Duke Energy Florida to begin work on two new community solar projects this month

Duke Energy Florida will begin construction on two new community solar projects later this month in Bay and Madison counties.

One of the jobs is the Mule Creek Renewable Energy Center. This 74.9-megawatt (MW) facility will be built on approximately 700 acres in Bay County. It will consist of approximately 175,000 solar panels.

The second is the Winquepin Renewable Energy Center. This 74.9-MW facility will be built on approximately 530 acres in Madison County. It will consist of approximately 220,000 solar panels.

They are part of the company’s Clean Energy Connection community solar program. At peak output, each site will generate enough solar energy to power 23,000 homes. Each will displace about 1.2 million cubic feet of natural gas, 15,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 12,000 tons of coal yearly.

“These new renewable energy projects not only help strengthen the energy diversity in the state and advance our clean energy goals, but they also bring additional economic benefits to the communities we serve,” Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, said.

The facilities are expected to create 200 to 300 construction jobs. They should be completed within 9 to 12 months.

Through this community solar program, Duke Energy Florida customers can subscribe to solar power and earn credits toward their electricity bills without installing or maintaining their own equipment.