Duke Energy Florida’s first utility-scale solar power plant in Bay County is now operational and delivering power to the electric grid.
“Growing renewable energy in Florida is a top priority for us, and we are proud to complete the first utility-scale solar site in Bay County,” says Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida’s state president. “This project will play a major role in our state’s transition toward a cleaner energy future and demonstrates how neighbors, businesses and communities can come together to make meaningful impacts that will benefit Florida’s environment, energy system and electric customers.”
The Sandy Creek Solar Power Plant was built on 625 acres in Bay County, Fla. As the county’s first utility-scale solar power plant, the facility brings 74.9 MW of clean energy to the area and consists of approximately 220,000 single-axis tracking solar panels, capable of producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 homes annually at peak production.
The new facility is part of Duke Energy Florida’s commitment to provide customers with 700 MW of clean energy through the completion of 10 facilities by 2022. These 10 facilities can be found throughout Florida, from Highlands County to Hamilton County. Nine of the 10 facilities are currently in service. The remaining Hardee County facility is under construction. It is expected to be completed by the end this summer.