Florida Power & Light doubles solar expansion plans

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announced this week the expansion of its solar generation plans
and create eight new plants by 2018 comprised of over 2.5 million solar panels.

Each plant will have a capacity of 74.5 megawatts. They will be located at various Florida locations, including sites in Alachua, Putnam and DeSoto counties. The location of all the new plants will be announced in the next few weeks.

“We have been working hard to drive down the costs of adding solar so we can deliver even more zero-emissions energy to all of our customers,” Eric Silagy, FPL president and CEO, said. “As the first company to build solar power generation cost effectively in Florida, we are proud to continue leading the advancement of affordable clean energy infrastructure. We have proven that it’s possible to cut emissions and deliver reliable service while keeping electric bills low for our customers.”

FPL expects the new plants to create millions of dollars in long-term net savings for customers.

“A year ago, I stood here as FPL broke ground on this solar site, marking the start of the installation of one million solar panels that are now producing zero-emissions energy,” Eric Draper, executive director of Audubon, Florida, said. “An additional eight new solar energy centers is a major step toward reducing carbon emissions and saving water, benefitting the earth and all Floridians.”

Approximately 200 to 250 people will be working on each plant during peak construction. Construction is expected to begin this spring.