Floating Solar Powers Up: Duke Energy's Florida Launch

• Duke Energy has kicked off Florida's first floating solar project, featuring 1 MW of solar PV capacity and 1,800 floating solar panels for increased power production. This is part of the firm's plans to have 25 solar power plants with a total capacity of 1500 MW in operation by 2024.

Duke Energy has recently kicked off its first floating solar project in the state of Florida. The project comprises of 1 MW of solar PV capacity and 1,800 floating solar panels located at the Duke Energy Hines Energy Complex in Bartow. The project offers 10-20% increased power production due to its bifacial solar panels that absorb light from both sides. The construction of the project was completed and connected to the grid in a time period of six months. The project is part of Duke Energy's 'Vision Florida' programme to test projects such as green hydrogen, hydrogen generated from sources other than fossil fuels, and various battery energy storage technologies. Duke Energy Florida has also launched its ‘Clean Energy Impact’ programme offering renewable energy certificates to customers who wish to achieve their sustainability goals. The firm has plans to set up a green hydrogen production and storage system linked to its current solar site in Volusia County. Duke Energy is expecting to have 25 grid-tied solar power plants in operation in 2024 with a total capacity of 1500 MW.

What Benefits Has Duke Energy Realized from Its Floating Solar Project?

• Duke Energy has observed increased power production of up to 20% due to the installation of bifacial solar panels in its floating solar project.
• The six-month construction and connection to the grid of the project was finished on time, showcasing the efficiency of the project.
• Duke Energy has launched the ‘Clean Energy Impact’ programme to help customers achieve their sustainability goals by providing renewable energy certificates.
• The firm also has plans to set up a green hydrogen production and storage system linked to a current solar site in Volusia County.
• Duke Energy is aiming to have 25 grid-tied solar power plants in operation in 2024, producing a total of 1500 MW.