150-MW Solar Power Projects Brought Online By Duke Energy

Duke Energy has brought two more solar projects online in Florida’s Bay and Levy counties having cumulative capacity of 150 MW. This is just three weeks after the company announced the completion of two solar sites in northern region of the state.

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The new sites are part of the community solar program portfolio of Duke Energy called ‘Clean Energy Connection,’ and add to its continued commitment in expanding its renewable resources and providing clean, reliable and affordable energy to program subscribers.

One solar energy project is called Bay Ranch Renewable Energy Center built on 650 acres which is a 74.9-MW facility. The sola farm consists of about 220,000 single-axis tracking solar panels, said Duke Energy.

The other is called Hardeetown Renewable Energy Center built on 750 acres that is 74.9-MW facility. This solar project employs over 200,000 single-axis tracking solar panels.

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Duke Energy mentioned that at peak output, each site will generate enough carbon-free electricity to power what would be equivalent to around 23,000 homes.

"Not only are these new solar sites helping advance Florida's clean energy transition, but they will also provide real savings to committed program subscribers and additional economic benefits to our communities," said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president.

The Novel Program

Through the Clean Energy Connection program, Duke Energy Florida customers can subscribe to solar power and earn credits toward their electricity bills without having to install or maintain their own equipment.

Customers subscribe to a portion of solar energy from the company's Clean Energy Connection solar generation portfolio. The monthly subscription fee will help pay for the cost of construction and operation of the company's solar generators at its renewable energy centers and is conveniently added to a customer's regular electric bill.

Enrolled income-qualified customers will receive immediate bill savings, as monthly credits that they receive will always be greater than the program fees.

In March, Duke Energy operationalised its largest solar power plant ever – the 250 MW Pisgah Ridge Solar project in Texas.