Florida Power & Light begins construction on eight new solar plants

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) announced Wednesday that it began construction on eight new
solar power plants, which have a combined capacity of approximately 600 megawatts (MW) and consist of nearly 2.5 million solar panels.

“FPL continues to transform the energy landscape of the state and nation, and we are honored that North Florida is playing an important role,” Brian Bergen, vice president of economic development for the
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce where several of the projects are located, said. “These new solar power plants are about more than just affordable clean energy. They’re also delivering economic benefits right here, right now.”

Approximately 500 people are currently working on the construction of the plants, which are at various stages of construction. FPL expects the construction workforce to reach 1,500 during peak activity this summer.

FPL estimates that the new solar plants will generate millions of dollars in net customer savings.

“FPL is living proof that it’s possible to generate cleaner energy and deliver outstanding service while keeping customers’ electric bills among the lowest in the nation,” Eric Silagy, FPL’s president and CEO, said. “We are proud to be advancing affordable clean energy infrastructure in Florida in close partnership with respected environmental advocates, community leaders and our customers. Together, we are bringing the benefits of solar energy to more Floridians faster and more affordably than ever before.”

FPL expects the projects to be online by early 2018.