Florida Power & Light completes solar installation in water near Miami airport
Florida Power & Light Company completed work on a 402-panel floating solar installation in the waters of the blue lagoon adjacent to Miami International Airport.
The solar array, visible from planes flying overhead and drivers along the 836 West/Dolphin Expressway, generates 160 kilowatts of power and prevents 165 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. It is a testbed for research on the performance of solar panels on water.
“We’re working to make Florida a world leader in solar generation with 18 solar plants in operation, 10 more coming online this year, and a bold plan to install 30 million panels across the state by 2030,” FPL President and CEO Eric Silagy said. “This unique project will add to our solar expertise as we relentlessly explore new ways to deliver more affordable clean energy to our customers. Importantly, the solar array demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together toward a common goal.”
FPL and Miami-Dade County have partnered on other clean energy projects. Last year, the FPL Miami-Dade Solar Energy Center began generating enough solar energy to power 15,000 homes. FPL has also built numerous smaller solar installations throughout Miami-Dade County.
“Miami-Dade County sets a new course with the first-ever floating solar array at an airport,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said. “This is another great example of the long-standing partnership and like-minded vision between FPL and Miami-Dade County that cements our joint commitment to ensuring our community’s resilient future through smart planning and unprecedented innovation.”
