Duke Energy has reached a milestone with the successful activation of its first floating solar project in Florida, situated at the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Bartow. The nearly 1-megawatt floating solar array, comprising over 1,800 bifacial solar panels, now gracefully floats on a 2-acre water surface within an existing cooling pond. The innovative design of the panels, absorbing light from both sides, is expected to generate 10%-20% more power than traditional single-sided counterparts.

Constructed and connected to the grid in just six months, the floating solar array is a part of Duke Energy's Vision Florida program. This initiative is dedicated to testing and implementing groundbreaking projects, including green hydrogen and various battery energy storage technologies, aiming to fortify the power grid for a more sustainable energy future. Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, stated, "By exploring alternative solutions on a smaller scale and on our own property, we are maximizing the space and expanding our use and knowledge of innovative emission-free technologies."

Duke Energy, a long-time player in advancing solar technologies in Florida since the late 1980s, remains committed to a cleaner energy future. The company plans to have 25 grid-tied solar power plants operational by 2024, contributing around 1,500 MW of emission-free generation for the benefit of 1.9 million Florida customers. Notably, Duke Energy is already passing approximately $56 million of corporate tax savings annually to Florida customers due to its continued commitment to solar investments.

Source: duke-energy.com