Florida’s First Floating Solar Farm Generates Enough Clean Energy to Power 100 Homes

American electric power and natural gas holding company Duke Energy has successfully launched Florida's first-ever floating solar farm.

SolarBuilderMag reports that the almost 1-megawatt (MW) solar array on an existing cooling pond in Polk County represents a significant stride in the state's renewable energy landscape.

This innovative project, part of Duke Energy's Vision Florida program, produces clean electricity and serves as a testing ground for various renewable technologies.

Massive Floating Solar Farm

The floating solar farm at the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Bartow spans two acres of water's surface, once a phosphate mining pit.

Over 1,800 solar panels, specifically designed as bifacial panels to capture light from both sides, make up the array. This unique design allows these panels to generate 10-20% more power than their single-sided counterparts.

Electrek tells us that the construction of this pioneering project took approximately six months, employing a modular floating system assembled on land before being anchored in the cooling pond.

Between rows of panels, walkways facilitate easy access for maintenance and inspections, showcasing the project's thoughtful engineering.

Speaking with BayNews9, Shayna Fraleigh, the project manager, expressed her enthusiasm for this cutting-edge venture, stating, "This is the first one that Duke Energy built that's distribution connected, so it was very exciting to be a part of it."

Beyond Clean Energy Generation

The environmental impact of the floating solar farm extends beyond clean energy generation. The panels are strategically cooled by the water, enhancing their efficiency and simultaneously reducing water evaporation and curbing algae growth.

This dual-purpose approach underscores the project's commitment to both sustainable energy production and environmental stewardship.

Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the broader vision driving this initiative: "We are committed to building a smarter, cleaner energy future for our customers while continuing to look for ways to maintain affordability and reliability."

The company's commitment extends beyond this pilot project, with plans to have 25 grid-tied solar power plants in operation in 2024, providing approximately 1,500 MW of emission-free generation.

Duke Energy's aggressive clean energy transition aligns with its goals of achieving net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050.

Interim targets include a 50% reduction in carbon emissions from electric generation by 2030 and further reductions by 2035 and 2040.

From a broader perspective, Duke Energy's commitment to harnessing solar power in Florida dates back to the late 1980s. The company's long-standing experience and ongoing investments in solar technologies highlight its dedication to shaping a sustainable energy future for the state.

As part of the Vision Florida program, which aims to test and implement innovative projects, Duke Energy is exploring solar and delving into green hydrogen and battery energy storage technologies.

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(Photo: John Lopez)