WR Graceland Solar

Project Introduction

WR Graceland Solar is an operating 150 MWac capacity solar project currently in Shelby County, TN.

WR Graceland Solar is located on agricultural-zoned parcels in unincorporated Shelby County. WR Graceland Solar harnesses and delivers renewable energy, which is critical to meeting the growing demand and maintaining grid reliability. In addition to the solar facility, RWE constructed a new MLGW-owned switchyard to support grid reliability. The power generated by this facility is injected on site to the MLGW grid and consumed by their customers.

Solar energy is a clean and reliable energy source that does not produce carbon emissions or other pollutants. This project consists of more than 275,000 solar panels, 39 power conversion stations, a substation and a switchyard.

WR Graceland Solar entered commercial operations in May 2026. It will be a valuable source of stable tax revenue for Shelby County throughout its 40+ year lifespan.

Status: Operational

Facts & figures

00 megawatts-ac

capacity

Over 00

homes powered¹

More than $ 00 M

in new property tax revenue to the community over the life of the project

Over $ 00 M

paid in Tennessee state-level Excise and Capital Stock taxes over the life of the project

How we help the community

Volunteers distribute food at an outdoor event, handing out meals and fresh produce to those in need.

Supporting communities 

WR Graceland Solar will provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Shelby County and local taxing districts. This new source of public funding can reduce the tax burden on local residents and be used to support essential services including schools, roads, fire departments and first responders.

Two workers in safety gear examine solar panels in a field under a clear blue sky.

Supporting local economies

Hundreds of jobs will be created during construction, offering oppor-tunities for residents to enter the rapidly expanding clean energy workforce. Local businesses will see an economic boom as demand for lodging, restaurants, supplies, vehicle maintenance, and fuel increases throughout the 9-13 months of construction. During operations, 3-4 permanent positions will be created to operate WR Graceland Solar, and the project will continue to source supplies from local businesses. There will be more than $20M in property tax revenue to Shelby County over the life of the project.

A serene landscape featuring horses grazing in a green field, surrounded by autumn trees and mountains under a blue sky.

Supporting farmers

WR Graceland Solar is located on private property, offering participating landowners a reliable source of farm income over the 40-year life of the project. Farmers who choose to host solar panels have the opportunity to reinvest in their farming operations, save for retirement and use their increased purchasing power to support local businesses throughout the community. 

Community Engagement

A group of students engage in a science project, showcasing wind turbines and solar panels on a table.
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Partnership with Memphis Shelby County Schools’ College

RWE has partnered with the Memphis Shelby County Schools’ College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE) program, which will educate students on careers in renewable energy through interactive classroom discussions and onsite tours of the maintenance of the solar farm upon completion.

A modern exhibition stand featuring blue panels, wooden accents, and seating, showcasing RWE's strategy for sustainability.
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Donation to Junior Achievement

RWE has donated $50,000 to Junior Achievement to sponsor a three-day, hands-on career expo for thousands of 8th grade students. While serving as a sponsor, we are focused on providing an interactive learning experience for students related to renewable energy from design to energy generation. This partnership will allow us to work with MLGW to show students how energy moves across our community daily.

A wide view of a solar farm with rows of solar panels under a clear blue sky and power lines in the background.
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Working with local businesses

WR Graceland Solar recognizes the importance of economic development in communities like Shelby County and is an active member of the Millington Chamber and the Greater Memphis Chamber. We look forward to working with local businesses and officials to increase commitment to renewable infrastructure.

Stronger Electric Grid

A solar panel field with high-voltage power lines and a sunset in the background, showcasing renewable energy.
WR Graceland Solar - Stronger Electric Grid | RWE in the Americas

Solar energy has become one of the most affordable and reliable sources of electricity available today. Solar farms increase the resiliency of Tennessee’s electric grid while protecting consumers from the volatility and rising costs of traditional energy sources.

Protecting the Environment and the Community

WR Graceland Solar was designed to complement existing agricultural land uses, protect the soil, and avoid negative impacts to wildlife. Solar farms produce electricity without generating any pollution, resulting in cleaner air and water when compared to traditional power plants.

Comprehensive studies are required as part of the planning and permitting process to protect public safety and the environment. This project is virtually silent outside the fence line, while setbacks minimize visual impacts.

A clear globe rests on lush green moss, surrounded by ferns and sunlight filtering through a vibrant forest.

WR Graceland Solar uses silicon-based PV panels, which are made of safe, well-tested materials commonly used in building and household products. The panels are fully sealed and extremely durable, preventing trace metals from escaping into the surrounding soil. PV solar panels are so safe that millions of families across the U.S. have put solar panels on their homes and literally sleep beneath them. RWE’s advanced remote operations center monitors the panels 24/7, 365 days a year while the onsite operations team is available to respond in the unlikely event of an emergency.

At the end of WR Graceland Solar’s useful life, equipment, foundations and electrical collection systems will be removed, and the land will be restored to its original condition. A decommissioning security is to be maintained in accordance with state and local law.

Contact us!

Your feedback is important to us. You can reach the Graceland Solar Phone Line at (866) 219-0017 or you can take a moment to fill out the contact form below to share your thoughts or ask questions.

Further information on data protection can be found in our data protection information.