Sooner Solar
and Storage
Sooner Solar and Storage Project Overview
Sooner Solar and Storage is a planned solar photovoltaic power generating and energy storage system facility in Comanche County, Oklahoma.
The Project includes a 500-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic solar facility, 500-MW battery energy storage system, project step-up substation, and a 345-kilovolt (kV) generation-intertie (gen-tie) transmission line. Sooner Solar and Storage has secured a large generator interconnection agreement (LGIA) with the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to connect to the Public Service Company of Oklahoma’s (PSO) transmission network in between the towns of Elgin and Lawton. Sooner Solar and Storage will deliver energy and provide capacity benefits to the grid throughout the Project’s useful life and has secured a long-term contract for the sale of the energy.
Project Stats
Location
Comanche County, OK in between Elgin and Lawton
Capacity
Solar Capacity
Up to 500 MW photovoltaic solar
Storage Capacity
500 MW / 500 MWh battery energy storage
Gen-Tie Line
Connecting to PSO’s 345-kV transmission line on site
Developer
Local Benefits
Oklahoma’s growing economy and expanding industrial development have increased demand for reliable, affordable electricity. That demand has supported the state’s historic oil and natural gas leadership while also accelerating renewable generation across Southwest Oklahoma.
The Sooner Solar and Storage facility represents an opportunity for Comanche County to remain at the forefront of energy production and to benefit from the investment, job creation, and tax revenue that accompany responsible energy development. The Project will add significant new generation to the regional grid, with power expected to come online within two years of groundbreaking.
By capturing excess daytime solar energy and storing it for use during peak evening demand, the facility will strengthen grid reliability, reduce strain and congestion during high-usage periods, while helping keep electricity costs stable for residents. Sooner will also contribute to the local economy, including increased property tax revenue over the life of the project, up to 650 construction jobs, and increased sales in the immediate area during the Project’s construction period. Sooner will also support up to 14 operations and maintenance jobs during the Project’s useful life.
Project Location
Sooner will be developed on privately owned land currently used for grazing, secured through long-term lease agreements with the landowners.
Located on the east side of Fort Sill, Sooner is situated on rural land between the towns of Elgin and Lawton, OK. The Project will interconnect onsite via PSO’s 345kV transmission system.
Project Timeline
Over the past several years, DESRI has been doing extensive due diligence via onsite environmental and engineering studies to ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal requirements. Sooner is currently undergoing detailed designs and engineering in advance of construction.
Construction is slated to begin in Q2 2027 and the project plans to begin operations in 2029.
Community Involvement
Sooner is committed to becoming part of the community and a good neighbor, which means taking the time to understand the values and needs of the local community and identifying opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways.
We are a proud member of both the Elgin Chamber of Commerce and Lawton/Ft. Sill Chamber of Commerce, and we are always interested in other local projects, events, and programs that will enhance the community and leave a lasting impact. As a renewable energy company, we are especially interested in educational endeavors that will inspire and support the next generation of scientists, engineers, and tradespeople in Comanche County. For more information about Sooner, please contact: Meghan Knudsen at Meghan.knudsen@desri.com.
If you would like to share your ideas please reach out to us
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is developing this project?
Sooner is being developed by an affiliate of DESRI. DESRI is one of the largest independent owner-operators of renewable energy and storage projects in the United States. DESRI has developed a diverse portfolio across 24 states, with more than 13 GW of contracted generating capacity (~9 GW of operating or under construction). DESRI’s diverse development pipeline comprises 15+ GW of projects across the United States.
Are solar photovoltaics safe?
Solar panels are a safe and effective technology that comply with health and safety regulations. The primary material in the panel itself is silicon, an earth element commonly used in cement, ceramics, glass and many other products. There are several independent organizations that have studied the safety and benefits of solar development. One of the most comprehensive safety studies was conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL).
Where will the generated power go?
The power will connect to PSO’s 345kV transmission line onsite where it will then be distributed throughout the grid.
Do solar farms decrease property values?
It is a common misconception that utility-scale solar projects decrease property value. Most assessors believe that large solar projects would have minimal impact on property values. Across the United States, solar farms have been shown to have negligible, or even slightly positive, impacts on property values of nearby residences.
How many jobs will Sooner create?
Sooner will create up to 650 local construction jobs, as well as up to 14 full time jobs for operations and maintenance throughout the Project’s life.
Is solar safe for the environment?
Yes. Solar is one of the lowest-impact forms of energy production. The panels sit low to the ground, run almost silently, and produce no greenhouse gas emissions, odors, or harmful byproducts. Much of the land between and beneath the panels stays uncovered and is typically planted with grass or other vegetation that helps restore soil health over the life of the project. Once the project is decommissioned, the land can return to its previous uses.
How will the land be restored one the project is no longer operational?
All major project infrastructure will be removed at the end of the life of the project as required under the Oklahoma Commercial Solar Decommissioning Act.
About DESRI
Since its founding in 2010, DESRI has been the leading owner, developer and operator of renewable energy projects in the U.S.
DESRI has worked with communities and partners to support the rapid deployment of new energy infrastructure in markets across the country — tailored to the specific needs of the community at large.
DESRI is focused on responsible development and long-term value creation throughout all stages of our projects’ lives, including both the development itself and our contributions to the surrounding community. Our primary focus is carefully tailored utility-scale solar, which is the largest and fastest growing segment within the domestic, onshore renewable energy generation market.
DESRI’s portfolio of contracted, operating, and in-construction renewable energy projects currently includes 86 solar and wind projects representing more than thirteen gigawatts of aggregate capacity. In addition to Sooner, DESRI owns the 300MW operational Balko wind project in Beaver County, Oklahoma.