Duke Energy's Pioneering Floating Solar Project in Florida: A Leap Forward in Clean Energy Innovation

Duke Energy's inaugural floating solar initiative in Florida is currently generating sustainable energy, showcasing the company's dedication to exploring cutting-edge clean energy technologies for the benefit of Florida's customers and communities. The nearly 1-megawatt floating solar array, comprising over 1,800 bifacial solar panels, is situated on a 2-acre water surface within the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Bartow, utilizing an existing cooling pond.

These innovative bifacial solar panels, designed to capture light from both sides, have the potential to produce 10%-20% more power compared to their single-sided counterparts. The assembly process involved constructing the module floating system on land in segments, which were then anchored in the water. The entire project, from construction to grid connection, was completed in approximately six months. 

This initiative forms part of Duke Energy's Vision Florida program, dedicated to testing forward-thinking projects like green hydrogen and various battery energy storage technologies. These trials aim to enhance the power grid's readiness for a cleaner energy future. In a recent development, Duke Energy announced plans to create a unique green hydrogen production and storage system linked to its existing solar site in Volusia County. 

Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president, emphasized the company's commitment to crafting a more intelligent and cleaner energy future for customers. She highlighted the exploration of alternative solutions at a smaller scale on company-owned property, maximizing space and increasing knowledge about innovative emission-free technologies, pushing the company towards its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions. 

Duke Energy has been at the forefront of harnessing solar power and advancing solar technologies in Florida since the late 1980s. With plans to have 25 grid-tied solar power plants in operation by 2024, generating around 1,500 MW of emission-free electricity, the company aims to benefit its 1.9 million Florida customers. Notably, Duke Energy's ongoing commitment to solar investments translates to an annual passing of approximately $56 million in corporate tax savings to Florida customers through the Inflation Reduction Act.