popular articles

Duke Energy Florida invests $521 million in four new solar sites

Duke Energy Florida plans to invest $521 million in the development of four new solar sites across Madison, Sumter, Hernando, and Jefferson counties, aiming to add nearly 300 megawatts to the power grid by summer 2026.

Please share:

Duke Energy Florida has submitted its 2025 Solar Base Rate Adjustment (SoBRA) filing to the Florida Public Service Commission, outlining plans to invest $521 million in four new solar sites. These facilities will be located in Madison (Sundance Renewable Energy Center), Sumter (Half Moon Renewable Energy Center), Hernando (Rattler Renewable Energy Center), and Jefferson (Bailey Mill Renewable Energy Center) counties. The goal is to add nearly 300 megawatts (MW) of solar energy to the electric grid by summer 2026.

Construction Schedule and Commissioning

Construction has already begun at the Sundance, Half Moon, and Rattler renewable energy centers, all of which are expected to be operational by January 2026. The Bailey Mill Renewable Energy Center is still in the permitting process, with construction slated to start in summer 2025, aiming for an operational date in summer 2026. Each site is expected to create an average of 150 temporary jobs during the construction phase.

Financial and Economic Impact

Duke Energy Florida projects that these four solar sites will save customers $843 million over their operational lifetimes. This initiative is part of a settlement agreement approved by the Florida Public Service Commission in August 2024, aimed at modernizing and strengthening the company’s generation fleet.

Production Capacity and Future Plans

At peak output, each 74.9 MW site will generate enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes while reducing annual consumption by 1.2 million cubic feet of natural gas, 15,000 barrels of fuel oil, and 12,000 tons of coal. Duke Energy Florida currently owns and operates more than 25 solar sites across the state, producing around 1,500 MW of energy. Between 2025 and 2027, the company plans to build 12 new solar sites, adding an additional 900 MW to the electric grid. By the end of 2033, the company projects to have more than 6,100 MW of utility-scale solar generating capacity online.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The New York-based developer has received permission to operate Troy Solar I, a 995 kW power plant connected to the Central Maine Power grid.
US manufacturer ES Foundry has signed a three-year, 150 MW supply agreement with a community solar developer to reinforce its domestic supply chain and support the expansion of the solar market in the United States.
US manufacturer ES Foundry has signed a three-year, 150 MW supply agreement with a community solar developer to reinforce its domestic supply chain and support the expansion of the solar market in the United States.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s visit to TOYO’s factory in Vietnam signals a new phase in energy cooperation with the Japanese group, focusing on industrial expansion in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Prime Minister’s visit to TOYO’s factory in Vietnam signals a new phase in energy cooperation with the Japanese group, focusing on industrial expansion in Ethiopia.
Niger is increasing its reliance on solar energy to offset the reduction in Nigerian electricity exports, a direct consequence of diplomatic tensions following the regime change in Niamey.
Niger is increasing its reliance on solar energy to offset the reduction in Nigerian electricity exports, a direct consequence of diplomatic tensions following the regime change in Niamey.
DTE Energy has begun construction of a new solar park to provide Ford Motor Company with 100% renewable electricity for its manufacturing sites in Michigan.
Fremont Township, located in Saginaw County, has secured $600,000 in public funding for its partnership with EDP Renewables North America to develop the Eagle Creek Solar Park.
Fremont Township, located in Saginaw County, has secured $600,000 in public funding for its partnership with EDP Renewables North America to develop the Eagle Creek Solar Park.
UK commercial and industrial solar specialist Atrato Onsite Energy has finalised a structured financing agreement with Barclays to support the expansion of its photovoltaic asset base.
UK commercial and industrial solar specialist Atrato Onsite Energy has finalised a structured financing agreement with Barclays to support the expansion of its photovoltaic asset base.
Matrix Renewables and rPlus Energies have completed the commissioning of Pleasant Valley Solar 1, a 261 MWdc project located in Ada County, Idaho, now the largest solar facility in Idaho Power’s network.
Matrix Renewables and rPlus Energies have completed the commissioning of Pleasant Valley Solar 1, a 261 MWdc project located in Ada County, Idaho, now the largest solar facility in Idaho Power’s network.
The first phase of the 500 MW photovoltaic project in Yingjisha has been commissioned, marking a key milestone in expanding solar capacity in the Kashgar region.
Groupe VALOREM secured €22mn in funding with Arkéa Banque to develop 63 rooftop photovoltaic plants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie, consolidating its model in a shifting French solar market.
Groupe VALOREM secured €22mn in funding with Arkéa Banque to develop 63 rooftop photovoltaic plants in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Occitanie, consolidating its model in a shifting French solar market.
In Lopera, an agricultural village in Andalusia, photovoltaic plant projects plan to expropriate olive-growing land, sparking opposition from residents over the potential uprooting of 100,000 olive trees.
In Lopera, an agricultural village in Andalusia, photovoltaic plant projects plan to expropriate olive-growing land, sparking opposition from residents over the potential uprooting of 100,000 olive trees.
The Cunderdin hybrid project, inaugurated in early April in Western Australia, combines 128 MWdc of solar with 220 MWh of storage using a fully DC-coupled architecture designed by Sungrow.
The Cunderdin hybrid project, inaugurated in early April in Western Australia, combines 128 MWdc of solar with 220 MWh of storage using a fully DC-coupled architecture designed by Sungrow.
The Villognon power plant, finalised under the agreement with Urbasolar and GazelEnergie, will supply 30,000 MWh annually to Groupe ADP, completing a strategic deal to cover 10% of its airports’ yearly electricity needs.
ACEN Australia has raised EUR 456 mn to support its renewable energy projects in Australia, backed by 11 local and international financial institutions.
ACEN Australia has raised EUR 456 mn to support its renewable energy projects in Australia, backed by 11 local and international financial institutions.
Masdar and PT PLN (Persero) formalised two agreements to develop floating solar power generation in West Java and expand the Cirata project, operational since 2023.
Masdar and PT PLN (Persero) formalised two agreements to develop floating solar power generation in West Java and expand the Cirata project, operational since 2023.
Vesper Energy has launched operations at its Hornet Solar project, a 600 MW facility in Swisher County, generating over $100 mn in local tax revenue.
Vesper Energy has launched operations at its Hornet Solar project, a 600 MW facility in Swisher County, generating over $100 mn in local tax revenue.
French company Reden has commissioned its first photovoltaic power plant in Italy on a disused site in Codroipo, redeveloped to support an installed capacity of 23.5 megawatts.
Indian group Waaree Energies will increase its solar module production capacity in the United States to 3.2 GW, with a new unit in Brookshire, Texas, approved by its board of directors.
Indian group Waaree Energies will increase its solar module production capacity in the United States to 3.2 GW, with a new unit in Brookshire, Texas, approved by its board of directors.
Chinese group Trinasolar unveiled in Sydney a new technology aimed at enhancing the resilience of photovoltaic power stations against climatic hazards, with testing already conducted in Queensland.
Chinese group Trinasolar unveiled in Sydney a new technology aimed at enhancing the resilience of photovoltaic power stations against climatic hazards, with testing already conducted in Queensland.
RWE and PPC are launching two photovoltaic projects in Central Macedonia totalling 567 MWp, with an investment of €418mn, including €175mn from the European recovery plan.
RWE and PPC are launching two photovoltaic projects in Central Macedonia totalling 567 MWp, with an investment of €418mn, including €175mn from the European recovery plan.
Danish company Nordic Solar has signed a non-recourse financing agreement with Swedbank for the construction of an 80 MWp solar park in Švenčionys, marking their second collaboration in Lithuania.
Zelestra and Celepsa have signed a long-term power purchase agreement in Peru, enabling the development of a 238 MWdc solar plant to supply 450 GWh annually to Celepsa’s operations.
Zelestra and Celepsa have signed a long-term power purchase agreement in Peru, enabling the development of a 238 MWdc solar plant to supply 450 GWh annually to Celepsa’s operations.
The ban proposed by the Nigerian government aims to support the domestic industry, but raises concerns among stakeholders over its economic and energy-related consequences.
The ban proposed by the Nigerian government aims to support the domestic industry, but raises concerns among stakeholders over its economic and energy-related consequences.
Groupe Volta and Richel Group have inaugurated a 5 MW agrivoltaic complex in Loriol-sur-Drôme, combining photovoltaic generation with fruit farming across 5 hectares.
Groupe Volta and Richel Group have inaugurated a 5 MW agrivoltaic complex in Loriol-sur-Drôme, combining photovoltaic generation with fruit farming across 5 hectares.

Advertising