April 27, 2022 Florida Power & Light Company opens eight new solar energy centers; reaches milestone of 50 solar energy centers in the state
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JUNO BEACH, Fla. – Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) today announced that it has put into service eight new solar energy centers. FPL now has 50 solar energy centers installed statewide – generating enough clean, emissions-free energy to power approximately 750,000 homes throughout the state annually.
“This important milestone for FPL is the product of our dedication to delivering cost-effective clean and reliable energy to our customers across the Sunshine State,” said Eric Silagy, President and CEO of FPL. “This time last year, we had 33 solar energy centers in operation. To now reach 50 solar energy centers is proof of our tireless pursuit of a cleaner energy future for today and future generations.”
The new solar energy centers are:
- FPL Blue Springs (Jackson County)
- FPL Cotton Creek (Escambia County)
- FPL Ghost Orchid (Hendry County)
- FPL Sawgrass (Hendry County)
- FPL Elder Branch (Manatee County)
- FPL Sundew (St. Lucie County)
- FPL Immokalee (Collier County)
- FPL Grove (Indian River County)
Together, the eight new solar energy centers are capable of generating 596 MW of quiet, emissions-free energy. That’s enough to power 120,000 homes annually and reduces carbon emissions equivalent to taking 112,000 cars off the road each year.
The eight new solar energy centers add approximately 2 million panels to FPL’s portfolio. Recently, FPL announced it is now expecting to complete its goal of installing 30 million solar panels across Florida five years early – by the end of 2025.
By 2025, 30 million solar panels will have generated approximately $2.5 billion in fuel savings for our customers. These projects also represent a huge boon to Florida’s economy by creating more than 20,000 construction jobs. Over the lifetime of the 30 million solar panels, FPL will have contributed more than $700 million in property tax payments.
In addition to the Magnolia Springs Solar Energy Center, two new projects are underway in the southern portion of Clay County:
The 500 acre project site, The Anhinga Solar Energy Center, will create 200 to 255 construction jobs with the capability of generating 74.5 MW power which is enough to service 15,000 homes.
The Terrill Creek Solar Energy Center will start construction in Q3 of 2022 located to the west of the Magnolia Springs site. With production capacity of 74.5MW of power, the 717 acre site will employ 200 to 250 construction workers.
These three solar projects use land that is generating very little ad valorem tax in rural areas.
Upon completion, the projects will contribute close to $1M in annual ad valorem taxes to the community.