Duke Energy Florida announces locations of three new solar plants

Duke Energy Florida (DEF) announced Monday the locations of three new solar power plants, which will provide a combined 195 megawatts (MW).

DEF will construct the Lake Placid Solar Power Plant on 380 acres in Highlands County. The 45 MW plant will consist of approximately 180,000 tracking solar panels. It is expected to enter service by December 2019. DEF acquired the development rights to the project from EDF Renewables, and DEF will construct, own, operate and maintain the project.

The Trenton Solar Power Plant will be located on approximately 580 acres in Gilchrist County. The 74.9-MW plant will consist of approximately 280,000 tracking solar panels. It is expected to begin operations in December 2019. DEF acquired the development rights to the project from Southeast Solar & Power LLC, and DEF will construct, own, operate and maintain the project.

The DeBary Solar Power Plant will be constructed on about 445 acres in Volusia County. The 74.5-MW plant will consist of approximately 300,000 fixed-tilt solar panels. It is expected to be in service in March 2020. DEF will develop, own, operate and maintain the plant.

“These three solar power plants are expected to eliminate nearly 800 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions in Florida each year upon commercial operation,” Catherine Stempien, Duke Energy Florida state president, said. “That’s the equivalent of taking about 70,000 passenger cars off the road each year. These projects represent our commitment to the environment and more fuel diversity in the state as we strategically pace the expansion of renewable generation for our Florida customers’ benefit.”

DEF is investing an estimated $1 billion to construct or acquire a total of 700 MW of solar power facilities through 2022.