With the large and steady influx in new residents in Florida, idle land is becoming more and more rare. As industries go, solar is much more environmentally sound than most, plus it reduces the need for fossil fuels. In addition, it is land that will not be used by developers, the single most destructive industry in Florida.
We welcome more solar, even though we have surprisingly seen unexpected pushback and Alachua County commissioners even nixed one site citing “environmental justice” issues.
Our thanks to Stew Lilker and the Columbia County Observer for permission to re-post this article.
Duke Energy ‘All-In’ On Solar Power. New Florida Solar Farms Will Install 3-Millionth Solar Panel
Posted July 23, 2021 05:30 am
Photo: Duke Energy | Columbia County Observer Graphic
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – On Wednesday, July 21, Duke Energy Florida announced the locations of its four newest solar power plants – the latest move in the company’s program to expand its renewable generation portfolio.
Columbia Cnty’s Econ. Dev. Dir.
Glenn Hunter:
“Columbia County understands the value of renewable green energy and tries to attract green industries.
We are happy that we were the home of Duke’s millionth solar panel and are part of its “Smarter Energy Future.”
We are glad to be part of the program which looks to preserve the County’s and Florida’s unique environment.”
Duke Energy Florida state president Melissa Seixas said, “We continue investing in utility-scale solar in Florida because our customers deserve a cleaner energy future. These solar plants are the latest milestones in our strategy to deliver reliable, cost-effective, clean energy to our customers.”
Duke Energy Florida plans to invest an estimated $1 billion in 10 new solar power plants across Florida, including the four sites announced today.
Construction on the four sites will begin in early 2022 and will take approximately 9 to 12 months to complete. Construction of all 10 sites is projected to be finished by late 2024.
Combined, the plants will produce about 750 megawatts (MW) of new, cost-effective solar power.
The four new sites:
• The Hildreth Solar Power Plant will be built on 635 acres in Suwannee County, Fla. Once operational, the 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 220,000 single-axis tracking bifacial solar panels. Its innovative double-sided panel design is highly efficient and tracks the movement of the sun. The plant will be capable of effectively producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 average-sized homes at peak production.
• The Bay Ranch Solar Power Plant will be built on 645 acres in Bay County, Fla. The 74.9-MW plant will consist of approximately 220,000 single-axis bifacial tracking solar panels that will produce enough carbon-free energy to effectively power more than 23,000 average-sized homes at peak production. Its innovative double-sided panel design is highly efficient and tracks the movement of the sun.
• The Hardeetown Solar Power Plant will be built on 650 acres in Levy County, Fla. Once operational, the 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 218,000 single-axis bifacial tracking solar panels. Its double-sided panel design is highly efficient and tracks the movement of the sun.
• The High Springs Solar Power Plant is proposed to be built on 700 acres in Alachua County, Fla. Once operational, the 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 216,000 single-axis tracking solar panels. The plant will be capable of effectively producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 average-sized homes at peak production.
$2 Billion Plus Invested
Five-Million Solar Panels by 2024
Duke Energy’s solar generation portfolio represents more than $2 billion of investment, about 1,500-MW of emission-free generation and approximately five million solar panels in the ground by 2024.
The company currently has more than 900-MW of solar generation under construction or in operation in Florida.
Building A Smarter Energy Future®
Duke Energy Florida is a leader in advancing clean energy in Florida.
Earlier this year, the company announced two other new solar sites:
• Construction is underway at the Bay Trail Solar Power Plant, sited on 500 acres in Citrus County, Fla. Once operational, the 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 197,000 tracking bifacial solar panels. Its innovative double-sided panel design is highly efficient and tracks the movement of the sun.
• The Fort Green Solar Power Plant is being mobilized on 500 acres in Hardee County, Fla. The 74.9-MW plant will consist of approximately 265,000 bifacial solar panels, utilizing a fixed-tilt racking system.
Each plant will be capable of effectively producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 average-sized homes at peak production.
Installation of Three-Millionth Solar Panel on the Way
Once both sites are finished, the Bay Trail and Fort Green solar power plants will help Duke Energy Florida complete the installation of its three-millionth solar panel in Florida.
Putting solar panels on every roof and hydro pole across the continent would save energy and save the environment.