A Maryland-based solar energy company has acquired two solar facilities under development located outside Connell and Othello. 

Standard Solar has bought the Palouse Junction solar project outside of Connell as well as Othello’s Cunningham solar project from OneEnergy Renewables, according to a release. Both projects are expected to come online in the first quarter of 2027, with a combined capacity to generate 15.7 megawatts of energy. 

The projects are Standard’s first acquisitions in the state. Company officials said the facilities are part of a deliberate growth strategy and also highlight the importance of solar serving rural communities. They lauded Franklin Public Utility District and Big Bend Electric Cooperative, which will receive power from the projects, for seeing how solar can strengthen their energy supply. 

“Rural utilities are essential partners in expanding access to clean energy,” said Eric Partyka, director of business development for Standard Solar, in a statement. “These projects are an important example of how local utilities can bring the benefits of renewable energy directly to the communities they serve.