction slated to begin later this year, the portfolio is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, offering a sustainable energy option that respects both the environment and local communities.